Like any crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic offers opportunities to take advantage of people when they are worried or scared. Below are a few tips to share with our customers as well as family and friends to avoid scams.

Do not share personal data. We will never ask for confidential information such as your name, password, personal identification number (PIN), Social Security number, or other account information over the phone or in an email or text — and it’s unlikely any other bank or financial institution would either.

Beware of scams. Fraudsters are contacting consumers with medical supply scams and fraudulent donation sites that impersonate a company, charity, or government agency. Their intent is to convince the target to: share sensitive information such as usernames and passwords; make purchases or donations on spoof websites; or download malware by opening a malicious attachment. Anyone who receives something suspicious should not respond, click on any links, or open attachments. Verify the authenticity of any website before making a purchase or donation. More security tips and information here.

Keep cash safe. Funds on deposit with a bank are protected up to FDIC limits. Once cash leaves the bank, that insurance is no longer active on those funds. Leaving money in the bank is safer, and customers can still easily access accounts, transfer funds, pay bills, and more using Online and Mobile Banking.