Cybersecurity

Current Scams and Fraud Alerts

 
  • Fraud Alert: Scammers Are Spoofing Citizens Bank Phone Numbers

We have received reports of scammers making phone calls that appear to come from legitimate Citizens Bank phone numbers. These callers may claim there is a problem with your account and ask you to provide personal or account information.

Do not provide account information, passwords, PINs, Social Security numbers, debit card information, or verification codes to an unsolicited caller.

Caller ID can be spoofed, meaning the phone number displayed on your screen may appear to be Citizens Bank even when the call is not actually coming from us.

If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Citizens Bank, hang up and call us directly using a trusted Citizens Bank phone number.

Please stay alert and help protect your personal and financial information.

 

Keep You and Your Information Secure

 
  1. Monitor your accounts regularly. 
    Make sure that all transactions posted are ones you have authorized. Report any suspected fraudulent or suspicious activity to your bank immediately. 
  2. Look out for strange emails! 
    Don't respond to emails that claim to be from your bank (or any other company) requesting your account details or passwords. Bank will not reach out to you over email to ask for your account details. 

  3. Avoid clicking links in emails. 
    It is usually much safer to log in to your bank website manually ensure you are entering a secure line. 

  4. Change your bank passwords regularly. 
    Avoid using the same passwords across multiple sites and make sure you are choosing a strong password that is a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using any words or phrases that contain your name, initials or your birthdate.

  5. Enable two-factor authentication. 
    Many financial institutions have added a layer of security for account holders. Two-factor authentication requires you to enter an extra verification credential before you can access your account.

  6. Disable automatic login. 
    Do not allow your web browser to store private username and password information for your online banking websites. 

  7. When available, only use your bank's official mobile apps. 
    And make sure you download apps from reputable sources such as the Apple Store or the Google Play store. 

  8. Not sure if something is legitimate?
    Do you have questions about your bank's technology? Call them - they will be happy to help!


 
  1. Email Fraud
    If it seems to good to be true, it is probably fraud. Don't believe that lottery awards staff or princes from a foreign country will contact you by email. 

  2. Fraudulent Payments
    Be on guard against fraudulent checks, cashier's checks, money orders, and electronic fund transfers sent with a request for you to wire back part of the money. 
  3. Unsolicited Offers
    Be wary of unsolicited offers that require you to "ACT FAST."

  4. Stay Up-To-Date
    Make sure your device is up-to-date with the latest security updates for your operating system - Windows, Apple IOS, mobile phone IOS (Apple, Android, etc.)

  5. Warning and Errors
    Do not trust websites with certificates warning or errors. 

  6. Beware of Email Attachments
    It's never a good idea to click on an email attachment or free software from unknown sources. You could end up exposing your system to online fraud and theft. 

  7. Sharing Online
    Watch how much you share online. The more you post about yourself on social networking sites, the easier it may be for someone to use that information to access your accounts, steal your identity and more. Protect your personal information by maximizing your privacy settings. 

  8. Financial Scams
    Be aware of disaster-related financial scams. Con artists take advantage of people after catastrophic events by claiming to be from legitimate charitable organizations when, in fact, they are attempting to steal money or valuable personal information. 
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