Every day, thousands of Americans receive phone calls from scammers pretending to be someone they trust, including a bank representative, a government official, or even a family member in trouble. These calls can feel alarmingly convincing, and unfortunately, they’re only getting more sophisticated. At Patterson State Bank, your financial security is our priority. That’s why we want to help you recognize the warning signs, know what to do, and feel confident protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Common Phone Scams Targeting Bank Customers

Understanding the most common types of phone scams is your first line of defense. Here are a few you should know about:

The “Bank Fraud Alert” Scam
A caller claims to be from your bank’s fraud department and tells you there’s suspicious activity on your account. They ask you to “verify” your account number, PIN, debit card number, or online banking credentials to stop the fraud. Legitimate financial institutions will not ask you to provide your online banking password, PIN, or one-time security codes over the phone.

Government Impersonation Scams
These callers pose as IRS agents, Social Security Administration officials, or Medicare representatives. They may threaten arrest, suspension of benefits, or legal action unless you pay immediately, often by gift card or wire transfer. Government agencies generally communicate through official mail and do not demand immediate payment over the phone.

Tech Support Scams
Scammers posing as tech support representatives may claim your computer or mobile device has a virus, security breach, or other problem. They often ask you to download software or provide remote access so they can “fix” the issue. Once scammers gain access, they can steal personal information, install malicious software, or lock you out entirely and demand payment to restore access.

Legitimate tech companies don’t make unsolicited calls like these. If you receive one, hang up and contact the company directly through their official website.

The Grandparent Scam
A scammer calls pretending to be a grandchild (or someone helping them) in an emergency, claiming to be stranded, arrested, or hurt, and begs for money to be wired right away. They often urge secrecy, saying “please don’t tell Mom and Dad.” This emotional pressure is intentional and manipulative.

Prize and Sweepstakes Scams
Have you “won” a prize you never entered to win? That’s a red flag. Scammers may tell you that you’ve won money, a vacation, or another valuable prize but need to pay fees, shipping costs, or provide your bank account information to claim it. If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win one.

While the stories scammers tell may vary, many of them use the same tactics to pressure victims into acting quickly. Knowing these common warning signs can help you spot a scam before it succeeds.

How to Recognize a Phone Scam

Scammers use pressure and urgency to make you act before you have time to think. Watch for these red flags:

• They create panic. Phrases like “act now,” “your account will be frozen,” or “you’ll be arrested” are designed to make you react before you think.
• They ask for unusual payment methods. These include things like gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps.
• They ask for sensitive information. No legitimate bank or government agency will call you and ask for your full Social Security number, account password, card PIN, or security code.
• The caller ID looks official, but something feels off. Scammers can “spoof” phone numbers to make it look like they’re calling from a real institution. Don’t trust caller ID alone.
• They want you to stay on the line. Keeping you talking prevents you from pausing, thinking, or calling someone you trust.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call

If you receive a call that seems suspicious:

• Hang up immediately if you feel uncomfortable.
• Do not provide personal or financial information.
• Do not click links or download software suggested by the caller.
• Verify the caller independently by contacting the organization using a phone number from its official website or your account documents.
• Report the scam to the appropriate authorities if necessary.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, don’t be embarrassed. These scams are designed to be convincing, and acting quickly can help limit the damage.

• Contact your bank immediately to report the incident.
• Monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.
• Change passwords for affected accounts.
• Place fraud alerts on your credit reports if necessary.
• Report the scam to relevant authorities.

We’re Here to Help

When it comes to protecting your finances, it’s always better to ask than assume. If you ever receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from Patterson State Bank, or if you’re unsure whether a call was legitimate, please reach out to us directly at (985) 395-6131. Our team is here to answer questions, review account activity, and help you take the right steps to protect your accounts and your financial future.