Fraud Update - Most Recent Fraud Attempts 3-26
Posted On: March 26, 2026 by Austin Bank in: fraud, Fraud Alert
We have become aware of fraud attempts against some of our customers in which fraudsters are impersonating officers of the bank, going so far as to spoof bank phone numbers in an attempt to appear legitimate.
In these attempts, customers have been asked for online banking credentials, or sent a link to online banking which is actually a fraud site designed to collect your credentials. Fraudsters may even go so far as to attempt to collect answers for security questions or security...
Flowers aren't the only things growing in Spring - be aware of growing scams!
Posted On: March 2, 2026 by Austin Bank in: fraud
How Scammers Operate on Social Media
Fraudsters use various tactics to lure unsuspecting users into their schemes, including:
Fake Profiles: Scammers create bogus accounts, sometimes impersonating real people, to build trust. Malicious Links: They send messages containing harmful links that install malware or steal data. Emotional Manipulation: Playing on fear, love, or urgency, they convince victims to act without thinking. Bogus...Beware of Income Tax Scams
Posted On: February 4, 2026 by Austin Bank in: fraud
An income tax scam is a fraudulent scheme where criminals impersonate tax authorities like the IRS or trick individuals into providing sensitive personal information such as their social security number, full legal name, bank details, credit card numbers, or history of their financial transactions. These scams are often timed in order to come across as very realistic and usually occur during tax season.
How IRS Refund Check Scams WorkScammers...
Start the year off right with a check of your finances
Posted On: January 2, 2026 by Austin Bank in: fraud
Starting the year off right with a check of your finances and fraud prevention is a crucial step in financial management.
Verifying that the bank has your correct contact information is critical in maintaining communication. To update any of the following, please contact our Customer Care Center at 800.644.9275 or visit your local office.
Personal contact information: email address, phone number and mailing address Beneficiary plans Account ownershipUtilize...
Tips for Holiday Shopping to Protect Yourself Against Fraud
Posted On: December 1, 2025 by Austin Bank in: fraud
Watch out for these holiday attacks:
GIFT CARD PEEK SCAM
Scammers will take gift cards off the rack, scratch off the silver coating that protects the PIN code, record the code, then carefully apply a new coating in a way that leaves buyers none the wiser.
The perpetrator waits a day or two for the card to be purchased and activated, and the card number and PIN are ready for the scammer to use. The disappointed gift card recipient is left with a dud.
Solution: Carefully...
Is AI masquerading as you?
Posted On: October 1, 2025 by Austin Bank in: fraud
What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence “AI” is the development of computer systems able to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech, and translation.
Fraudsters are now using AI to target individuals and give the illusion they are speaking to someone they may know. Fraudsters can now manipulate voice cloning, phishing schemes, and deep fake scams.
What is Voice Cloning?
Voice cloning is taking...
Protecting Gen Z from Fraud
Posted On: September 1, 2025 by Austin Bank in: fraud
As a new generation is entering into the workforce or continuing their education, stay up to date on ways to keep your financial and personal information safe and secure as well as avoiding common scams targeting the Gen Z generation.
How to keep your financial and personal information safe and secure:
Be wary of ads on social media. Some scammers take out social media ads with deals that seem too good to be true (they are). Everyone, not just young adults,...Be Aware of Fraud Attempts against those who had PPP Loans
Posted On: August 21, 2025 by Austin Bank in: fraud, Fraud Alert
We have been made aware of scam attempts being perpetrated against businesses that obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the COVID epidemic. Five years ago, these loans helped to cover critical expenses like payroll, rent, and utilities. At that time, banks warned Federal officials that publicly releasing the lists of PPP recipients (which included bank names, borrower details, and loan amounts) could be a treasure trove of data for criminals.
Now, that...