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Fraud Alert: Imposter Scam

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Fraud Alert: Imposter Scam

3/12/2024
First National Bank and Trust (FNBT) customers have reported a scam that is targeting individuals with a complex scheme: an Imposter Scam.
 
First National Bank and Trust (FNBT) customers have reported a scam that is targeting individuals with a complex scheme: an Imposter Scam. Fraudsters pretend to be the bank and target unsuspecting individuals, tricking them into giving access to their funds. A text message that appears to come from FNBT asks the individual to confirm account activity. The urgent-sounding text message is designed to sound like an official message from the bank and asks the receiver to reply “yes” or “no” to a suspicious recent purchase. Shortly after responding, the fraudster impersonates the bank and calls the customer asking them to further verify fake transactions. They then claim to block the victim’s online banking account to conduct an investigation. In a guise to safeguard the victim’s money, a message with a temporary password is sent to the customer asking to “activate” their account by responding with their old password. Once this is provided, the fraudster now has access to the customer’s online banking account.

To combat these scams and safeguard your money:
  • Do not respond to texts or emails that may warn of dire consequences if you do not validate your information immediately.Fraud Text Message screenshot
  • If someone calls asking for information or wants you to act, tell the caller you will call back, then call 800-667-4401 to report the call. This number can be found on your bank statement or the back of your FNBT debit card. If the caller tries to convince you to stay on the phone, it’s a scam. Hang-up and call the trusted number.
  • Refrain from transferring money to "protect" it; First National Bank and Trust will never require such action.
  • Never divulge verification codes or passwords, as they can be exploited by scammers to access accounts.
  • Do not click on a link received in an unsolicited email or text as it could give a criminal access to your personal information.
  • Verify the legitimacy of any suspicious communication by contacting your bank directly, using a telephone number from bank statements, the back of your debit card, or the bank’s website that you know to be genuine.
  • Promptly report any suspected fraudulent activity to First National Bank and Trust and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you believe you have responded to a spoofed email or text, contact First National Bank and Trust immediately so we can protect your account and your identity. To learn more about Imposter Scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.