Fraud Center

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The Forcht Bank Fraud Center serves as a valuable resource to learn about the latest fraud schemes and how to protect yourself against them. 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.

Phishing Scams

In a phishing scam, fraudsters send fake emails, text messages, or phone calls to unsuspecting individuals, claiming to be from a legitimate organization like a bank or a government agency. They typically ask for sensitive information like passwords or credit card details and use that information to steal money or commit identity theft.

Charity scams

Charity scams involve fraudsters posing as legitimate charities or relief organizations, often in the wake of a natural disaster or other crisis, to solicit donations from unsuspecting individuals. The scammers keep the money for themselves rather than using it to help those in need.

Peer-to-Peer Payment Scams

We all know how easy it use to use peer-to-peer payment apps such as Cashapp, Venmo, and Zelle® . It's even easier for fraudsters to get away with scams using these platforms. These scams involve fraudsters posing as buyers or sellers and tricking individuals into sending money through the payment platform for goods or services that they never receive. The scammers often use fake or stolen identities, and may even pose as someone the victim knows or trusts. Once the victim sends the money, it is almost impossible to recover making Cashapp, Venmo, and Zelle® scams a growing concern for unsuspecting individuals.

LET's Protect your account

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.

CardValet

CardValet is your debit cards best friend. The free to download app has a variety of security features to help protect your card.

learn moreabout CardValet

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

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 linjes. 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?

Easy. You might already be signed up. All Forcht Bank customers are automatically enrolled for our card monitoring service. If you have provided your banker with your mobile phone number then you can 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

CardValet®

CardValet lets you take control of your money. Check out these easy to use features:

Turn your card on/off.
Receive instant alerts when your card is being used.
Set limits based on transaction amounts, locations, and merchant types to stay on budget.
View transaction history, and more.

watch the videoabout CardValet

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