The Scam

Over the years, there have been a growing number of “spoofing” attempts being made in the financial industry, including on FirstBank customers. Fraudsters are using falsified caller ID numbers — or what appears to be legitimate text messages — to trick FirstBank customers into providing sensitive information.

These scammers are either acting as bank representatives — or generating texts — asking customers to confirm payments or other information in an attempt to gain unauthorized access to their personal details and bank accounts.

Be Alert

These callers or text messages are not from FirstBank, so please don’t share your personal information with them.

In fact, no financial institution or government agency, including FirstBank, will ever call you, email you, or text you unprompted, requesting sensitive information.

Sensitive information may include: full Social Security number, Card PIN number, One-time passcodes, Online Banking user ID, Online banking password, or Online banking security questions.

Scammers use this information to reset credentials and take over online banking accounts.  If you receive an email or text message confirming a change on your account that you did not make, please contact us immediately.

Our one-time password code states “Don’t share this code – we will never ask for it.  If you didn’t initiate this reset, call 1-800-964-3444”.

Never release sensitive information over the phone when receiving an unsolicited call.

If You’re a Victim

If you have further questions or concerns or think you might be a victim of spoofing, please call FirstBank’s fraud department immediately at 800-964-3444 or call the number on the back of your card. DO NOT use the number on the caller ID screen and hit redial.

Aside from this spoofing scam, fraud comes in many forms. Check out these tips to ensure you are aware of potential threats, and doing the most to protect your information and money.

For more information visit
https://www.efirstbank.com/internet-banking/security-privacy.html.