How to Spot a Scam: 6 Warning Signs to Know

Spot the Signs. Stop the Scam.

Scams are becoming increasingly convincing. A call, text, or email may appear to come from your bank, a government agency, a familiar business, or even someone you know. Scammers may copy familiar branding, use caller ID spoofing, or use AI to create realistic messages and voice recordings.

While the technology behind scams continues to evolve, many scammers rely on the same tactics: creating urgency, asking for personal information, and pressuring you to act before you have time to think.

Nearly three in four Americans have experienced a scam or fraud attempt,* and scammers stole an estimated $68 billion from Americans in 2025.** That’s why First Bank is joining the American Bankers Association (ABA) and banks across the country in the Banks Never Ask That campaign. The goal is simple: Help you recognize the warning signs of a scam, know when to stop and verify a request, and take steps to protect your information and money. Become a Scam Slayer by recognizing the common red flags and taking action against potential scams.

6 warning signs of a scam

Scams can take many forms, but knowing the warning signs can help you recognize when something isn’t right. Here are 6 signs of a scam, and the power moves Scam Slayers use to protect themselves.

1. You’re pressured to click a link

A text or email may make an urgent claim about your account and direct you to a link. Block! Don’t click. Instead, close the message and independently verify the request through a communication channel you know and trust.

2. You’re told to keep the conversation secret

Be cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and tells you not to discuss the situation with anyone else: requests for secrecy are a common warning sign. Hang up! If the caller says they are from a government agency, bank, or other organization, hang up and verify by using a communication channel you know and trust.

3. You receive an attachment you weren’t expecting

Unexpected attachments can be another sign that a message isn’t what it appears to be. Hit delete! Avoid opening unexpected files and independently contact the sender if you need to determine whether the message is legitimate.

4. You’re asked for sensitive personal or account information

Pay close attention when someone unexpectedly asks for information such as your account number, PIN, password, eBanking credentials, debit card number, Social Security number, or multifactor authentication code. Never share it! End the conversation and verify the request independently.

Remember: First Bank will never call, text, or email you and ask you to provide or update sensitive information such as account numbers, PINs, passwords, multifactor authentication codes, debit card numbers, or Social Security numbers.

5. You’re pressured to move money

A scammer may pressure you to send or move money quickly. Be on the lookout for requests to send money through gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer digital payment apps. Stop and verify! Don’t send money based solely on an unexpected call, text, or email.

6. You’re pressured to click, pay, or respond immediately

Scammers often want you to act before you have time to question what’s happening. Unexpected contact and demands for immediate action are among the warning signs of a scam. Verify first! Contact the person, business, or bank through a phone number or communication channel you already know and trust, rather than using the information provided in the unexpected message.

When something doesn’t seem right, pause before you act, and always trust your gut. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to slow the conversation down. Remember, an urgent request doesn’t require an urgent response.

Keep These Actions in Mind

• Stop. Don’t provide information, click a link, or send money.
• Delete. Hang up and delete the email or text message.
• Verify. Independently contact the person or organization using contact information you know and trust.
• Report. Report suspicious communications and block the sender when appropriate.

Even if an email, telephone number, or voice seems familiar, pay attention to what you’re being asked to do. Unexpected contact, requests for secrecy, demands for immediate action, pressure to move money, and attempts to obtain sensitive information are important warning signs.

What if You Already Shared Your Information?

If you received a suspicious call, text, or email, or believe you may have shared information or sent money to a scammer, take action as soon as possible. If the suspicious communication involves your First Bank account or you provided personal or account information, contact the First Bank Service Center at 800-760-BANK (2265). You should also report the scam to your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Become a Scam Slayer

Recognizing scams gets easier when you know what to look for. Continue building your scam-spotting skills with videos, real-life examples, and an interactive quiz from the American Bankers Association’s by visiting BanksNeverAskThat.com.

Visit First Bank's Security Hub for additional fraud prevention and security resources. Stay alert. Pause when something doesn’t seem right. And when in doubt, verify before you act.