Fraud Prevention Checklist
Our fraud prevention checklist is here to help you take charge of your online banking security. By following these simple tips, you can better protect yourself from threats like phishing scams and unauthorized access.
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Do you know how to avoid a financial scam? Let's find out.
For Your Business
Any educational tools, calculators, guides and other content available on this site are for informational purposes only. These materials are not intended to provide personalized legal, investment or financial advice for your unique circumstances. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional. United Bank does not provide, endorse nor guarantee any unaffiliated third-party product, service, information, educational tool or recommendation available through links from this website. The third parties providing products and services available through this website are solely responsible for their products, services, information, recommendations and all other content on their websites. Be aware that by responding to offers advertised on third party websites, you may be communicating information about yourself to the company that provides such product or services—for example, that you are a United customer. These third parties may have a different privacy policy than United’s, and their websites may also provide less security.
TRENDING
Fraudulent Calls or Text Messages Appearing From United Bank
Never release sensitive information over the phone when receiving an unsolicited call or text.
Sensitive information may include full or partial Social Security number, card PIN number, one-time passcodes, online banking user ID, online banking password, or online banking security questions.
Scammers use this information to reset credentials and take over online banking accounts. If you receive an email or text message confirming a change on your account that you did not make, please contact United Bank's Customer Care department immediately.
We will never request personal information, such as your online banking user ID, security codes, or account information, through unsolicited text messages or calls.
Remember:
- Customer Care will never initiate a phone call unless we are returning a call from you. Scammers can spoof our phone number to make it look legitimate.
- United Bank does not send text messages from our 800 Customer Care phone number.
- If you respond to a text message, United Bank will never follow up with a return phone call or text message for verification.
- United Bank will NEVER send you a link to verify your banking credentials or personal information in text or email
- Customer Care will never ask you over the phone or from a text message to provide a One-Time-Security Code, even if you initiated it from our website.
If you are a victim or if you have further questions or concerns, please call United Bank’s Customer Care immediately at 800.327.9862.
DO NOT use the number on the caller ID screen and hit redial.
Test your knowledge with our Scams Quiz.
Reporting Fraud and Disputes
If you suspect you have fallen victim to a scam, identity theft, or other fraud schemes, please download our Fraud Victim Guide. This resource provides important steps recommended in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
Protect Yourself from Financial Scams and Know the Signs
Example Scams
United Bank will not follow-up with a phone call when you respond Yes or No. We will not message you indicating a representative will be contacting you.
United Bank will never send you a verification link to your phone. Do not click on the link. Call us directly to validate if your online banking credentials were compromised.
A one-time code will not be referred to as a Login Code. United Bank will not ask you for your one-time security code over the phone or from a text. Only input your official security code from our website when you initiated the request.
Be aware of fraudsters sending you a link that looks like a United Bank link to reset your User ID and Password. Do not click on the link in the text message. Call Customer Care at 800.327.9862 to verify if your account was compromised.
Protect Yourself From Charity Donation Scams
Scammers often pose as legitimate charities to exploit generosity. To ensure your donations go to trustworthy organizations always:
- Verify the charity’s legitimacy through official websites or trusted platforms
- Be suspicious of unsolicited requests for donations, especially via phone, email, or social media
- Never share sensitive information like account numbers or passwords when donating
Be Aware of Holiday Scams
While the holiday season brings joy, it also attracts scammers who try to take advantage of the festive spirit. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
Phishing Emails: Be cautious of unsolicited emails asking for personal or financial information. Verify the source and never click on suspicious links.
Fake Charities: Research charities before donating to ensure your money goes to a legitimate cause.
Gift Card Scams: Scammers may impersonate loved ones asking for gift cards. Always verify such requests directly with the person.
Online Shopping Scams: Shop only from trusted websites. Double-check website URLs and look for secure payment options.
Too Good to Be True Deals: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts.
Pay Yourself Scam
Scammers are always creating new ways to steal your money. One of the recent scams utilizing peer-to-peer payment services is what’s known as the “Pay Yourself Scam.” The gist of the scam is that someone pretending to be a representative from United Bank tells you that there has been a fraudulent transaction and in order to stop it, you need to send yourself money with Zelle®.
While United Bank may send you a text alert to prevent unusual activity, we will never contact you to request that you send money using Zelle® to anyone, including yourself, or to share a code to resolve fraud. If you receive a request like this, it is likely a scammer trying to trick you.
Know What to Look For
- It starts with a text message from a scammer that looks like a fraud alert from your bank or credit union. It’s looks real and urgent!
- If you respond to the text message and engage the scammer, you’ll receive a call from a number that may appear to be your bank or credit union.
- The scammer pretends to be calling from your bank or credit union and offers to stop the alleged fraud by directing you to send yourself money with Zelle®.
- In reality, the scammer is tricking you into sending money to their bank account.
Please watch this educational video from Zelle® to learn about the trending scam. If you detect suspicious activity regarding Zelle®, hang up and contact Customer Care, at 800.327.9862.