A phone call may seem harmless, but scammers can be very convincing. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of a scam call and what to do if someone claims to be calling from ASB.
At Andover State Bank, protecting our customers and their financial information is a top priority. Unfortunately, scammers continue to find new ways to impersonate banks and other trusted organizations in an effort to steal personal information or money.
There’s one important thing we want every ASB customer to remember: ASB Will Never Call and Ask for Your Personal or Account Information
This includes information such as:
- Online banking passwords
- PINs
- Full Social Security numbers
- Full account numbers
- Debit card information
- Security or verification codes
If someone calls claiming to be from ASB and asks you to provide this information, don’t give it to them.
Even if the caller knows your name, account details, or other information about you, that doesn’t necessarily mean the call is legitimate.
When in doubt, hang up and call us directly using a trusted phone number.
5 Red Flags of a Scam Call
Scammers often use urgency, fear, and convincing stories to get you to act before you have time to think. Here are a few warning signs to watch for.
1. They Create a Sense of Urgency
A caller may tell you your account has been compromised, your debit card has been blocked, or a transaction needs to be stopped immediately.
They may pressure you by saying things like, “You need to do this right now” or “Your account will be closed if you don’t.”
Take a moment. Slow down. You don’t have to make a financial decision simply because someone is pressuring you over the phone.
2. They Ask for Sensitive Information
Be cautious if an unexpected caller asks for personal or account information, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Account numbers
- Debit or credit card numbers
- PINs
- Online banking usernames or passwords
- Security or verification codes
- Answers to security questions
Never provide this information to an unexpected caller.
3. They Tell You to Move or Send Money
A scammer may claim your money is in danger and instruct you to move it to another account “for protection.”
They may also ask you to purchase gift cards, send a wire transfer, or mail cash.
These are major warning signs.
If someone unexpectedly tells you to move money to protect your account, stop and contact your bank directly.
4. They Use Fear or Threats
Scammers may pretend to be a bank employee, government agency, or law enforcement officer. They may threaten consequences if you don’t do what they ask.
Don’t let fear or pressure make the decision for you.
You’re always allowed to hang up and verify the call yourself.
5. The Caller ID Looks Legitimate
Don’t assume a call is safe just because your caller ID says “Andover State Bank.”
Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make a call appear to come from a trusted phone number. This is known as caller ID spoofing.
When in doubt, hang up and contact us using a trusted number.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
If someone claims to be calling from ASB and something doesn’t feel right, you don’t need to stay on the phone.
Follow these steps:
1. Hang up.
If the caller is asking for sensitive information or making you uncomfortable, end the call.
2. Contact ASB yourself.
Don’t call the number provided by the caller. Instead, use the contact information from our official website or another trusted source.
3. Tell us what happened.
Let us know that you received a call claiming to be from ASB and want to verify whether it was legitimate.
4. Let us help.
If there is a legitimate concern with your account, an ASB employee can help you address it through a secure process.
The simple act of hanging up and calling us yourself can help make sure you’re talking to an ASB employee—not a scammer.
When in Doubt, Hang Up and Verify
Scammers may sound convincing. They may know your name. They may even make the call appear to come from a legitimate phone number.
That doesn’t mean you have to trust the call.
If something feels off, stop, hang up, and verify.
And remember:
ASB will never call you and ask for your personal or account information.
Taking a few extra moments to verify a call could help protect your account, your personal information, and your money.
If you didn’t expect the call, don’t provide the information. Hang up. Call back. Verify.
