Fraudsters are getting better at making emails, text messages, and phone calls look and sound real. They may pretend to be your bank, a company you know, a government agency, a delivery service, or even someone you trust. Their goal is to get you to click a link, share personal information, provide a secure code, or send money before you have time to stop and think.
What Are Phishing, Smishing & Vishing Scams?
Phishing is a type of fraud where scammers use fake messages to trick you into giving away sensitive information, such as your username, password, account number, Social Security number, debit card number, PIN, or one-time secure access code.
These scams can happen in several ways:
- Phishing usually happens through email.
- Smishing happens through text messages.
- Vishing happens through phone calls or voicemails.
No matter how the scam reaches you, the goal is usually the same: to make you believe the message is real so you take action quickly. Scammers may claim there is suspicious activity on your account, a problem with your payment information, a package delivery issue, or an urgent need to verify your identity.
Why These Scams Can Be Hard to Spot
Phishing scams often feel convincing because scammers use names, logos, phone numbers, and messages that look familiar. Some may even make a phone number, email address, or website look like it belongs to a trusted business or financial institution.
A scam message may say something like:
- “Your account has been locked.”
- “We noticed suspicious activity.”
- “Click here to verify your information.”
- “Your debit card has been suspended.”
- “Enter this code to stop a transaction.”
- “Call this number immediately.”
These messages are designed to create panic. When you feel rushed, it is easier to click a link, answer a question, or share information you normally would not share.
Common Red Flags to Watch For
While phishing scams can look different, many include similar warning signs. Be cautious if a message, email, or phone call:
- Creates a sense of urgency or fear
- Asks you to click a link or open an attachment
- Requests your password, PIN, secure access code, or account number
- Says you must “verify” or “update” personal information
- Includes spelling errors, unusual wording, or a strange email address
- Comes from a number or sender you do not recognize
- Tells you not to hang up or not to contact the bank directly
- Asks you to move money to “protect” your account
Midwest Bank will never ask for your account number, Social Security number, PIN, passwords, or secure access codes by email, phone, or text.
How to Protect Yourself
The best way to protect yourself from phishing, smishing, and vishing scams is to slow down before you respond. A few extra minutes can help prevent a scammer from gaining access to your information or your money.
To help protect yourself:
- Do not click links in unexpected emails or text messages.
- Do not open attachments from unknown senders.
- Do not share your online banking username, password, PIN, or secure access code.
- Use strong, unique passwords for online banking, email, and other important accounts.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication when available.
- Keep your phone, computer, and security software updated.
- Review your account activity regularly.
- Set up account alerts to help you stay informed.
- Use card controls in mobile banking to lock or unlock your debit card when needed.
- Be careful about what you share on social media, such as your birthday, family names, pets’ names, school information, or other details scammers may use to guess passwords or security questions.
For more ways to help safeguard your accounts, visit Midwest Bank’s Fraud Prevention page.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Do not respond to the message, click the link, download the attachment, or call the number provided in the message.
Instead:
- Stop and take a closer look.
- Contact Midwest Bank directly using a trusted phone number or by visiting your nearest location.
- Log in to online or mobile banking only through the official Midwest Bank website or mobile app.
- Take a screenshot or save the message if you need to report it.
- Delete the message after you have confirmed it is not legitimate.
If someone calls claiming to be from Midwest Bank and asks for confidential information, hang up. Then contact us directly using a number you know is correct. Scammers may try to keep you on the phone so you do not have time to think or verify the situation.
What to Do If You Already Responded
If you clicked a suspicious link, shared information, or believe your account may be at risk, act quickly.
Take these steps right away:
- Contact Midwest Bank immediately.
- Change your online banking password from a secure device.
- Change any other accounts that use the same or similar password.
- Monitor your account activity closely.
- Turn on account alerts if you have not already.
- Run a security scan on your device if you clicked a link or downloaded an attachment.
- Report the phishing attempt if personal information or money was involved.
Midwest Bank Is Here to Help You Stay Protected
At Midwest Bank, protecting your accounts is a partnership. We use tools like fraud monitoring, secure online and mobile banking, card controls, account alerts, and local support to help protect your information. But you also play an important role in keeping your accounts safe.
If you ever receive a message that seems suspicious, do not feel pressured to respond right away. Take a moment, verify the request, and contact Midwest Bank directly if you have concerns.
Have Concerns About a Suspicious Message?
Whether you think you received a scam message or you believe you may have shared information with a fraudster, our team is here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Visit your nearest Midwest Bank location, contact us directly, or explore our Fraud Prevention resources for more tips and tools to help protect your accounts.
Midwest Bank is a Member FDIC.