Hancock Whitney is always on the lookout for the many ways that cyber criminals try to steal your personal financial information. We’re working around the clock to protect you, but you can also protect yourself by learning how to recognize cyberfraud.
Fraudulent Calls, Emails, Texts: What to Look For
Phone Calls: Many fraudulent phone calls have some common characteristics. The callers tend to make promises or threats, create a sense of urgency, or ask you to divulge details about your account. Never respond to these types of calls; the person on the other end may be a criminal trying to obtain your information and credentials. Simply hang up the phone.
Emails: If you receive an email asking you to call a phone number to "confirm your account information," always verify the validity of that phone number by going directly to the company's website, locating the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card, or reviewing your account statement. Another good tip is to check emails and texts for misspellings or grammatical errors.
Beware of “phishing,” which is when a fraudster sends you an email that appears to be from a reputable company, in an attempt to trick you into clicking a link, opening an attachment or sharing personal information.
Text Messages: A similar tactic to phishing that uses text messages is known as “smishing,” where criminals send a fraudulent text message in an attempt to deceive you into clicking a link or calling a phone number in order to obtain your personal information. A smishing text may include a link or downloadable file you weren’t expecting, or the name of a banking institution you use or a brand you’re familiar with. Smishing texts often employ social engineering, a technique criminals use that plays on your emotions, such as an urgent plea for help, usually in the form of money.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call, Email or Text
If you receive a phone call appearing to come from Hancock Whitney, and the caller asks for personal information or your online banking credentials, do not respond. Hang up.
Reminder: Although Hancock Whitney may call you for verification purposes or send product or promotional offerings via email, we will never contact you and ask for your Social Security Number, Personal Identification Number or online banking login credentials. Forward the email or text to phishing@hancockwhitney.com or call our Client Services Center at 1-800-448-8812 to report the suspicious message, then delete it.
Never click on links or attachments in suspicious emails or texts.
Keeping Your Information Safe Is Our Highest Priority
We're dedicated to being your trusted financial partner and working with you to stay vigilant against criminals and fraudsters. For more information and helpful resources, visit hancockwhitney.com/security-center.
Sources: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/phone-scams
https://www.avira.com/en/blog/how-to-recognize-a-smishing-text-message
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