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1 Phone Number Spoofing
Phone
Caller ID
What it is
Criminals make their call appear to come from a trusted number — often your bank’s main line.
How it works
They create urgency ("your account is at risk") and pressure you to share one‑time codes, passwords, or to move money.
Protect yourself
Hang up. Call the bank back using the number on your card/statement. Never share one‑time passcodes with an incoming caller.
If it happens
Do not provide info. Capture the time/number, then call us directly to verify. Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
2 Phishing Emails
Email
Links
What it is
Emails pretending to be from your bank, IRS, or merchants that ask you to click a link or open an attachment.
How it works
Links lead to fake sign‑in pages that collect your username, password, and MFA codes.
Protect yourself
Hover to preview links. Type the bank URL yourself. Use spam reporting and keep systems patched.
If it happens
Change your password immediately, enable/refresh MFA, and contact us to monitor and secure your accounts.
3 Smishing (Text Message Scams)
SMS
Links
What it is
Fraudulent texts claim account problems, deliveries, or prizes.
How it works
Links redirect to fake sites or load malware; replies confirm your number is active.
Protect yourself
Don’t tap unexpected links. Delete and block. Verify using official channels.
If it happens
Run a security scan, change passwords, and notify us if you entered any banking info.
4 Vishing (Voice Call Scams)
Phone
Social Engineering
What it is
Live or recorded calls claim fraud alerts and ask you to "verify" security details.
How it works
Often combined with spoofing and stolen personal data to sound convincing.
Protect yourself
We will never ask for your full password or one‑time code. When in doubt, hang up and call us.
If it happens
Document the call and contact us via the number on your card to review recent activity.
5 Man‑in‑the‑Middle on Public Wi‑Fi
Wi‑Fi
Network
What it is
Attackers intercept traffic on open or fake hotspots.
How it works
They capture logins or inject fake pages that mimic your bank.
Protect yourself
Use cellular data or a trusted network for banking. Check for HTTPS and use a VPN if possible.
If it happens
Change credentials from a safe network and enable/rotate MFA. Review account activity.
6 Account Takeover (ATO)
Online Banking
Credentials
What it is
Criminals gain access to your online or mobile banking and change settings.
How it works
Stolen passwords, malware, or intercepted codes let them move money or lock you out.
Protect yourself
Use unique passwords, passkeys or app‑based MFA, and device lock/PIN/biometrics.
If it happens
Contact us immediately to secure the account, review transfers, and reset authentication.
7 Check Fraud & Mobile Deposit Scams
Checks
Mobile Deposit
What it is
Counterfeit, altered, or "overpayment" checks that later bounce.
How it works
Scammers ask you to deposit a check and send some funds back before it clears.
Protect yourself
Wait until funds are fully cleared; be wary of strangers overpaying.
If it happens
Contact us; do not spend the funds. Keep all messages/receipts for investigation.
8 Gift Card & Money Transfer Scams
Gift Cards
Wires
What it is
Urgent requests to pay bills, taxes, or bail using gift cards or wires.
How it works
Once codes or transfers are sent, funds are hard to recover.
Protect yourself
No legitimate agency demands gift cards for payment. Verify independently.
If it happens
Save receipts and contact the card issuer or bank immediately; report to law enforcement.
9 Romance & Relationship Scams
Social
Trust
What it is
Scammers build online relationships to request money or access.
How it works
They share convincing stories (medical bills, travel, emergencies) to solicit funds.
Protect yourself
Never send money to someone you’ve not met in person. Talk to a trusted friend first.
If it happens
Stop contact, document messages, and report to the platform and authorities.
10 Prize, Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams
Prizes
Fees
What it is
Claims that you’ve won — but must pay fees/taxes to receive the prize.
How it works
Victims pay and receive nothing; scammers disappear.
Protect yourself
If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win. Never prepay to claim a prize.
If it happens
Report the contact and preserve communications for investigation.
11 Tech Support & Remote Access Scams
Remote Access
Pop‑ups
What it is
Fake pop‑ups or callers posing as Microsoft/Apple/bank support.
How it works
They convince you to install remote tools, then move money or steal data.
Protect yourself
Never allow remote access unless you initiated the call to a trusted number.
If it happens
Disconnect, uninstall tools, change passwords, and contact us immediately.
12 QR Code Scams
QR
Payments
What it is
Malicious QR codes in emails, texts, flyers, or covering real codes.
How it works
Scanning sends you to fake sites or triggers payment requests.
Protect yourself
Check the destination URL after scanning. Prefer typing official URLs.
If it happens
Close the page, clear browser data, and change credentials if you entered any.
13 ATM & Card Skimming
ATM
Gas Pumps
What it is
Hidden devices capture card data and PINs.
How it works
Overlays and tiny cameras harvest details; data is cloned to new cards.
Protect yourself
Inspect readers; cover keypad; prefer machines in well‑lit, monitored areas.
If it happens
Lock your card in the app, call us, and review recent transactions.
14 Elder Financial Exploitation
Seniors
Caretakers
What it is
Unauthorized use of a senior’s funds by scammers or trusted individuals.
How it works
Pressure, isolation, or misuse of authority (POA/caretaker) to move money.
Protect yourself
Enable alerts, set spending limits, and involve a trusted contact.
If it happens
Contact us. Consider Adult Protective Services and law enforcement.
15 Business Email Compromise (BEC)
Business
Wires/ACH
What it is
Fraudsters spoof or hijack business emails to redirect payments.
How it works
They send last‑minute changes to payment instructions that look legitimate.
Protect yourself
Use a known phone number to verify any changes to account or routing info.
If it happens
Call us immediately to attempt a recall. File an IC3 complaint.

These materials are for general education. Policies and features may change. For the most current information, contact Community 1st Bank Las Vegas directly.