Fraud & Security

Common Scams & Red Flags

Learn how to spot common scams and keep your personal and account information safe.

Don't Fall Victim to Fraud: Stay Vigilant and Informed

Every day, regular people like you lose their hard-earned money to scams. Learn how to spot suspicious texts, emails, and phone calls. 

We will never unexpectedly contact you and ask for personal information. Please call us at 800-651-9111 if you think you have been scammed or notice fraudulent activity on your account. 

Reduce Your Risk of Fraud

  • Set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
  • Never click on a suspicious link requesting personal information.
  • Do not use the same username, pin, or password for multiple online accounts.
  • Use a lengthy, complex password or passphrase that incorporates special characters.
  • Avoid accessing your online banking accounts via a wireless network.
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Read More About Scams

Ever heard of the Frozen Account Scam? Learn how to protect yourself from it on our blog.

Read More

Red Flags It's a Scam!

Be on alert when you receive an email, text message, phone call, or mobile payment you are not expecting—it could be a scam. Never click links, open attachments, or share personal info before verifying the source. If you spot any of these red flags, please call us at 800-651-9111. 
account alerts

Unfamiliar Contact Information

Unusual caller ID, email address, or phone numbers.
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You Feel Rushed

Urgent warnings or requests and scare tactics.
spelling errors dictionary

Spelling Errors

Watch for misspelled words or odd grammar.
requests personal information identification

Requests for Personal Information

We’ll never ask for your personal information.
suspicious links phishing

Suspicious Links

Banks rarely, if ever, send links via text.
anytime access funds

Overpayment Claims

This is a tactic scammers use to trick you into sending them money.
account alerts

Unfamiliar Contact Information

Unusual caller ID, email address, or phone numbers.
fast approval

You Feel Rushed

Urgent warnings or requests and scare tactics.
spelling errors dictionary

Spelling Errors

Watch for misspelled words or odd grammar.
requests personal information identification

Requests for Personal Information

We’ll never ask for your personal information.
suspicious links phishing

Suspicious Links

Banks rarely, if ever, send links via text.
anytime access funds

Overpayment Claims

This is a tactic scammers use to trick you into sending them money.

Protect Yourself from Common Scams

The banking industry is witnessing a significant surge in text message and phone call scams. These criminals are impersonating Isabella Bank and other financial institutions to deceive you into revealing sensitive personal information.

Be vigilant: these requests are fraudulent. Never share your personal or account details with anyone.

Fraudsters are relentless in their development of scams to outsmart the existing authentication controls put in place to protect your account information. Here are some recent and common scams to look out for.

Tax Scams:

Scammers pose as IRS agents, using phone calls, emails, or text messages to demand immediate payment, threaten legal action, or request sensitive information. It’s important to know the IRS will never call, email, or text you demanding payment or threatening arrest. Instead, they will always contact you first through an official letter by mail. You can verify any IRS contact by calling 1-800-829-1040.

Bank Fraud Text Message and Phone Call Scams:

The banking industry has seen an increase in the number of text message and phone call scams. In ongoing scams, they are impersonating Isabella Bank and other financial institutions in an attempt to mislead consumers into sharing their personal and account information. Please be aware that these attempts are scams, and it is important that YOU DO NOT provide any information to them. As your trusted banking partner, Isabella Bank understands the importance of protecting your personal and account information. We have many layers of security in place to keep our customers’ information safe and protecting that information is paramount to all of us.

Human Voice Replication: 

This is a sophisticated scam where criminals use artificial intelligence to replicate human voices, impersonating family members or trusted individuals to deceive you into revealing sensitive information or sending money. 

Money Mules Fuel Fraud:

What are money mules? Money mules are people who receive and move money obtained by victims of fraud. Some money mules know they’ve been recruited to assist criminal activity, but others become money mules without realizing their activity is benefiting fraudsters.

Keystroke Logging/Virus Attacks: 

Keylogging is a method by which fraudsters record your actual keystrokes and mouse clicks. Keyloggers are "Trojan" software programs that target your computer's operating system (Windows, Mac OS, etc.) and are "installed" via a virus. These can be particularly dangerous because the fraudster has captured your user ID and password and anything else you have typed while online. If you are like most other users and have the same ID and PIN/Password for many different online accounts, you have essentially granted the fraudster access to any company with whom you conduct business. 

Phishing:

Phishing is a scam where fraudsters request personal information from users. While requests are most commonly in the form of an email from an organization you may or may not do business with, they could also be from a phone call, text message or letter. The request is made to look exactly like it came from the organization, complete with company logos and other convincing information. The request usually states that the company needs you to update your personal information or that your account is about to become inactive or frozen, all in an effort to get you to supply your information. Please remember no reputable business will ever contact you in these ways requesting that you update your personal information, including account numbers, system passwords or Social Security Numbers. 

