Anti-Fraud Tips

Let's Fight Fraud Together

We know that your financial safety is a priority. Fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to steal money, personal data, and account access. Awareness and knowledge are critical in helping to prevent financial fraud.

Here is a list of common types of financial fraud, along with tips to identify and avoid them.

Common Types of Financial Fraud and How to Avoid Them

  • Check Fraud
    Scammers steal or alter checks to gain access to funds fraudulently.

    • Use online bill pay or direct transfers when possible.

    • Monitor your account regularly and report suspicious activity immediately.

    • Keep checks stored securely and never leave outgoing checks in an unlocked mailbox.

  • Business Email Compromise (BEC)
    Hackers impersonate company members to trick you into sending money.

    • Always verify unexpected payment requests, especially when they require urgent response. Use a phone number you know, or talking to the sender in person, to verify the legitimacy of the request.

    • Don’t click on links or open attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.

  • Romance Scams
    Fraudsters build fake relationships online and ask for money or access to accounts.

    • Be cautious with anyone asking for financial help online if you’ve never met in person.

    • Don’t share your banking details or send money to people you haven’t verified.

  • Investment Scams / "Pig Butchering"
    Scammers lure people into fraudulent investments, often in crypto.

    • Be skeptical of high-return investment promises or pressure to “act fast.”

    • Research any app or platform independently before transferring money.

  • Phishing, Smishing & Vishing
    Scammers impersonate an organization and attempt to extract your information via email, text (smishing), or calls (vishing).

    • Never share login credentials, PINs, or one-time passcodes.

    • Contact the sender directly using a known phone number if you’re unsure.

    • Never click suspicious links.

  • Fake Marketplace Sales
    Fraudsters post fake listings on sites like Facebook Marketplace, asking for payment off-platform.

    • Avoid sending money through Venmo, PayPal, or other apps unless you know and trust the seller.

    • Stick to in-app payment and delivery protections.

  • Synthetic Identity Fraud
    Fraudsters create fake identities using real and fake information to open accounts or apply for credit.

    • Review your credit reports regularly for unfamiliar activity.

    • Freeze your credit if you’re not applying for new accounts.

  • Lottery, Grandparent & Government Scams
    You’re told you’ve won a prize, a loved one is in trouble, or you owe money to the government.

    • No legitimate agency or lottery will demand payment upfront or threaten arrest.

    • Hang up and call a verified number before taking any action.

General Tips to Keep Your Finances Safe

  • Use strong passwords and change them regularly.

  • Set up alerts in online banking to monitor unusual activity.

  • Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.

  • Don’t click on suspicious links or download unknown apps.

  • When in doubt, call us directly at State Bank Northwest. We’re here to help.

Fraud is constantly evolving; for the latest alerts and fraud prevention tips, visit trusted resources like the FTC and the FBI’s Internet Crime Report. Stay informed—and stay safe.