Banks Never Ask That!
Updated October 2025
Do you know how to keep yourself safe from fraud? With help from the American Bankers Association’s
Banks Never Ask That campaign, we compiled a list of strategies to help you guard against fraud.
Five Red Flags of a Scam
- They ask you to open a link.
- They use urgent or fear-inducing language.
- They send an attachment.
- They request personal info like PINs, passwords, or social security numbers.
- They pressure you to log into, or send money with, payment apps.
Email Phishing Scams
Have you ever received a random email that pressures you to click a link or open an attachment? An average of 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent by scammers daily. Nothing good comes from clicking unexpected links or opening attachments from unusual email addresses! Do not click any links within strange emails and delete them immediately.
Stay Safe from Email Phishing Scams with These Tips
- Avoid clicking suspicious links
- Watch for scare tactics
- Look for attachments and typos
- Be skeptical of every email
- Think before you click
Text Message Scams
One of the most common forms of phishing is through text message. Scammers will send a text claiming to be from a reputable business or organization, pushing you to tap the link inside. If you tap the link, the scammer could steal your personal information or gain access to your device. If you receive a link in an unexpected text message, delete the message immediately!
Stay Safe from Text Message Scams with These Tips
- Slow down and think before you act
- Don't click links
- Never send personal information
- Delete the message
Phone Call Scams
If you receive a random phone call claiming to be from your bank or another trusted organization, be careful. Banks and reputable companies will never ask for your full Social Security number or other personal information over the phone. If they do, hang up the phone and call back on an official listed number.
Stay Safe from Phone Call Scams with These Tips
- Don't rely on caller ID
- Never give your personal, private and sensitive information to a caller
- Watch out for a false sense of urgency
- Hang up, even if it sounds legit
Mobile Payment App Scams
In 2024, consumers reported more than $390 million in losses to the Federal Trade Commission from scams involving payment apps and digital payment services. Your bank will never ask you to send money through a payment app, and beware of unexpected text messages with links that appear to come from payment apps. Those are phishing scams!
Stay Safe from Mobile Payment App Scams with These Tips
- Be wary of texts or calls about payment apps
- Use payment apps to pay people you know and trust only (like your friends and family)
- Raise the alarm on urgent payment requests or requests for additional money if the payment transaction isn't going through
- Avoid unusual payment methods
Check Fraud
Scammers often try to commit check fraud by altering the check, stealing identities based on the check information or duplicating checks. You can stay safe from check fraud by paying digitally or taking advantage of your bank’s bill-pay service. Other safe options include using secure mailboxes and keeping your banking and personal information private. Monitor your accounts regularly and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Report Your Experience
If you’ve been the victim of a scam that impacts your accounts with us, contact us right away at (765) 654-8731. We are here to help! We have trained professionals on staff who help customers fight fraud. If you’ve lost money, you’ll want to file a police report. You can also report your experience to the Federal Trade Commission.
Play Scam City
See if you can outsmart the scammers in this interactive anti-phishing game from the American Bankers Association or take a quiz.
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