Scam Protection

Learn about the latest fraud trends and how to help protect your financial and personal information.

Educate yourself and recognize the warning signs of a scam.

For all the conveniences technology provides, it also presents a wealth of opportunities for scammers. Centreville Bank will periodically share information on banking scams we’re seeing and hearing about so you can prepare and protect you and your finances.

Don’t Get Caught in A Scam!

The Bait: Ads for a quick, easy loan.
The Hook: They ask for your online banking credentials and deposit the money into your account. Easy Peasy!
The Catch: When they deposit the money, it’s for too much! They’ll want you to just take out the extra amount, go to the store and get gift cards with the money. You’ll then send the gift card info back to the "lender".

The Scam: After you have purchased the gift cards and given that information to scammers, they will use them to buy products that they will then sell. In the meantime, the check they deposited will not end up going through and the “lender” disappears. You’re now out the money you used to buy the gift cards.

What to look for:

A request for your online banking credentials. No one (not even a bank) will ask you for your username and password for your online banking account. If someone asks, that should be a huge red flag.
If there is a strong sense of urgency (they need that money back today) then it should seem suspicious.
A true lender would not ask you to get the money out and buy gift cards with it. If someone is telling you to buy gift cards to manage money, stop immediately.

When obtaining a loan, you generally should not be asked to send money to the lender except as part of your agreed-upon repayment terms. Requests for upfront payments or money to be returned after receiving loan funds may be a sign of fraud.
Be aware that fraudulent offers may appear legitimate, often including official-looking paperwork. The amount may also be an unusual or non-round dollar figure to make the offer seem more credible.

What you should do:

If you receive a check and are asked to send money, make a payment, or transfer funds to someone else, proceed with caution. If you are unsure about a deposit or request involving deposited funds, contact the bank before taking action.

If you have fallen victim to this or a related scam, contact your local police department and file a report.

Stay safe:

Be cautious of urgency. If someone pressures you to act immediately or insists that money be sent back the same day, treat it as a warning sign and take time to verify the request.
Understand normal loan processes. If you apply for a loan, be wary of requests to send money to the lender outside of your agreed payment obligations. Unexpected requests for upfront payments, refunds, or transfers may be signs of fraud.
Use caution with recently deposited funds. If you receive a check and are asked to send money, make a payment, or transfer funds to someone else, proceed carefully. If you have questions about a deposit or transaction, contact the bank before taking action.
Trust your instincts. If an offer seems too good to be true, it may be a scam. Take time to research the opportunity and verify the source.

Gift cards are a common scam tactic. Legitimate lenders and businesses generally will not ask you to buy gift cards or use gift cards to manage, transfer, or repay funds. If you receive such a request, stop and verify it before taking any action.
Scams can look legitimate. Fraudulent offers may include official-looking paperwork, logos, or specific dollar amounts designed to appear genuine. Always verify the source before sharing information or sending money.
Report suspected fraud. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency and notify your bank as soon as possible.
Take time to verify. Scammers often rely on pressure and urgency. A legitimate person or business should not object if you take time to review the details, ask questions, and confirm the facts before money changes hands.

Scam Protection

Educate yourself and recognize the warning signs of a scam.

Don’t Get Caught in A Scam!

What to look for:

What you should do:

Stay safe:

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