It often starts with something that feels routine: a text saying your package couldn't be delivered, a call claiming your account was compromised, or an email about a prize you never entered. The message asks you to click a link, share personal details, or confirm a purchase. In the moment, it can feel legitimate. But that sense of urgency? That's usually the first warning sign. Fraudsters are skilled at mimicking people and organizations you trust. They pose as customer support representatives, government agencies, online retailers, even friends or coworkers. Their goal is always the same: getting you to share sensitive information like passwords, account numbers, or verification codes that give them access to your accounts.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Fraud
Fraud shows up in many ways, and staying familiar with the most common tactics can make a meaningful difference in keeping your information safe. Below are several types of fraud that customers see most often, along with what to watch for and how they typically work.
Check Fraud
Check fraud remains one of the most widespread threats. Criminals may steal checks from the mail, alter the payee or amount, or create counterfeit checks to withdraw funds. Even as digital banking grows, paper checks continue to be targeted, making account alerts and regular account monitoring especially important. Using secure options such as Bill Pay, can also help reduce risk by allowing you to make payments without sending checks through the mail.
Card Fraud
Card fraud includes unauthorized purchases made with stolen card numbers, duplicated cards, or a lost or stolen physical card. Fraudsters may start with a small “test” transaction before attempting larger charges. Card Controls and real-time alerts help customers catch issues quickly.
Text Scams (Smishing)
Text scams have become one of the fastest-growing fraud methods. Scammers send messages that look legitimate, often appearing to come from a bank, delivery service, or familiar company. They may include a link asking you to “verify your information,” sign in to your account, or confirm a charge. The link leads to a fake site designed to capture your login credentials or personal details. If you receive a text you were not expecting, especially one that creates a sense of urgency, it is best to avoid clicking any links. If the message appears to be from Highpoint Community Bank, you can contact us to confirm that the text is legitimate. If it appears to be from another company, reach out to them directly using a trusted number.
Number Spoofing
With number spoofing, scammers make their phone calls or text messages appear as if they’re coming from a legitimate business, often even displaying the real phone number on caller ID. The goal is to build trust quickly so they can request personal information, push you to “verify” account details, or gain access to online accounts. Caller ID cannot always be trusted, the safest approach is to hang up and call the organization back using a known, official number and never the number provided in the suspicious message.
Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing emails and impersonation calls attempt to convince customers to share sensitive information. These messages may claim there is an urgent issue with an account or that immediate action is required. The goal is to gain access to personal data, online banking credentials, or verification codes.
Account Takeover
Account takeover occurs when a fraudster gathers enough information to impersonate a customer and gain access to their accounts. Once inside, they may change contact details, transfer funds, or attempt additional scams. Strong passwords, multi factor authentication, and careful handling of personal information help reduce the risk.
Elder Financial Exploitation
Older adults are often targeted through schemes that rely on trust or emotional manipulation. These scams may involve false romantic relationships, fraudulent tech support, high pressure investment pitches, or misuse of funds by someone close to them. Staying connected and paying attention to unusual financial activity can go a long way when it comes to protecting the people you care about. You can learn more about supporting and protecting your loved ones by reading Protecting Our Seniors: Common Fraud Risks and Prevention Strategies.
Online and Mobile Banking Scams
Online and mobile banking scams often involve fake websites, pop ups, or apps created to look like trusted financial tools. The goal is to capture your login information or install malware that monitors your activity. The safest approach is to use the official mobile app and website provided by Highpoint Community Bank or any other financial institution you work with. Keeping your device updated and being cautious with unfamiliar links adds an extra layer of protection when you are managing your accounts online.
Pause Before You Respond
The best defense is simple: slow down. Before responding to any unexpected message, contact the company or person directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate, not the contact info provided in the message itself. Real organizations won't pressure you to act immediately, threaten consequences, or ask for login credentials over text or email.
Pay attention to subtle red flags, too. Look for misspellings, unfamiliar email addresses, or messages that feel slightly off for that person or brand. Scammers count on urgency and emotion to bypass your better judgment. A few seconds of critical thinking can stop fraud in its tracks.
Tools That Work With You
At Highpoint Community Bank, we believe protection should be proactive, not reactive. That's why we offer tools designed to help you stay one step ahead.
MyCardRules gives you complete control over your HCB Debit Card through the mobile app. Turn your card off and on instantly, set spending limits, specify where it can be used, and turn on text alerts to get notified whenever it's used for purchases. Download the HCB mobile app at your favorite app store.
If your card is lost or stolen, turn it off immediately. During business hours, contact any office. After hours, report it through the app under Card Management or call our 24-Hour fraud hotline at 1-888-297-3416.
You can learn more about these features and other security tools on our Digital Banking page. If you ever receive a suspicious message or call claiming to be from us, do not hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help you verify it before you take any action.
Trust Your Instincts
Awareness is one of your strongest defenses. By staying calm, verifying what you're told, and trusting that gut feeling when something seems off, you can stop fraud before it starts. Taking a moment to question and confirm isn't paranoia—it's smart.