Your Guide to Navigating Fraud
Navigating fraud alone and without a guide can be scary! Our Fraud Squad shared some of the best tips to help you navigate fraud concerns and issues.
Caution!
When you see a caution sign, that means there’s a dangerous situation that may be avoidable. Here are some proactive ways to prevent fraud:
- Set up text and online banking alerts
- Set up travel notifications by calling your bank and letting them know where you’re going
- Never open an email you’re unsure of
- Only use secure, familiar websites
- Never give info over the phone unless you’re making the call
- Use credit cards for online transactions, rather than debit
- Use the Debit Card on/off feature
- Check your credit report for irregularities
Hmm…wait one second!
If something feels too good to be true — it probably is! Pause, take a moment, and ask yourself these questions before doing anything else:
- Do you know the person who is calling, texting, or emailing you?
- Have you met them in person?
- Are they offering you money?
Stop, something’s definitely off!
You know that moment when you see or hear something, and your gut is telling you something’s wrong? It’s time to stop and listen before giving out your information!
Scammers may encourage you to answer questions so they can guess your passwords or security questions. Avoid answering these questions:
- Where you are from
- Favorite color
- First pet’s name
- Street you grew up on
- Favorite teacher’s name
- Name of the first car you had
- Mother’s maiden name
What do I do now?
If you happen to speak with a scammer and give out any sort of information — please give us a call! We can help you navigate what to do next.
Fraud happens more often than you think so you shouldn’t feel embarrassed if it happens to you. Remember we’re here to help keep you, your information, and your money safe.
Just remember: If it sounds too good to be true — it probably is!
Call Farmers & Merchants Bank if you have fraud questions or concerns and our Fraud Squad will be there to help you navigate them.
Contact Farmers & Merchants Bank
Stop Fraud in Its Tracks with these Tips
Watch the videos below to learn easy ways to prevent fraud from happening to you!
Fraud Tip: Don’t respond to strangers
In this video, Justina shares five questions to think about if someone is trying to contact you via email or phone:
- Do you know the person that’s reaching out?
- Does it look credible?
- Have you met them in person?
- Are they offering money or gifts?
- Does it sound too good to be true?
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Fraud Squad?
The Fraud Squad is our team dedicated to answering fraud questions, concerns, and incidents for our loyal customers. To get in touch with a member from our team, just call your nearest branch and we’ll connect you with someone to help you navigate your next step.
What’s FraudWatch® PLUS?
With FraudWatch® PLUS, trained analysts watch for suspicious transaction activity on your debit card on your behalf—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
If needed, a fraud analyst will contact you immediately to verify the authenticity of your card transactions. So, if you get a call from Fraud Prevention Services, know that our people are doing their job in preventing potential misuse of your card. It’s important that Farmers & Merchants Bank has your current phone numbers so Fraud Prevention Services can reach you if suspicious activity is recognized on your account.
If you will be traveling internationally or outside of your normal geographic area, contact us first and we will make sure your card is working for you while you travel.
Note: Fraud Prevention Services will NEVER ask for the following information:
- Your full card number
- The expiration date on your card
- Your card’s PIN
- The CVC code on the back of your card
- Your full Social Security Number
For lost or stolen debit cards outside of normal business hours, call 1-800-264-5578. During normal business hours, contact your local branch.
I gave out my bank information — now what?
Don’t worry. Give your branch a call, we’ll help you with next steps and ensure that your money is safe. That’s part of banking with a hometown bank.
I just want to talk to someone about ways to avoid fraud — can I call you guys?
Absolutely! That’s why we have our Fraud Squad, so they can answer any questions you have and put your mind at ease.