Security Alerts & Scams

At TrustTexas Bank, we want to keep you updated about the latest threats to you and your online security so you can take steps to safeguard your sensitive information.

• Fraud Alert - Fake Phone Calls and Texts
• Mortgage Postcard Scam
• Phishing and Pharming
• 10 Scams Targeting Bank Customers
• Fake Checks
• “Free” Trial Offers
• Tech Support Scams

Fraud Alert - Fake Phone Calls and Texts

Fraudsters have become increasingly adept at getting cardholders to share the information they need to commit fraud by posing as financial institution call center agents, or by sending text messages that look like they are coming from our institution, warning of suspicious transaction activities. 

We want to provide you with the following tips to help you avoid compromising your personal information: 

• TrustTexas Bank will never call you from 800-342-0679. You may use it to call us but the bank does not make outgoing calls from 800-342-0679. If you receive a call or text message from this number, please hang up and call your local branch.
• A text alert from us warning of suspicious activity on your card will NEVER include a link to be clicked. Never click on a link in a text message that is supposedly from us. 
• A phone call from our institution’s fraud system will only include a request for your zip code, and no other personal information, unless you confirm that a transaction is fraudulent. Only then will you be transferred to an agent who will ask questions to confirm that you are the actual cardholder before going through your transactions with you. If at any point you are uncertain about questions being asked or the call itself, hang up and call us directly at 1-800-342-0679. If a call is received by the cardholder, claiming to be our call center and asking to verify transactions, no information should have to be provided by the cardholder other than their zip code, and a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the transaction provided.
• We will NEVER ask you for your PIN or the 3-digit security code on the back of your card. Don’t give them out to anyone, no matter what they say. Hang up and call us directly. Fraudsters will often ask cardholders to verify fake transactions. When the cardholder says no, they did not perform those transactions, the fraudster then says that their card will be blocked, a new card will be issued, and that they need the card’s PIN to put it on the new card. Many people believe this and provide their PIN. The 3-digit CV2 code on the back of the card will allow a fraudster to conduct card-not-present transactions.
• Regularly check your account online to see if there are any suspicious transactions that have occurred, but especially If you are unsure about a call or text message you’ve received. If anything looks amiss, call us directly at 1-800-342-0679 for assistance.
• If you have received a voice- or a text-message from us and are unsure about responding to it, call us directly at 1-800-342-0679 for assistance. 

Mortgage Postcard Scam

What are these postcards, and who is sending them? Customers are reporting postcards urging them to call a number about a time-sensitive matter on their mortgage. These postcards (which come in a variety of colors) are being sent to consumers all around the country.  These postcards did not come from TrustTexas Bank, or any financial institution. There is a small disclaimer in the bottom right corner indicating the sender is "not affiliated with, sponsored by, and loan information not provided by TRUSTTEXAS BK SSB." It does further state that the information was provided by "H. W. C." Postcards received elsewhere in the country state the information was provided by "Mortgage Protection Services."  How did the postcard senders get my information? At TrustTexas Bank, we’re committed to protecting our customer's personal information. Likewise, we do not sell or otherwise distribute it to non-affiliate third parties. However, some information about mortgages, regardless of what lender the consumer works with, is public record. That’s how someone like this will obtain your contact information. Do note – and should immediately alert you to the likelihood of something being the scam –that the account number does not match yours.

 What if I call the number on the postcard?

We advise our customers NOT call the number listed. Calling the number may connect you with a real person, or it may connect you to automated recording prompts. Regardless, do not offer them your personal information. 

What should I do if I get this postcard?

The best thing to do is disregard the postcard. Dispose of it however you would any other junk mail you receive. In addition, you are always encouraged to contact us directly should you have questions about such matters.

Phishing and Pharming

With the sensitive information obtained from successful phishing and pharming scams, thieves can take out loans or obtain credit cards or even driver's licenses in your name. They can do damage to your financial history and personal reputation that can take years to unravel. Phishers and pharmers are able to convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them.

"Phishing" - It's pronounced "fishing," and that's exactly what these thieves are doing: "fishing" for your personal financial information. Phishing attacks are "spoofed" e-mails designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, Social Security numbers, etc.

"Pharming" - This type of Internet piracy attempts to take advantage of slight misspellings in domain names to trick users into inadvertently visiting the pharmer's fraudulent website. For example, a pharmer may redirect a user to anybnk.com instead of anybank.com, the site the user intended to access. In some cases, a pop-up window will quickly appear for the purpose of harvesting your financial institution.

Here's how it works:

In a typical case, you'll receive an e-mail that appears to come from a reputable company that you recognize and do business with, such as your financial institution. In some cases, the e-mail may appear to come from a government agency, including one of the federal financial institution regulatory agencies.

The e-mail will probably warn you of a serious problem that requires your immediate attention or your account will be shut down unless you reconfirm certain information. It may use phrases, such as "Immediate attention required," or "Please contact us immediately about your account." The e-mail will then encourage you to click on a button to go to the institution's website.

In either case (phishing or pharming), you may be asked to update your account information or to provide information for verification purposes: your Social Security number, your account number, your password, or the information you use to verify your identity when speaking to a real financial institution, such as your mother's maiden name or your place of birth.

Warning signs:

• fraudulent charges on your credit card
• credit card or financial statements don't arrive
• bills arrive for goods or services you didn't request
• suspicious inquiries on your credit report
• phone calls from creditors
• suddenly denied credit

10 Scams Targeting Bank Customers

Please click the link below to read this article from FDIC Consumer News – Summer 2017
https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnsum17/scams.html 

Fake Checks

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know that counterfeit check scams are on the rise. Counterfeit or fake checks are being used in a growing number of fraudulent schemes, including foreign lottery scams, check overpayment scams, Internet auction scams, and secret shopper scams. Click here to learn more.

“Free” Trial Offers

A chance to try something out for free? What have you got to lose? If you're interested in a particular product or service, trying before you buy might seem like a no-brainer. But what starts as a free trial — or for a very low cost — might end up costing you real money.

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, wants you to know that some companies use free trials to sign you up for more products — sometimes lots of products — which can cost you lots of money as they bill you every month until you cancel. Click here to learn more.

Tech Support Scams

Some scammers call and claim to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft or Apple. Other scammers send pop-up messages that warn about computer problems. They say they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer. They claim to be “tech support” and will ask you to give them remote access to your computer. Eventually, they’ll diagnose a non-existent problem and ask you to pay for unnecessary – or even harmful – services.
If you get an unexpected pop-up, call, spam email or other urgent message about problems with your computer, STOP!!! Don’t click on any links, don’t give control of your computer and don’t send any money!!!