Don’t Fall for a Scam

Scammers are getting smarter.

Even the most tech-savvy individuals are falling victim to fraud, as it becomes harder and harder to tell whether a call or message from what looks like your bank is legitimate. We’re here to help you learn what to watch out for.

Common types of scams:

Phone Scams: Fraudsters often spoof or fake a phone number to imitate your bank’s caller ID, so it looks like your bank is calling when it is not. Not sure if you're speaking with someone from your bank? Hang up and call them directly. You can reach Apple Bank at (914) 902-2775.

Text Scams: Urgent or unexpected texts telling you to take immediate action could be from a scammer trying to access your account or your account information.

Email Scams: Emails that look like they are from your bank and urge you to open links could be coming from hackers attempting to gain access to your login information or install malware on your device.

Payment App Scams: If someone you don’t know asks you to send money through Zelle^®1, Venmo, or Cash App – don't do it. Scammers often pose as businesses, landlords, or even your bank. Once the money is sent, it’s likely gone for good.

Look out for these red flags to avoid being a victim of a scam:

Banks never pressure you or use fear-inducing language. Be skeptical of any communication that uses scare tactics to get you to act, contains grammatical errors, requests your personal information, or asks for a payment to secure your account.

Banks never ask for:

• Your Online Banking login information
• Your Debit Card PIN
• A one-time passcode unless you initiate contact first

•        A One-Time Passcode (OTP) is a code Apple Bank sends to verify your identity. Apple Bank will never call you and ask you to provide an OTP. We will only send you an OTP and ask you to confirm that code when you initiate a call or request to us.
• Sensitive information in response to a text, email or phone call

Banks will never:

• Send you an attachment you are not expecting
• Ask you to open a link you are not expecting
• Ask you to send money through a payment app
• Ask you to purchase a gift card

What to do if you become a victim of fraud:

1. Change Your Password: If you think your account has been compromised, change your password immediately.
2. Check Your Account: Check the email and phone number associated with your account. If they have been changed, this is a sign your account has been compromised.
3. Contact Apple Bank: We’re here to help. Call: (914) 902-2775. (This is also the number that appears on the back of your Apple Bank Visa^® Debit Card and on your account statement.)

Take action to protect yourself against scams with these essential tips:

• Monitor Your Accounts: Look at your account transactions regularly and make sure that you recognize all the activity.
• Enable Alerts & Push Notifications: Get notified of your daily balance, when someone logs into your account, or when a transaction is made.
• Decline Unknown Calls: Set your phone to decline unknown calls or send them to voicemail.
• Hang Up: Not sure if you are speaking with a representative from Apple Bank? Hang up and call Apple Bank directly at (914) 902-2775.
• Don’t Reply to Unexpected Text Messages: Never share your personal information, login credentials, or financial details. Delete scam texts and block the number they came from.
• Don’t Click on Links or Open Attachments: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources in your texts and emails. If you mistakenly open a link, do not log in to Online Banking until your device has been checked or scanned with anti-malware software.

¹U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle^®. Transactions between enrolled consumers typically occur in minutes.

Zelle^® and the Zelle^® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.