SCAM ALERT: Fraudsters Impersonating Banks

These calls can be convincing. Scammers may know some of the victim's personal information and may use caller ID spoofing, causing the incoming call to appear as though it is coming from the victim's bank or another legitimate telephone number.

The Statesville Police Department encourages citizens to remember the following:

• Do not provide personal, banking, login, password, PIN, or verification-code information to an unsolicited caller.
• Do not assume a caller is legitimate simply because the caller ID displays the name or telephone number of your bank.
• If someone contacts you claiming there is fraudulent activity on your account and requests personal or account information, end the call and independently verify the information.
• Contact your financial institution using a telephone number you already know to be legitimate, such as the number printed on the back of your debit or credit card or listed on the institution's official website.
• When possible, visit your local bank branch in person to discuss concerns about your account.
• Never transfer or withdraw money, purchase gift cards, send cryptocurrency, or move funds to a supposedly "safe" account at the direction of an unsolicited caller.
• Never provide a one-time passcode or verification code sent to your phone or email to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.

When in doubt, hang up.

A legitimate concern regarding your account can be verified by independently contacting your financial institution. Taking a few extra minutes to verify a caller's claims can prevent scammers from gaining access to your accounts and your money.

Anyone who believes they may have provided banking or personal information to a scammer should immediately contact their financial institution, secure or change affected account credentials, and report the incident to their local law enforcement agency.

The Statesville Police Department encourages citizens to share this information, particularly with family members, friends, and others who may be vulnerable to financial scams.