Scammers sometimes pretend to be your bank or another financial institution to pressure you into sharing personal information or approving transactions. These fake calls, texts, and emails can look convincing, but there are reliable ways to tell what’s real.
Scammers can make a call or text message look like it’s coming from your bank, even though it isn’t. They use technology to copy our phone number or display our name on caller ID. The message may sound urgent or claim your account is in trouble. Their goal is to make you panic so you’ll share personal information.
If you aren’t sure, hang up and call Western State Bank using a number you know is real.
In this scam, you may receive a message saying your online banking has been locked or suspended. The scammer urges you to click a link or call a number to “unlock” your account. This leads to a fake website or a scammer who will ask for your login information. Once they have it, they can take over your account.
Remember: if you really were locked out, you could always call us directly; not through a link or number in a message.
You might receive a text or email claiming your debit card has been deactivated and needs to be turned back on. The message often includes a link or phone number to “reactivate” the card. This is a trick to capture your card number, PIN, or online banking credentials.
Real banks do not require you to reactivate a card through texted links. If you ever have concerns about your card, call Western State Bank or use your mobile app.
Scammers may pretend to be the bank and warn of a “fraudulent Zelle transfer” involving your account. They ask you to send money to yourself or to a “secure account” to fix the issue. In reality, they’re tricking you into sending money straight to them. Once the transfer is made, it’s usually impossible to get back.
Western State Bank, nor any other legitimate bank, will never ask you to move money to protect it.