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Protecting Against Impersonation Scams

Impersonation scams happen when someone pretends to represent a trusted organization, such as a bank, to access your personal or financial information. They often use urgent phone calls, texts, or emails to pressure you into responding quickly.

What is an impersonation scam?

An impersonation scam occurs when a fraudster pretends to be someone you trust, such as:

  • A bank employee
  • A company executive or coworker
  • A vendor or customer
  • A government agency

The goal is usually to convince you to share sensitive information, send money, or grant access to your account.

They may say there is suspicious activity on your account or a problem that needs immediate action. The message may sound legitimate, but the intent is to get you to respond quickly without verifying the request.

Taking a moment to pause and confirm the source can help protect your personal and financial information.

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In Some Cases, Caller ID May Appear Legitimate  

Phone spoofing allows fraudsters to disguise their real number and make a call seem trustworthy.

How Bank Impersonation and Phone Spoofing Work

Scammers frequently create a sense of urgency. They may claim there is:

  • Suspicious activity on your account
  • A security issue that requires immediate action
  • A payment problem that must be resolved quickly
Even if a call or message appears real, it is important to pause and verify before taking action. CSB will not ask for your online banking password, one-time passcodes, or remote access to your device. Requests for this type of information are strong warning signs of fraud.
 
Scammers often follow similar patterns. Watch for these warning signs:
Requests for Private Information
Be cautious if you are asked to share passwords, one-time passcodes, debit card numbers, PINs, or remote access to your device. 
Pressure to Act Immediately
Claims of suspicious activity or urgent security issues are often used to push quick decisions.
Unexpected Links or Payments
Be cautious of unfamiliar links, software downloads, or unexpected requests to send wire or ACH payments.

How To Protect Your Accounts from Fraud

 

Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce your risk:

  • Pause before responding to unexpected calls, texts, or emails
  • Avoid clicking links or opening attachments you were not expecting
  • Type your bank’s website address directly into your browser
  • Contact your bank using a phone number listed on its official website.
  • Keep your devices and security software up to date
Small steps taken consistently can make a meaningful difference.
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Have questions or need to verify something? We’re here to help. 
 

Fraud Protection tips for business customers

 
Business accounts are often targeted in impersonation scams involving wires, ACH payments, and account access. Clear verification procedures and internal controls can help reduce risk and protect your operations.
Verify Payment Changes

Always confirm payment or account changes using known, trusted contact information, not details provided in the request.

Use Dual Controls

Require dual approvals for wire and ACH transactions whenever possible to add an extra layer of protection.

Train and Monitor

Train employees to pause and verify unusual requests and use account alerts to monitor activity.




















Receive a Suspicious Call or MESSAGE? Take These Steps

CSB will not ask for your password, one-time passcodes, or remote access to your device.
Legitimate organizations will understand your need to verify.
For account-specific or time-sensitive issues, please call or text us at 330.674.9015.
Find a CSB Banking Center near you.







Want More Cybersecurity Tips?

Protecting your business starts with staying informed. We’ve compiled additional resources to help you recognize fraud, secure your accounts, and train your team on best practices.