Looks Like Your Bank. Could Be a Scam.

An unexpected call warns of suspicious activity in your account. The caller says they’re from Burling Bank, and that’s exactly what your caller ID shows. They sound professional, know your name and want you to act immediately.

Before you do, pause, hang up, and call the bank back at the number on your statement. 

The banking industry has seen an increase in fraudulent calls to customers that appear to come from their bank. These calls, along with phishing emails and texts, are designed to take advantage of a familiar name and your concern about protecting your money.

Knowing what to watch for, and how to respond, can help you protect your accounts and personal information.

Caller ID isn’t proof

Scammers can manipulate caller ID to display a trusted name or phone number. This practice, called spoofing, makes a fraudulent call appear to come from your bank.

They can also copy logos, email formatting and website designs to create convincing messages. Phishing emails and texts may ask you to verify a transaction, unlock your account or update your information through a link.

A familiar name, professional appearance or knowledge of your personal details does not prove that someone represents your bank.

Watch for these warning signs

Scammers often create a problem, then offer to help you solve it. Be cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and:

• Pressures you to act immediately. They may claim your account will be frozen or your money is at risk.
• Requests sensitive information. This includes your password, PIN, Social Security number or one-time login or transaction code.
• Tells you to move money. They may describe another account as “safe” or ask you to send money to yourself through a payment app.
• Asks you to click, download or install something. A link could lead to a fake login page, while software could give someone access to your device.
• Discourages verification. They may insist you stay on the line, keep the conversation secret or avoid speaking with your banker.

Even a message without spelling errors or other obvious mistakes can be fraudulent.

What to do when you’re unsure

1. Stop the conversation.
Hang up. Don’t reply to a suspicious text or email, click its links or open attachments. You don’t need to explain your decision to the caller.

2. Contact Burling Bank independently.
Call 312-408-8400, confirming the number on your statement or by typing www.burlingbank.com directly into your browser. Don’t use a callback number supplied by the caller or included in a suspicious message.

3. Keep your information to yourself.
Burling Bank will never request your password, Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers by email, phone or text. Never share a one-time login or transaction code with an unexpected caller, even if they say it is needed to stop fraud.

4. Don’t move money at a caller’s direction.
Transferring money to a “safe account,” withdrawing cash or purchasing gift cards or cryptocurrency will not protect your funds from fraud.

5. Report the suspicious message.
Forward suspicious emails or texts impersonating Burling Bank to safeguard@burlingbank.com, then delete them. Do not include passwords, security codes or additional sensitive account information. Call us if you’re unsure how to report a message.

Already clicked, shared information or sent money?

Contact Burling Bank immediately. Tell us what happened, including whether you shared a security code, entered your login information, approved a transaction or gave someone access to your device. Acting quickly may help limit further harm.

If you shared a password, change it through the bank’s official website using a trusted device. Change it anywhere else you used the same password.

You can also report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If your personal information was exposed or used without your permission, visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery steps.

Make vigilance a habit

Review your accounts regularly, use strong and unique passwords, and enable multifactor authentication and account alerts where available. Discuss these scams with family members or anyone who helps manage your finances.

Most of all, give yourself permission to pause. An unexpected request deserves an independent check, even when the caller sounds convincing.

Unsure whether a call or message came from Burling Bank? Hang up and call us at 312-408-8400. We’re here to help you verify before you act.

For more ways to protect your personal and financial information, explore our Safeguarding Tips.