Stay Smart on Your Smartphone

Smartphones are amazing. We rely on them daily for everything from making calls to shopping online and staying connected with loved ones. But just like we lock our doors at night, it’s essential to protect our phones—and the personal information they contain—from digital threats.

Think of your personal data as treasure—it’s valuable and worth protecting. From your bank details to your contact list, keeping this info safe will help you avoid scams and identity theft. Farmers & Merchants Bank is all about helping you stay smart and safe, and these tips are a great place to start.

Watch Out for Sneaky Tactics

Those cyber fraudsters? They’re pretty crafty. Here are some tricks they might try to pull:

• Phony Package Alerts: Ever gotten a text about a package delivery you didn’t order? Be wary—it could be a scam to swipe your cash or info under the guise of a fake delivery fee.
• Urgent Messages About Prizes or Blocked Accounts: If you get a text claiming you’ve won a prize or your account’s in trouble, stop right there. These urgent messages often lead to shady websites or malware traps.
• Dodgy Links: Clicking on unknown links in texts is like opening a mystery door—you never know what’s on the other side. These links could lead to phishing sites or sneaky malware downloads.

Tips for Staying Safe and Sound

Ready to outsmart the fraudsters? Here’s how:

• Stay Skeptical: If a message seems fishy or too good to be true, trust your gut and proceed with caution.
• Check Before You Click: Before tapping on any links or sharing personal info, double-check the sender’s identity and make sure the message checks out.
• Go to the Source: Instead of clicking any links in a suspicious text or email, reach out to the supposed “sender” directly. For instance, if a message claims to be from your bank but something doesn’t seem right, ignore the links. Search your bank and go directly to their authentic website or phone number instead.
• Stay Secure: Keep your phone locked with a strong passcode or biometric security features, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks.
• Keep Up with the Scoop: Stay in the know about the latest scams and fraud trends by checking out our friendly Fraud Awareness updates and resources.
• Our Fraud Squad: Our Fraud Squad is here to help you navigate any concerns or questions you might have. Whether you’re unsure about a text or suspect something fishy, we’re just a call away.

Remember, protecting your info is a small step that can make a big difference in keeping you safe. So, keep those phones close, stay savvy, and know that we’re always here to help you bank with confidence.