Protect yourself from Tech Support Scams and Phantom Hacker Scams

Protect yourself from Tech Support Scams and Phantom Hacker Scams

At Tri Counties Bank, your security is our priority. We want to alert you to a rising wave of scams—Tech Support Scams and a newer variation called Phantom Hacker Scams—that are targeting both individuals and businesses across the country.

How These New Scams Work

In the Tech Support Scam, fraudsters pretend to be tech support agents from well-known companies. They may call, email, or use pop-up messages on your computer saying there’s a security issue with your device or accounts. In the Phantom Hacker Scam, fraudsters go a step further, posing as security officers, bank employees or even government agents to build trust and urgency.

Here’s a common progression:

1. You answer a call and a scammer tells you that your computer is compromised and asks you to install software or grant remote access.
    
2. You’re transferred to someone claiming to be from your bank’s fraud department, saying your accounts are under threat.
    
3. In some cases, a scammer claims to be from the Federal Reserve Bank or another government agency, urging you to move your funds for “safekeeping.”

The Goal? Your Money.

Fraudsters often pressure victims to transfer money to “safe” accounts that they control, or to withdraw cash and send it through the mail or hand it over to couriers. These scams can be highly convincing and sophisticated.

How to Protect Yourself:

1. Hang up on unsolicited tech support or purported bank fraud calls—especially if they pressure you to act fast.
    
2. Never click on links in unsolicited text messages, emails or pop-ups, and do not download software at the request of an unknown individual who contacts you.
    
3. Never share personal information, online banking credentials, remote access, or account information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
    

Tri Counties Bank will never text, email or call you asking for personal information. Additionally, Tri Counties Bank will never ask you to send money to anyone, including yourself, to reverse a fraudulent transaction or establish a new account.