Scam Spotlight Series: Golden Rules to Stay Protected
September 30, 2025
With the never-ending ways that scammers try to get your personal information, it is so crucial for all of us to remain diligent and to keep our antennas up to avoid becoming a victim of their schemes. Although there are always new methods fraudsters use, there are principles or actions we can take to try to stay a step ahead to defend against these attacks. Check out the “golden rules” below that will help you stay protected:
Verify Before You Trust
Don’t act on unexpected calls, texts, emails, or QR codes. Always confirm the source using official contact information. If contacted by phone, it is always ok to hang up and call back to your verified, trusted source before continuing with a transaction involving personal information. It is always good to use contact information outside of the message you are being sent to verify the source of the contact.
Protect Your Personal Information
Never share Social Security numbers, account details, PINs, authentication codes, medical records, or debit/credit card numbers with unverified sources. Reputable companies will never contact you and then ask you for that information. For example, the bank will never call you and then ask you for your Social Security number.
Think Before You Click
Avoid clicking links in suspicious messages or scanning random QR codes. If there is a link in an email or message that you are questioning, you can hover over that link before clicking, and it will give you the full address without taking you to the site. You can also type web addresses directly into your browser instead. Just make sure you are visiting the site you trust and not copying the address exactly as it appears in your message.
Use Strong Security Habits
Keep your electronic devices updated as security patches are frequently implemented by software companies to help address any system vulnerabilities. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible, and use strong, unique passwords for your accounts. Short, repeated passwords make your information an easy target.
Report and Get Help Quickly
If you suspect fraud, stop communicating with the scammer, contact your bank immediately, and report to agencies like the FTC, FCC, or USPIS. The quicker you stop and seek help, the quicker you can prevent any losses you may incur. Agencies and organizations can help you stop transactions from coming out of your account, implement credit freezes, and start any recovery processes that may be available.
Additional Information
For additional information regarding security tips and tricks, real-life scenarios of scams that have occurred, and more ways you can stay protected, Rivers Edge Bank has fantastic resources you can check out:
REB Cyber Security
If you believe you or someone you know has been victimized by a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Feel free to contact any Rivers Edge Bank location with any questions you may have.
About the Scam Spotlight Series:
Each month, we shine a light on the latest scams that fraudsters use to trick people into giving up their money or personal information. In 2024, consumers reported losing over $12 billion to fraud, with 20-29 and 70-79 year olds being the most targeted age groups, according to the Federal Trade Commission. By sharing real-life examples, we aim to uncover the tactics scammers use, helping you recognize and avoid their schemes. Along the way, we’ll also provide practical tips to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. At Rivers Edge Bank, your safety and security are our top priorities—because protecting your hard-earned money starts with staying informed. To learn more about cybersecurity best practices, visit our Cyber Security page.