Digital banking has made everyday transactions more convenient, but it has also given fraudsters new ways to target customers through email, text, and phone calls. An estimated 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent daily, often using realistic branding and convincing messages to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information.

By understanding what banking scams look like, you can identify them early and protect your money or personal information. Here are five red flags you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Unusual or urgent requests.

Fraudsters often use scare tactics to create a false sense of urgency and pressure individuals into responding. Their messages may come from unusual email addresses or phone numbers, and the logos they use are often distorted or of poor quality. Many also contain grammatical mistakes or unnatural phrasing, another clear warning sign. If you receive a suspicious message, contact your bank directly to verify the request.

2. False fraud investigations.  

Some fraudsters will pose as bank investigators, pretending to help resolve a fraud or security issue. Under this guise, they may pressure you to transfer money, share security codes, or grant remote access to your device. In reality, a true fraud investigation will never require you to hand over credentials or move funds to unfamiliar accounts. If someone urges you to act quickly “for your protection,” it’s likely a scam.

3. Fake links.

Phishing scams often send fake links by email or text mimicking official bank websites but are designed to steal your login information. The safest practice is to type your bank’s web address directly into your browser, rather than clicking on unexpected links or attachments.

4. Remote access requests.

Fraudsters are using increasingly aggressive tactics, like requesting remote access to your device to steal sensitive data or take control of accounts. To appear real, fraudsters may invent false security threats and then demand payment through gift cards, which are nearly untraceable and impossible to recover once used.

5. Requests to transfer money.  

Some fraudsters pressure victims into transferring money to unfamiliar accounts, often claiming it is “for your safety” or part of a security process. However, real banks will never ask you to move funds to unknown accounts. Any request to do so should be considered a scam.

Key takeaways:

Keep these red flags in mind to help identify scams and protect yourself. Your bank will never ask you to:

• Grant remote access to your device
• Purchase gift cards to pay for services
• Transfer money to unfamiliar accounts
• Click on unsolicited links or download unexpected attachments
• Share your PIN, account number, one-time passcode, or Social Security number unsolicited

When in doubt, stop and verify. Staying alert to these warning signs is the best way to protect your money and personal information. If you believe you’re a victim of fraud, contact FirstBank’s 24-hour customer service line at 1 (800) 964-3444.

For more resources, visit our Fraud Prevention page at efirstbankblog.com.  

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Published: September 23, 2025