Beware of Phone Scams: How to Spot Phone Number Spoofing

Beware of Phone Scams: How to Spot Phone Number Spoofing

You might receive a call or text from someone claiming to be from Citizens Bank & Trust Co. or our debit card provider Shazam. Even if the caller ID shows the bank’s number, be cautious. If the caller asks for personal or account details, it's a scam.

Here’s what you need to know about phone number spoofing and how to protect yourself from these scams:

What is Phone Number Spoofing?

Phone number spoofing is when a scammer manipulates your phone’s caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a trusted source, such as your bank. They may pretend to be a bank employee and try to trick you into providing sensitive information.

To make the scam even more convincing, they might use a real employee’s name or mention details that seem familiar, such as your email address or the first few digits of your debit card. They may even claim that your account is in danger and that you need to give more information to protect it. Don’t fall for it!

How to Spot a Spoofed Number:

To avoid being scammed, remember these key points:

1. Your Bank Will Never Ask for Personal Information
   Citizens Bank & Trust Co. will never call you unprompted to ask for personal details. If you didn’t initiate the call, do not share:
   • Account number
   • Social Security number
   • Passwords or verification codes
   • Debit card details, including PIN or expiration date
   • Any other personal information
2. Don’t Trust Caller ID
   Scammers can make it look like they’re calling from a trusted number, including your bank’s customer service line. Caller ID can be easily manipulated.
3. If You’re Unsure, Hang Up
   If you’re ever suspicious, hang up and contact your bank directly using the official phone number from their website.

What to Do If You Spot a Scam:

If you receive a suspicious call or text, reporting it can help prevent others from being targeted. When reporting a scam, try to include:

• The date and time of the call or message
• The name of the person or department the scammer claimed to be from
• What the scammer wanted you to do or share, including any amounts
• The phone number that appeared on your Caller ID

If You Think You’ve Fallen for a Scam:

If you believe you've provided sensitive information to a scammer, take immediate action:

• Contact your bank to report the situation
• Monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity
• Change your passwords and review your account statements closely
• Set up account alerts

By staying alert and informed, you can protect yourself from phone scams. Always be cautious when sharing personal information over the phone, and remember that Citizens Bank & Trust Co. will never ask for sensitive details unexpectedly. If in doubt, always hang up and reach out to your bank directly to verify.