At Pinnacle Bank, your security is our priority. In an increasingly digital world, protecting the financial health of our community, especially for small business owners, is more important than ever. Phishing scams pose a significant threat to long-term stability and growth, impacting real people and businesses.
To help you and your business remain resilient, we’re breaking down the common red flags to watch out for in email and payment app scams.
Email Scams
Unusual Email Addresses: Slow down and take a look. Does that email address seem off? If it’s not one you usually see from your bank, be cautious. Scammers often use addresses that look almost right, but not quite.
Misspelled Words: Spot check! If you see misspelled words or odd grammar, it’s a red flag. Real banks take care to spell things correctly.
Scare Tactics: Don’t panic. If an email tries to scare you with urgent warnings about your account, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate banks don’t use fear to communicate with you.
Suspicious URLs: Hold up — we don’t ask you to log in through an email. Phishing emails often include links to fake websites. Never click on unexpected links.
Unexpected Attachments: Something’s phishy if you receive an email from Pinnacle with attachments you didn’t ask for. We don’t send attachments out of the blue. These could contain malware.
If you feel odd about opening, just give us a call at 877-759-7939.
Payment App Scams
Unexpected Requests: If you get a random request to send money through a payment app, be cautious. This is often a scam.
Sending Money to Yourself: If someone claims to be us and says to send money to yourself, it’s definitely a scam. We never ask for this.
Overpayment Claims: Be wary if someone says they overpaid you and asks for a refund through Zelle®. Scammers use this trick to steal your money.
Suspicious Links: If a payment app message includes a link, don’t click it. Scammers use these links to steal your login details.
Pressure and Urgency: Scammers love to create urgency. If you’re told about emergencies, unverified transactions, account suspensions or surprise winnings, it’s likely a scam.
Staying informed and vigilant is crucial in protecting your business from phishing scams. At Pinnacle Bank, we are committed to supporting you in this effort. If you ever encounter any suspicious activity or have concerns about the legitimacy of an email or payment request, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 877-759-7939.
Together, we can keep your financial health secure and your business thriving. Stay safe!
