Fraud

The above question was posed to us after we issued a Fraud Awareness email to our customers. It was a great question. We suspect many people were asking the same.

Please know, Prevail Bank is fully committed to the protection and confidentiality of your information. We follow, in strict accordance, the guidelines established by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) and the...

In today’s digital world, data breaches have unfortunately become more common. From major retailers to healthcare providers, even financial institutions — no organization is completely immune. If you've received a notice saying your personal information was compromised/stolen in a data breach, it can be unsettling, but don’t panic. Taking the right steps quickly can help minimize the damage and...

According to the FTC, your odds of becoming a victim of identity theft are about 1 in 15. And losses attributed to fraud continue to rise due to the increase of people engaging in social media, electronic communications, and online shopping.

In other words, someone you know – your neighbor, your friend, a relative, a co-worker – is likely to fall prey this year. Maybe even you. If you fall victim to identity theft,...

An account takeover is a type of cyber-attack where a malicious actor gains unauthorized access to someone's online account. This can involve anything from social media and email accounts to banking and shopping accounts. Once they have control, they can withdraw money, make purchases, or steal personal information.

So, if you are locked out of your account, it could be a sign of an Account Takeover (ATO).  Cyber criminals...

At Prevail Bank, we care deeply about the well-being of our customers—financially, emotionally, and digitally. As technology becomes more central in our daily lives, it also opens the door to new opportunities and new threats. Sadly, seniors are often the target of sophisticated online scams designed to steal money, information, and trust.

Whether you’re reading this for yourself, a parent, a neighbor,...

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...