Fraud

From splitting dinner with friends to sending thousands of dollars across the globe, online and mobile payment apps have made life easier. Services like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle allow users to transfer money in seconds. But while the convenience is undeniable, so are the risks. As these apps grow in popularity, so do the scams targeting their users.

PayPal...

Fake check scams can lead to significant financial losses. Scammers use counterfeit checks to deceive individuals and businesses into sending money or goods. Unfortunately, spotting a fake or fraudulent check is difficult due to advancements in technology. But understanding how to identify these scams and learning how to spot a fake check will help protect you.

Keep in mind that even a fake check can initially clear and appear as available funds in your account. However,...

Despite the fact that check use has declined by 25%, reports of check fraud have soared. In fact, they’ve nearly doubled since 2021. If you’re using checks, please remember you’re exposing your personal information (name, contact information) and bank account info with each one you write. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated every day, finding new ways to steal your financial information and ultimately your money.  

The FBI recently issued a warning to the public that scammers are taking advantage of the mass casualty events and disasters of the world by establishing fake charities. They are also posing as disaster relief agencies so they can collect your personal information and/or are pretending to be high-profile victims to tug at your heartstrings and acquire your donations. You’ll find these schemes online as well as in-person during collection drives.

In 2024, the FBI...

(2025) There is a serious issue out there that affects many people across the country: Social Security scams. At Prevail Bank, we're committed to safeguarding your financial well-being, and that includes helping you stay informed about these deceptive practices. Scammers are constantly changing-up their tactics. We must stay vigilant; we must continually learn and understand how to identify and avoid these schemes.

These scams often involve sophisticated methods...

With tax season upon us, the time for tax phishing and phone scams are too. Below are some tips taken directly from the IRS’ website, including associated links.

Remember, the IRS does not initially (key word is initially) reach out or contact taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels. This includes requests for personal identification information, PINS, passwords, or similar access information for credit cards, banks, or other financial accounts.

The holiday season is a time for joy, festivities, and shopping! While online shopping offers convenience, it also comes with risks. Scammers use this busy season to trick people out of their hard-earned money. At Prevail Bank, we want you to shop safely. Here’s how to spot online shopping scams and protect yourself.

Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: Extremely low prices on high-demand items are often scams. If the price seems...

An account takeover occurs when cyber criminals gain control of your online accounts using stolen credentials. They typically purchase consumer PII (Personally Identifiable Information) from the dark web, which is often sourced from data breaches, phishing scams, or malware. PII includes information like your name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, social media login details, and passwords.

Once a criminal has access to this...

It is so frustrating. You’re trying to contribute to society by finding gainful employment; you have hopes and dreams of a successful career. And just when you think you found an opportunity that is flexible and allows you to work from home…  you’ve been scammed!

Scammers post fraudulent job postings to trick applicants into providing personal information or money. The FBI posted a public service...

For many organizations, consumers are given a choice as to how they wish to receive communications. For many that would be texting.

Texting, from a consumer’s point of view, has its benefits; it’s: