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FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

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FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

HERE’S AN EXTRA LAYER OF PROTECTION

If we detect fraudulent activity on your debit card, we’ll check with you before allowing potential fraud on your account.
LEARN ABOUT FRAUD STOP TEXT ALERTS to protect your account

OPTIMIZE YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS BANKING EXPERIENCE

For an optimized online experience, we strongly recommend using Forcht Bank’s Business Online Banking with either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers
LOG INTO BUSINESS ONLINE BANKING log into business online banking

Fraud Center

Fraud Center

The safety and security of our customers' finances are of utmost importance, and that's why we've carefully created this platform to educate on the various types of fraudulent activities that exist and the tools Forcht Bank has available to prevent them. By using our tools and resources, you can stay informed and take proactive measures to safeguard your personal and financial information. That's safe banking. That's Happier Banking. 

Below are a few top trending scams.

Spoofing and phishing

Spoofing

Spoofing is when someone disguises an email address, sender name, phone number, or website URL—often just by changing one letter, symbol, or number—to convince you that you are interacting with a trusted source.

Phishing 

Phishing schemes often use spoofing techniques to lure you in and get you to take the bait. These scams are designed to trick you into giving information to criminals that they shouldn’t have access to. Phishing has evolved and now has several variations that use similar techniques:

  • Vishing scams happen over the phone, voice email, or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls.
  • Smishing scams happen through SMS (text) messages. 
  • Pharming scams happen when malicious code is installed on your computer to redirect you to fake websites.

cryptocurrency scams

A cryptocurrency scam is a fraudulent scheme that leverages digital currencies to deceive individuals into parting with their money or personal information. These scams often involve fake investment opportunities, impersonation of legitimate entities, or malware and phishing techniques to steal cryptocurrency.

work from home scams

Work-from-home scams are designed to exploit individuals seeking remote job opportunities. These scams often promise high earnings but require upfront payments for materials, certifications, or training. Scammers may use fake job postings, phishing emails, or messaging apps to recruit victims. The main goal is to steal personal information or financial assets.

For other common scams to watch out for, here's a printable PDF to keep handy. Click here to view..

LET us protect you

When you need extra protection, we're here for you. Check out our banking products below that can add an extra layer of security to your finances.

Forcht Bank Notifi ALerts

Notifi Alerts is a premium alert system designed to keep you in-the-know with all things related to your Forcht Bank account. Stay safe with 75+ customizable alert options!

Learn MoreAbout Notifi Alerts

Fraud stop Text ALERTS

Forcht Bank's premium text alert system Fraud Stop will help stop debit card fraud before it starts! If we detect unusual spending activity, we'll text you to confirm or deny the transaction.

Learn moreabout fraud stop

Customer call Center

We're always here for you. Unsure if you are being scammed? Play it safe and give us a call at
844-4-FORCHT (844-436-7248)

CALL NOWcall our customer care center

financial forchtcast podcast

A monthly podcast where our own banking experts help you to master personal finances, business strategies, fraud, scams, and the economy.

LISTEN TODAY

GET SCAM SMART 

Our goal is to help you keep your hard earned money. Stay vigilant and learn the best ways to avoid common scams below. 

PHONE CALL SCAMS

Don't trust caller ID
Scammers can make any number or name appear on your caller ID. Even if your phone shows it’s Forcht Bank calling, it could be anyone. Always be wary of incoming calls.
Never share sensitive information
Never share sensitive information like your bank password, PIN, or a one-time login code with someone who calls you unexpectedly — even if they say they’re from Forcht Bank. We occasionally may need to verify personal information if you call us first, but never the other way around. 
Watch out for a false sense of urgency
Scammers count on getting you to act before you think, usually by including a threat.  We never will. A scammer might say “act now or your account will be closed,” or even “we’ve detected suspicious activity on your account” — don’t give in to the pressure. 
When in doubt, hang up
Whether it’s a scammer impersonating your bank or a real call, stay safe by ending unexpected calls and dialing the number on the back of your Forcht Bank card instead. 1-844-436-7248

TEXT MESSAGE SCAMS

Slow down - think before you act
Acting too quickly when you receive phishing text messages can result in unintentionally giving scammers access to your bank account — and your money. Scammers want you to feel confused and rushed, which is always a red flag. Forcht Bank will never threaten you into responding, or use high-pressure tactics. 
Never text personal information
Forcht Bank will never ask for your PIN, password, or one-time login code in a text message. If you receive a text message asking for personal information, it’s likely a scam.
Don't click links
Never click on a link sent via text message — especially if it asks you to sign in to your bank account. Scammers often use this technique to steal your username and password. When in doubt, visit your forchtbank.com by typing the URL directly into your browser or log in to your Forcht Bank Mobile Banking app. 
Delete the message
Don’t risk accidentally replying to or saving a fraudulent text message on your phone. If you are reporting the message to law enforcement or the FTC, take a screenshot to share, then delete it.

