Important FBI Security Alert: Protect Your Accounts from New Scam Trends

Your security is our top priority. We believe that staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself from evolving threats in the digital world. That’s why we’re committed to sharing the latest updates and practical tips to help you keep your accounts safe.

What’s Happening Nationwide?

Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a public service announcement highlighting a significant rise in impersonation and account takeover scams. These scams are not limited to any one bank or region—they’re affecting financial institutions and account holders across the country. Since January 2025, the FBI has received over 5,100 complaints about these scams, with reported losses exceeding $262 million. This surge in fraudulent activity is a reminder that cybercriminals are constantly developing new tactics to target individuals and businesses alike.

How Do These Scams Work?

Impersonation and account takeover scams often begin with a criminal pretending to be a trusted representative from your bank or another financial institution. They may contact you by phone, email, or text message, using urgent language to convince you that your account is at risk or that immediate action is required. Sometimes, these messages look very official and may even spoof caller ID or email addresses to appear legitimate.

The goal of these scammers is to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as your online banking credentials, one-time passcodes, or other personal details. In some cases, they may direct you to a fake website that closely mimics your bank’s real site, hoping you’ll enter your login information there. Once they have access, they can quickly transfer funds out of your account, often making recovery difficult.

What Can You Do to Stay Safe?

While these scams are becoming more sophisticated, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Never share your online banking credentials, codes, or passwords with anyone. Your bank will never ask you for this information.
• Be cautious of unexpected calls, emails, or texts—even if they look official. If you receive a suspicious message, don’t click on any links or provide any information. Instead, contact your bank directly using a verified phone number or website.
• Always use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for criminals to gain access.
• Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to your bank immediately.
• Stay informed about the latest scam trends. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to recognize and avoid potential threats.

We’re Here to Support You

At City National Bank, we’re dedicated to helping you stay secure. We’ll continue to share important updates and tips to keep you in the loop. Remember, you’re not alone—these scams are happening nationwide, and awareness is your best defense.

Want to Learn More?

For the most up-to-date information on current scam trends and additional tips on how to protect yourself, we encourage you to visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Center.

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