Scammers Can Attack from Many Different Angles

Visit the American Bankers Association’s Banks Never Ask That website to learn more about the communication methods scammers use.
Learn More
senior man on a phone call reading his credit card looking confused

Phone Calls

Scammers may try to impersonate the bank over the phone. Don't give any information out unless you made the call yourself.
woman looking at her phone at a suspicous message

Text Messages

Keep info safe by not responding & deleting suspicious text messages.
man viewing his computer laptop screen suspiciously

Email

Most Phishing attempts are done via email, the most frequently used tool. Don't click on any links. Verify before you trust.
man looking at his phone concerned about something he just read

Mobile Payment Apps

Be cautious if you receive a request for money from a stranger. This can happen in apps like Venmo, CashApp, etc.
senior man on a phone call reading his credit card looking confused

Phone Calls

Scammers may try to impersonate the bank over the phone. Don't give any information out unless you made the call yourself.
woman looking at her phone at a suspicous message

Text Messages

Keep info safe by not responding & deleting suspicious text messages.
man viewing his computer laptop screen suspiciously

Email

Most Phishing attempts are done via email, the most frequently used tool. Don't click on any links. Verify before you trust.
man looking at his phone concerned about something he just read

Mobile Payment Apps

Be cautious if you receive a request for money from a stranger. This can happen in apps like Venmo, CashApp, etc.
Learn More
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Learn About Our Contact Policy

Isabella Bank's Contact Policy

We will never contact you and ask for personal information. Please contact us directly before providing information to anyone who contacts you on an unsolicited basis. 
Contact Us

Recent Articles 

How to Make the Most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Picture of young man laying on couch shopping on ipad looking at Black Friday deals

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the biggest shopping days of the year, offering amazing deals on everything from electronics to clothes. But with so many sales, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or spend more than you planned. With a bit of planning, you can score great bargains, stretch your dollars, and avoid common shopping pitfalls. These eight tips will help you shop smarter, stay on budget, and get the most out of your holiday shopping.

Plan Ahead

Before diving into the deals, take time to map out your game plan. Start with a shopping list and prioritize essential items. Set a budget that works for you and stick to it. Do your homework by checking product reviews and comparing features so you’re confident you’re getting real value that meets your needs.

Shop Early

The best deals often don’t wait for the actual day. Many stores kick off their Black Friday sales days or even weeks in advance. Online deals for Cyber Monday may also pop up early. Keep an eye out and act fast on early-bird specials so you don’t miss out.

Maximize Savings

Every dollar saved adds up, and the opportunities seem unlimited during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Hunt for coupons and promo codes for extra discounts and sign up for email alerts from your favorite stores to get exclusive offers. Cash back apps like Rakuten or Ibotta can help you earn money back on your purchases. If you shop regularly at a certain store, look into their credit card perks like special financing or rewards points.

Shop Smart

A great deal isn’t great if hidden costs eat into your savings. Factor in shipping fees when comparing prices. Know the return policy before you buy, just in case you need to use it. Some retailers offer price matching; if you find a better deal elsewhere, ask if they’ll match it.

Stay Safe 

Shopping online is convenient, but don’t let your guard down. Stick to secure websites, identified with “https” in the URL and a padlock icon. Use strong, unique passwords, and be wary of phishing scams and deals that seem too good to be true. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening emails from unknown senders. Visit the Fraud & Security page on our website to learn about common red flags and the steps you can take to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud. 

Use Tools to Track and Alert You on Prices

Not every discount is as good as it looks. Use online tools that track price history to see if a sale is actually a deal. Sites like Camelcamelcamel show how prices have changed over time, especially on Amazon. This helps you avoid fake discounts and shop smarter. You can also set price alerts to get notified when an item drops to your target price. Tools like ShopSavvy let you scan barcodes in stores to track local deals. These apps save time and help you get the best price without constantly checking.

Get Price Adjustments

Some retailers offer price adjustments even after you’ve made a purchase. If an item you bought goes on sale, contact customer service, and they may refund the difference. This tactic, known as price protection, can boost your savings, but not all stores offer it. Check the store’s return policy and terms for more information.

Watch for Lower Quality Versions of Products

During major sales, some retailers sell cheaper versions of popular products. These might look the same but could use lower-quality parts or lack certain features. This happens a lot with electronics like TVs, laptops, and kitchen appliances.

Before you buy, consider reviewing the model number and features online to make sure the product meets your expectations. A good deal isn’t worth it if the product won’t last or perform as expected. Knowing what you’re getting helps you avoid surprises and get real value for your money.

Ready to Start Shopping?

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can offer great opportunities to score great deals on items you need. With a smart plan, comparing prices, and shopping safely, you can score sweet deals without breaking your budget.

Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, consider using your Isabella Bank debit card. With the My Rewards Debit Card, you can earn points that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, and much more.

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