Stay Safe Online: What Your Bank Will Never Ask You

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest online scams and how to protect yourself. At North Shore Trust and Savings, along with Oak Leaf Community Mortgage, we’re committed to keeping your finances secure. That’s why we’re proud to support the ABA‘s Banks Never Ask That campaign, a nationwide effort to help you recognize and avoid common phishing scams.

Fraudsters are always coming up with new ways to trick you into giving up sensitive information, and one of the most common tactics they use is pretending to be your bank. But here’s the thing—there are certain questions your bank will never ask you. Knowing what these are can help you spot a scam from a mile away.

You’ve likely heard about phishing scams—fraudulent attempts to obtain your personal or financial information by pretending to be a trusted source. Here’s what you need to know: Banks Never Ask That!

If you get an unexpected email, phone call, or text message asking for any of the following, it’s almost certainly a scam:

• Your Password or PIN: Your bank already has secure access to your account and will never need you to provide your login credentials. If anyone asks you for your password or PIN, it’s time to hit delete!
• Your Full Social Security Number: While your bank may ask for the last four digits to verify your identity, they will never ask for your full Social Security number.
• Your Account Numbers: Be cautious of anyone asking you to provide your account numbers in an unsolicited message. Your bank already knows them, and a scammer could use this info to steal your money.
• Your One-Time Security Code: If you get a code via text or email, your bank will only ask you to input it on their official website or app. If someone contacts you asking for this code, it’s a scam.

Phishing can take many forms: emails, text messages, phone calls, or even fake websites that look almost identical to the real thing. But no matter how convincing they seem, there’s always one thing these scams have in common—they ask you for information your bank would never need.

To protect yourself from these scams, always double-check any communication that asks for personal information. If you’re unsure, contact your bank directly using a phone number or email you know is legitimate. Don’t click on any suspicious links—they could lead to malicious websites designed to steal your information.

Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your personal and financial information:

1. Don’t Share Sensitive Information: Remember, your bank will never ask for things like your password, PIN, or full Social Security number through email or text.
2. Verify Unusual Requests: If something seems off, call your bank directly. Don’t use the contact information provided in the suspicious message—use the contact information from the bank’s official website.
3. Watch Out for Fake Websites: Phishing websites often look very convincing. Always double-check the URL before entering any personal details.
4. Stay Aware of Phone Scams: If someone claiming to be from your bank calls and asks for personal information, hang up and call your bank directly to verify.
5. Use Strong Passwords: Make sure your online banking accounts are protected by unique, strong passwords, and update them regularly.