Avoid Scams

Scammers send messages that appear to come from a bank, delivery service, government agency or other familiar organization. The message may claim there is a problem with your account and ask you to click a link or provide personal information.

Watch for:

• Unexpected account alerts
• Misspelled or unusual sender addresses
• Links that do not match the organization’s official website
• Requests for passwords or security codes
• Threats that your account will be closed or locked

Learn about phishing scams

A caller may pretend to represent FVSBank, law enforcement, the IRS, Medicare, a utility company or another trusted organization. Caller ID can be manipulated, so a familiar name or local phone number does not prove the call is legitimate.

Watch for:

• Threats of arrest, account closure or service disconnection
• Requests to transfer money to a “safe account”
• Requests for debit card information or security codes
• Instructions to buy gift cards
• Pressure to stay on the phone while completing a transaction

What to do: Hang up and call the organization using a verified number.

Learn about phone scams

A scammer may claim that a child, grandchild, friend or relative has been arrested, injured or stranded. Some scammers use information from social media—or even artificial intelligence—to make the story sound believable.

Watch for:

• A sudden request for emergency money
• Instructions not to tell other family members
• Payment requested through wire transfer, gift card or payment app
• A caller who avoids answering personal questions

What to do: End the conversation and contact the family member directly using a number you already have.

Family emergency scams                                                                    Grandparents scams

Someone may send you a check for a job, online sale, prize or mystery-shopping assignment. They then ask you to deposit it and send some of the money elsewhere. The check may appear in your account before it is later identified as fraudulent.

Watch for:

• A check for more than the expected amount
• Instructions to return part of the money
• A job that requires you to purchase gift cards
• An employer requesting online banking credentials
• A buyer who refuses normal payment methods

Important: If a fraudulent check is returned, you may be responsible for the money withdrawn from your account.

Learn about fake check scams

Scammers may pose as government officials or claim you have won a lottery, sweepstakes or prize. They may demand taxes, processing fees or immediate payment before releasing money or avoiding legal action.

Watch for:

• Threats of arrest or legal action
• Claims that you owe an unexpected government debt
• Prizes from contests you did not enter
• Fees required before receiving winnings
• Payment requested through gift cards or cryptocurrency

Remember: A legitimate prize does not require you to pay money to receive it.

Learn about government imposter scams

A pop-up, phone call or email may claim that your computer or phone has a virus. The scammer may ask you to install software, provide remote access or pay for unnecessary repairs.

Watch for:

• Unsolicited calls claiming your device is infected
• Pop-ups telling you to call a support number
• Requests to download remote-access software
• Requests for payment by gift card
• Someone asking you to log in to online banking while they can view your screen

What to do: Close the message or browser window. Do not call the number provided.

Learn about tech support scams

Scammers may promise mortgage relief, home repairs, lower utility bills or other services. They may request upfront fees, pressure you to sign immediately or claim to represent your lender or a government program.

Watch for:

• Guaranteed mortgage modifications
• Requests to stop paying your lender
• Large upfront fees
• High-pressure door-to-door sales
• Contractors who will not provide written details
• Requests to sign over property rights or insurance checks

Learn about mortgage relief scams