EMAIL SCAMS

Be skeptical of every email
In the same way defensive driving prevents car accidents, always treating incoming email as a potential risk will protect you from scams. Fraudulent emails can appear very convincing, using official language and logos, and even similar URLs. Check sender addresses and subject lines. Always be alert.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links
If an email pressures you to click a link — whether it’s to verify your login credentials  or make a payment, you can be sure it’s a scam. Forcht Bank will never ask you to do that. Before you click, hover over the link to reveal where it really leads. When in doubt, call your Forcht Bank directly using the number on the back of your Forcht Bank card (1-844-436-7248) or visit forchtbank.com.
Don't fall for scare tactics
Forcht Bank will never use scare tactics, threats, or high-pressure language to get you to act quickly, but scammers will. Demands for urgent action should put you on high alert. No matter how authentic an email may appear, never reply with personal information like your password, PIN, or social security number.
Look for typos and attachments
We will never send you attachments like a PDF in an unexpected email. Misspellings and poor grammar are also warning signs of a phishing scam.

PHIshing red flags

Phishing scams can happen almost anywhere, anytime. Whether it's a text, call, or email, we'll help you avoid taking the bait. Here are some common signs of a scam: 

  • Asking for a PIN
  • Asking for SSNs 
  • Sharing a "one-time" code
  • Ask to download an attachment
  • Misspelled words
  • Asking for addresses
  • Asking for your password
  • Text or call unexpectedly 

If you're suspicious, play it safe and call our Customer Care Center at 844-4-FORCHT (844-436-7248).

CALL NOW

Fraud stop text alerts

With Forcht Bank's new premium text alert system, Fraud Stop, we help you stop debit card fraud before it starts.  

How does it work?

Simple. If our system detects a potential attempted fraudulent purchase using your debit card information, we will text* you asking if the purchase is an authorized transaction. Simply reply “Yes” to approve the purchase or “No” to stop the purchase.

How do you sign up?

All Forcht Bank customers are automatically enrolled for our card monitoring service if you provided us with your mobile phone number. You can then receive this instantaneous text alerts to help stop fraud on your debit card.

watch the videoabout fraud stop

Stay in the know with Forcht Bank Notifi Alerts

Need a text alert when someone tries to log into your Forcht Bank account? How about a mobile app notification when you've received a direct deposit? With Forcht Bank Notifi Alerts, you have over 75+ customizable alert options to choose from. Watch this video to see how Notifi Alerts can help you.  

  • SMS Text Alerts
  • Mobile Push Notifications
  • Email Alerts
  • Secure Messaging Through Online Banking
watch the videoAbout Notifi Alerts

VICTIM OF FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY? REPORT IT

If you think you have become a victim of identity theft or are concerned there is unauthorized access to your debit/credit card, online or mobile banking accounts,  please call our Customer Care Center immediately – 844-436-7248. If you have indeed experienced any type of fraud on your account, you may want to contemplate  filing a report with local law enforcement, as well as working with the credit bureaus to minimize any effect to your credit profile.

Equifax: equifax.com
To order a report, call 1-800-685-1111
To report fraud, call 1-800-525-6285
TDD 1-800-255-0056 and write to P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian: experian.com
To order a report, call 1-888-EXPERIAN, 1-888-397-3742
To report fraud, call 1-888-EXPERIAN, 1-888-397-3742
TDD 1-800-972-0322 and write to P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion: transunion.com
To order a report, call 1-800-888-4213
To report fraud, call 1-800-680-7289
TDD 1-877-553-7803 Fax 1-714-447-6034 and write to
Fraud Victim Assistance Department, P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634-6790

Still have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page. Visit our FAQs

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