You’re on the phone with someone claiming to be from the bank, but something doesn’t feel right. Maybe they’re demanding your Social Security Number, or they won’t let you hang up to “protect your account.”  When this is the case, pause and think: could you be talking to a scammer?

Spoofed (or forged) caller ID scams are on the rise, with fraudsters posing as banks and other trusted institutions. While these calls and messages may look real, they’re anything but. And since your security is our top priority at FFB Bank, it’s more important than ever that we help you stay sharp and prepared to take on fraud.

Let’s walk through how these scams work, what red flags to look out for, and how you can protect yourself!

How Spoofing Works

Here’s a typical scenario: you get a call or text from someone pretending to be from the Bank’s fraud department. They sound professional — even urgent — and claim there’s suspicious activity on your account. But their real goal? To trick you into giving up sensitive information like your online banking login, credit card number, or verification codes.

Don’t fall for it! While real banks may reach out to verify unusual account activity, they will NEVER ask you for the following information over the phone or through text:

❌ Your full debit card or account number

❌ Your online banking username or password

❌ Your multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes

If someone does? Hang up immediately. It’s likely not the Bank.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call or Message

When something feels off, trust your gut! Here’s what you can do when faced with a potential scam call or text:

  • Hang up or ignore the message. When in doubt, it’s best not to engage.
  • Verify the caller’s identity. Call the Bank directly using the phone number listed on our website or your account statement.
  • Report it – If you suspect a scam, let the Bank know right away! We’ll investigate and determine if further action is required or recommended.

And remember: a real FFB Bank representative will NEVER push back if you say, “I’m going to call the Bank directly to verify this.” In fact, we encourage it!

How You Can Protect Yourself

Security is a team effort, and we’ve got your back! Here are some best practices so you can stay safe:

  • Be Cautious. Don’t share personal or financial information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
  • Always Verify. If you get a suspicious call or text, don’t respond. Reach out to us directly using the official Bank number.
  • Monitor your accounts. Use our mobile app or online banking to regularly review your transactions.
  • Use dual approval for business transactions. When sending wires or ACH transfers, dual approval can add an extra layer of security.

Extra Security Tools for Business Clients

If you’re a business banking client with FFB, we offer free fraud prevention tools to help stop scammers in their tracks:

  • Positive Pay will automatically compare outgoing checks against a list you provide. If there’s a mismatch, it’ll be flagged for your review.
  • ACH Filters give you control over who can debit your account. You can create an Allow list of trusted vendors, block all debits with a Block List, or monitor suspicious activity with a Watch List. You can also set detailed rules, like dollar limits, transaction type restrictions, or company-specific blocks, to match your business needs.

These tools are quick to set up and can help prevent fraud before it happens. Ask your banker about adding Positive Pay or ACH Filters to your account today!

What to Do if You Suspect Fraud

If you believe you’ve been targeted or need help with your account’s security, don’t wait — contact FFB Bank right away at (559) 439-0200.

Plus, for more helpful tips and tools, visit our Security Page!

Security is a shared responsibility — and you’re never in it alone. With the right tools and information, you’ll be ready to spot a scam before any damage is done. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and remember: FFB is always here to support you!