Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity isn’t just a concern for tech experts; it’s a responsibility we all share. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, staying vigilant and adopting proactive measures is the key to safeguarding your digital presence.
Below are a few resources to help you learn how to spot, avoid, and report related frauds and scams that can affect your financial well-being.
Impersonation Attempts Notice
There is an increase in sophisticated impersonation and social engineering attempts.
Be prepared to defend against these bad actors by staying informed and vigilant.
Overview
Attack Methods: Emails, phone calls, and text messages are being used to attempt access to online accounts and sensitive information.
Deceptive Techniques: Bad actors use Caller ID spoofing and voice generation to create a false sense of safety and familiarity.
Key Points
No Personal Info Requests: We will never contact you by phone, email, or text to ask for personal information like your account number, verification codes, or online banking username.
Get to know your bank and our team better by visiting the branch. Familiarize yourself with our branch staff and get to know your banker. Building a personal relationship with us can help you better recognize legitimate communications and be more secure.
Security Reminders
Scammers sometimes try to cheat you out of your money by impersonating your bank over the phone. In some scams, they act friendly and helpful. In others, they’ll threaten or scare you. Scammers will often ask for your personal information, or get you to send them money. Banks never will.
To review tips and scams to look out for, view more detailed information here.
By recognizing these signs and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself and your family from potential scams and ensure your financial security.
Suspicious Activity?
Debit card fraud is on the rise. Regularly monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions.
If there is unusual activity, contact Community First Bank immediately at (509) 783-0955 or stop by your local branch.
To dispute suspected fraudulent charges, utilize our Dispute Debit Card transaction form in the link below.
Protect Yourself from the Latest Scams
Scam Tips and Red Flags
Every day, people lose their hard-earned money to online phishing scams.
Learn how to spot shady texts, emails, and phone calls by knowing the things your bank would never ask.
Email Scams
Email scams account for 96 percent of all phishing attacks, making email the most popular tool for the bad guys. Often, the scammer will disguise the email to look and sound like it’s from your bank.
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Avoid clicking suspicious links
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Always be alert
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Watch for attachments and typos
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Banks will never use scare tactics
Phone Scams
Scammers sometimes try to cheat you out of your money by impersonating your bank over the phone. In some scams, they act friendly and helpful. In others, they’ll threaten or scare you. Scammers will often ask for your personal information, or get you to send them money. Banks never will.
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Watch out for a false sense of urgency
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Never share personal information
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Don't rely on Caller ID
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Hang up on unexpected calls
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Dial the number listed on the bank card
Text Message Scams
Phishing text messages attempt to trick you into sharing personal information like your password, PIN, or social security number to gain access to accounts. Don’t respond to these messages. Delete them instead and keep your information safe. Spot the signs of a scam before you click or reply.
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Slow down - think before you act
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Don't click links
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Never send personal information
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Delete the message
Next Steps
What to do in the event you may have been impacted by a scam:
- Change your password. Ensure it is at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters.
- Contact your bank immediately to inform them of any unusual activity.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)
Additional Resources
American Banker’s Association “Banks Never Ask That” to learn more about how to stay safe from scams – click here.
AARP page on scams and fraud – click here.
Vox and Zelle team up to deliver “Pay it Safe” tips – click here.
Download CardValet® App
CardValet® is a free tool that allows you to customize settings, notifications, spending limits of the card linked to your bank account, and so much more.
