Beware of Scammers Posing as Bank Employees

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and one tactic we are seeing more often is fraudsters calling customers and pretending to be from their bank.

These calls can sound very convincing. The caller may claim there is suspicious activity on your account or say they need to verify information to prevent fraud. Their goal is simple: to trick you into sharing sensitive information that they can then use to access your money.

At Citizens State Bank, protecting our customers is one of our top priorities. Knowing how these scams work can help you avoid becoming a victim.

How the Scam Typically Works

A scammer may call you and say they are from your bank. They may claim:

• Your debit card was used for a suspicious purchase
• Your account has been compromised
• They need to verify your identity to “secure” your account

To make the call sound legitimate, the scammer may already have some basic information about you. They may also spoof the bank’s phone number, which can make it appear as if the call is coming directly from the bank.

During the call, they may ask for information such as:

• Your debit card number
• Your online banking username or password
• A one-time security code sent to your phone
• Your PIN

What You Should Know

Citizens State Bank will never call you and ask for:

• Your online banking password
• Your debit card PIN
• A one-time verification code sent to your phone

If someone asks for this information over the phone, it is a strong sign that the call is a scam.

What To Do If You Receive One of These Calls

If someone calls claiming to be from the bank and asks for sensitive information:

1. Hang up immediately.
2. Do not provide any personal or financial information.
3. Call the bank directly using the phone number on our website or the back of your debit card.

This ensures you are speaking with a legitimate bank representative.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

If you believe you may have shared information with a scammer or received a suspicious call, contact Citizens State Bank as soon as possible. The sooner we know, the faster we can help protect your account.