Stay Informed. Stay Protected.
At Citizens Trust Bank, protecting our customers and communities is a top priority. Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, using emails, phone calls, text messages, social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and impersonation schemes to target consumers and businesses.
Our Fraud Prevention Resource Center is designed to help you recognize common scams, understand warning signs, and take proactive steps to protect your personal and financial information. The more informed you are, the better prepared you’ll be to identify suspicious activity and avoid becoming a victim.
Common Types of Financial Scams
Phishing
What Is It?
Phishing is a type of scam in which criminals use fraudulent emails, websites, or messages that appear to come from a legitimate organization to steal personal or financial information.
Warning Signs
- Unexpected requests for personal information
- Suspicious links or attachments
- Messages creating urgency
- Requests to verify account information
How to Protect Yourself
- Never click suspicious links
- Navigate directly to official websites
- Avoid sharing personal information through email
Smishing (Text Message Scams)
What Is It?
Smishing is phishing conducted through text message
Warning Signs
- Unexpected texts containing links
- Messages claiming your account is locked
- Requests for verification codes
How to Protect Yourself
- void clicking links in unexpected texts
- Verify requests directly with your bank
- Delete suspicious messages
Vishing & Call Spoofing
What Is It?
Scammers use phone calls and caller ID spoofing technology to make calls appear as though they are coming from a legitimate organization, including financial institutions.
Warning Signs
- High-pressure tactics
- Requests for passwords or one-time
- Claims of suspicious account activity
- Urgent requests requiring immediate action
How to Protect Yourself
- Hang up immediately if something feels suspicious
- Call the organization using a trusted phone number
- Never share login credentials or passcodes over the phone
AI-Powered Scams
What Is It?
scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create realistic emails, text messages, websites, voice recordings, and images that appear legitimate.
Warning Signs
- Highly personalized messages
- Voice messages that sound familiar
- Urgent requests involving money or sensitive information
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify unexpected requests independently
- Never share verification codes
- Slow down before making financial decisions
Impersonation Scams
What Is It?
Fraudsters may pretend to be bank representatives, government agencies, businesses, family members, or trusted contacts.
Warning Signs
- Requests for immediate payment
- Demands for sensitive information
- Threats or scare tactics
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify identities independently
- Contact organizations directly
- Never make rushed decisions involving money
Red Flags to Watch For
Before responding to any message, email, text, or phone call, watch for these common warning signs:
- Urgent requests requiring immediate action
- Requests for passwords, verification codes, or PINs
- Caller IDs that appear legitimate but feel suspicious
- Threats involving account closure or legal action
- Requests to transfer money quickly
- Pressure to keep information secret
- Unexpected links or attachments
If something feels off, pause and verify before taking action.
Fraud Prevention Checklist
Protect your accounts by following these simple security habits:
- Create strong, unique passwords
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Review account activity regularly
- Verify unexpected requests independently
- Protect one-time passcodes and verification codes
- Keep devices and applications updated
- void suspicious links and attachments
- Contact your bank through official channels
What To Do If You Believe You've Been Scammed
If you believe you have shared sensitive information or experienced fraudulent activity:
Step 1: Contact Citizens Trust Bank immediately at 678-406-4000.
Step 2: Change passwords, usernames, and PINs associated with impacted accounts.
Step 3: Review account activity for suspicious transactions.
Step 4: Place a fraud alert on your credit report.
Step 5: Report identity theft through IdentityTheft.gov.
Step 6: Document suspicious messages, phone numbers, emails, and transaction information.
The sooner you act, the greater the opportunity to minimize potential losses.
Helpful Resources
FDIC Call Spoofing Scam Awareness
Learn how scammers use caller ID spoofing techniques and how to better protect yourself from fraudulent calls.
Banks Never Ask That
Test your fraud awareness and learn how to identify suspicious requests for personal information.
How to Protect Your Bank Account From AI-Powered Scams
Explore practical tips for recognizing AI-powered fraud and protecting your accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is phishing?
Phishing is a scam in which criminals use emails, texts, or phone calls that appear to be from a legitimate organization to obtain personal or financial information.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious email, text, or phone call?
Do not click links, download attachments, or provide information. End communication immediately and contact your bank using a trusted phone number.
What is call spoofing?
Call spoofing occurs when fraudsters manipulate caller ID information to make a call appear as though it is coming from a legitimate organization.
How do AI-powered scams work?
Scammers use artificial intelligence to create realistic messages, phone calls, images, and content designed to gain trust and steal information.
Will Citizens Trust Bank ever ask for my password or verification code?
No. Citizens Trust Bank will never contact customers unexpectedly and request passwords, PINs, or one-time verification codes.
What if I accidentally shared my information?
Contact Citizens Trust Bank immediately, change your passwords, and monitor all accounts for suspicious activity.
How can I better protect my accounts?
Use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, monitor account activity regularly, and verify any unexpected requests through trusted channels.