Fraud: What Your Bank Will Never Ask You For (and How to Know It’s Really Us)

Banking has changed a lot over the years. Many of us now deposit checks from our phones, check balances on the go, and move money without ever stepping into a branch. These tools make everyday banking easier, but they have also created new opportunities for fraud.

Here in south central Illinois, we continue to see scams that rely on one simple thing: trust. A call sounds official. A text looks familiar. An email appears to come from a real bank. In the moment, especially when you are busy or distracted, it can be difficult to tell the difference.

Knowing what your bank will never ask you for is one of the most effective forms of fraud prevention. It gives you a clear line to draw and the confidence to pause before taking action.

At Flanagan State Bank, protecting our customers has always been part of how we do business. We believe education is one of the strongest ways to help keep our community safe, informed, and confident when managing their finances.

Below, we outline common red flags, explain why scammers impersonate banks, and share simple steps you can take to confirm it is really us reaching out.

What Your Bank Will Never Ask You For

Scammers often succeed because their requests sound reasonable at first. They may reference real institutions, familiar terminology, or urgent situations. Understanding what is off limits helps remove uncertainty and puts control back in your hands.

Your full online banking password or PIN

Flanagan State Bank will never ask you to share your password or PIN by phone, text, email, or online message. We already have secure systems in place and do not need that information from you to assist with your account.

A one-time verification code sent to your phone or email

If someone asks you to read back a code you just received, that is a red flag. These codes are designed to protect your account. Sharing them can allow someone else to access your information. Your bank will not ask you to provide these codes. Check out our blog on Checking Fraud in the Digital Age to learn how to stay safe!

Requests to move money to protect your account

A legitimate bank will not ask you to urgently transfer funds to a separate account, wire money, send payments to a third party, or use a payment app to “secure” your funds. These requests are common in scams and should always raise concern.

Gift cards or prepaid payments

Banks do not use gift cards, reloadable cards, or cryptocurrency as part of account verification or problem resolution. Any request involving these payment methods is a clear sign of fraud.

A check to deposit and return funds

If you are asked to deposit a check and send money back, stop and contact your bank right away. These checks are often fraudulent, and when they are returned unpaid, the financial loss typically falls on the customer.

If you encounter any of these requests, it is not your bank.

Why Scammers Pretend to Be Banks

Banks are trusted institutions, and scammers know that. They rely on that trust to make their messages feel legitimate and urgent.

Many scams claim there has been suspicious activity, a compromised account, or a problem that must be resolved immediately. The goal is to create stress and pressure so you act quickly without verifying the request. Most scams succeed because they rush you.

Common tactics include spoofed phone numbers that appear local, emails that closely resemble real bank communications, and text messages with links designed to look authentic. Some messages may reference recent purchases or publicly available information to sound more convincing.

Understanding these tactics makes it easier to slow down, take a breath, and protect yourself before taking action.

How to Know It’s Really Your Bank Calling

If something does not feel right, take a moment to verify. There is no harm in double-checking, and we encourage it. A legitimate financial institution understands the importance of caution and will always support you in confirming a request.

Use contact information you already trust, such as the phone number on your statement, your debit card, or the Flanagan State Bank website. Do not rely on phone numbers, links, or email addresses included in a message you did not expect.

Log into your online or mobile banking account directly to see if there are any alerts or secure messages. Legitimate account issues are often reflected there.

If you receive a call that feels unusual or rushed, it is okay to hang up. Calling us back using a known phone number ensures you are speaking with the right people. We would much rather confirm a concern than have a customer feel uncertain or pressured. Check out our blog on Fraud Protection and Awareness to learn more.

Common Situations Where Verification Matters Most

Scam attempts often show up during moments when people are distracted or under pressure. That can include tax season, travel, large purchases, or times when you are expecting legitimate communication from your bank. Fraudsters count on those moments to blend in.

You may receive a message that references a recent debit card purchase, an online login attempt, or a pending payment. Others claim there is a temporary issue with your account that needs immediate attention. Even when the message sounds familiar, it is still important to slow down and verify before responding.

Taking a few extra minutes to log into your account directly or call the bank using a trusted number can prevent weeks or months of stress later. Verification is not an inconvenience. It is a simple habit that plays a major role in fraud prevention.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

Even careful individuals can be targeted, and acting quickly is important.

If you believe you may have shared information or responded to a suspicious message, contact Flanagan State Bank immediately using official contact information. Early notification allows us to help secure your account as quickly as possible.

You should also change your online banking password and PIN, review recent transactions carefully, and report anything unfamiliar right away. The sooner unusual activity is identified, the easier it is to address.

If identity theft is suspected, additional steps may be needed, such as placing fraud alerts with credit bureaus or filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission. Our team can help guide you through the appropriate next steps and answer questions you have along the way.

How Flanagan State Bank Helps Protect You

Bank fraud prevention is not just about systems and alerts. It is also about people, education, and relationships, especially when something feels off and you want to talk to a real person.

Flanagan State Bank offers ongoing education through our Fraud and Scam Awareness resources, which help customers recognize common scams and understand how to respond. These resources are designed to be clear, practical, and easy to reference when questions arise.

We monitor accounts for suspicious activity and reach out when something looks out of place. Just as importantly, our local presence means you can speak with someone who knows you and understands our community. That personal connection matters when dealing with sensitive issues like fraud.

A Final Word on Staying Safe

Scams will continue to evolve, but one thing remains the same. Your bank will never ask you to compromise your security.

If something feels off, pause and verify. Trust your instincts and contact us directly using information you know is accurate. Those small steps can make a meaningful difference.

At Flanagan State Bank, fraud awareness and protecting your trust is just as important as protecting your accounts. We are always here to help.