Security Center

Protecting your personal and financial information is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent fraud and identity theft. Follow these simple guidelines to stay secure.

 

Contact one of these reputable companies who offer a free copy of your credit report:

 

Common Scams

Lamar Bank & Trust is committed to helping protect our customers from fraud and identity theft. Scammers continually develop new ways to steal personal and financial information. Understanding common scams can help you recognize warning signs and protect your accounts.

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam or have shared personal or banking information, contact us immediately.

Phishing

Phishing is an attempt to obtain personal, financial, or account information by pretending to be a trusted organization, such as a bank, government agency, retailer, or service provider. These scams may come through email, text message, phone call, social media, or even traditional mail.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency by claiming:

• Your account has been locked.
• Suspicious activity has been detected.
• A payment has failed.
• You must verify your identity immediately.

Vishing (Voice Phishing)

Scammers call and pretend to be from your bank, a government agency, or another trusted organization. They may use spoofed caller ID to make the call appear legitimate and attempt to obtain account numbers, passwords, PINs, or security codes.

Remember: Lamar Bank & Trust will never call and ask for your online banking password, debit card PIN, or security verification codes. 

 

Smishing (Text Message Scams)

Smishing is phishing conducted through text messages. Messages often claim there is suspicious activity on your account and ask you to click a link or call a phone number.

Fake bank fraud-alert texts are now among the most commonly reported text message scams. 

 

Bank Impersonation Scams

Scammers impersonate banks and fraud departments through phone calls, emails, and text messages. They may claim your account is compromised and instruct you to move money to a "safe account."

A legitimate bank will never ask you to move your money to protect it!

 

Romance Scams

Fraudsters build relationships through social media, dating websites, or messaging apps to gain trust. Once a relationship develops, they ask for money, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or access to financial accounts.

 

Cryptocurrency Investment ("Pig Butchering") Scams

Scammers establish online relationships and gradually encourage victims to invest in what appears to be a profitable cryptocurrency opportunity. Victims may see fake profits online but ultimately lose the money they invested. These scams often begin through random text messages, social media interactions, or dating apps.

 

Overpayment Scams

A scammer sends a check for more than the agreed purchase price and requests that you refund the difference. The original check is later returned as fraudulent, leaving you responsible for the loss.

 

Secret Shopper Scams

Victims receive a counterfeit check and are instructed to evaluate money transfer services or retailers. They are told to send a portion of the funds elsewhere before the check is discovered to be fraudulent.

 

Check Washing

Scammers steal checks from mailboxes and chemically alter them to change the payee or amount. Consider using secure mail drop locations and monitor your account regularly for unauthorized transactions.

 

Red Flags

• Unexpected calls, texts, or emails requesting personal information.
• Pressure to act immediately.
• Requests for passwords, PINs, or security codes.
• Requests to move money or purchase gift cards.
• Links or attachments from unknown sources.
• Investment opportunities promising guaranteed returns.

Remember

STOP. THINK. VERIFY WITH LBT.

If something doesn't seem right, hang up, do not click any links, and contact us directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.

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