Fraud Alert: Criminals Are Impersonating Bankers — Here’s How to Stay Safe
Fraudsters are getting bolder. Criminals are posing as bankers, relationship managers, investment advisors – and even as law enforcement or government officials – to trick people and businesses into sending money or sharing sensitive information. Whether you’re a consumer, a business owner, or a private banking client, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
How the Scam Works
- The call or email looks real. Criminals often “spoof” phone numbers or email addresses so they appear to come from your bank.
- They create a false sense of urgency. You may be told your account is at risk, a large transaction must be verified, or an investment opportunity will vanish if you don’t act quickly.
- They request sensitive actions. You may be asked to move funds, share passwords, provide verification codes, or download remote-access software.
What to Watch For
- Unexpected contact from someone claiming to be your banker or a law enforcement investigator. If you weren’t expecting the call, email, or text, treat it with caution.
- Requests for confidential information. Your banker will never ask for online banking passwords, verification codes, or remote access to your device.
- Pressure to act immediately. Real bankers will never threaten you or demand instant action.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify independently. Hang up and call your banker using the phone number you already have on file — not the one provided by the caller (or in an email).
- Pause before sending money. If someone claiming to be from the bank tells you to transfer funds urgently or under pressure, exercise caution. It could be a scam.
- Keep your login details private. Never share passwords, PINs, or one-time codes with anyone.
- Update your devices. Make sure your phone, tablet, and computer have the latest security updates to reduce vulnerabilities.
- Keep a secured backup of your important data files. This could be helpful in the event of a malware or ransomware attack.
If You Suspect Fraud
- Stop the conversation immediately.
- Contact us at 1.800.FULTON.4 (1.800.385.8664).
- Report any suspicious messages or calls so we can investigate and help protect others.
Our Commitment to You
Your security is our top priority. We continuously monitor for suspicious activity, educate our teams, and strengthen our systems. But the best protection is a partnership between you and your bank. By staying alert and verifying any unexpected requests, you can help stop fraud before it starts.