Fraudsters are getting smarter, but the truth is, most scams still rely on one simple thing: getting you to react fast.
Whether it’s an urgent text, a fake invoice, or an email that looks “just close enough” to your bank, scammers use emotion and urgency to get you to click before you think.
At Heritage Bank, your security is our top priority. Here’s how to stay one step ahead and spot the warning signs before it’s too late.
1. Pause Before You Act
If a message feels rushed, stop and take a breath.
Scammers use panic to make you move quickly. They might say your account is frozen, you missed a payment, or a family member is in trouble.
Don’t: Click links or call numbers in the message.
Do: Verify directly by contacting the company using a known number or website.
For Heritage Bank, call (859) 869-2999 or contact your local branch.
2. Check the Details
Fraudsters are clever, but small details give them away.
• Look for spelling or grammar mistakes.
• Check the sender’s email address (is it off by one letter?).
• Hover over links before clicking. If the URL looks strange or misspelled, it’s not safe.
Example:
A real message might come from @ourheritage.bank
A fake one could come from @heritagebnk.com or @secure-heritage.online
If it looks suspicious, it warrants extra scrutiny and maybe even a call to the bank.
3. Know What We’ll Never Ask For
Heritage Bank will never call, text, or email asking for:
• Your password or PIN
• A secure access code
• Remote access to your computer
• To “verify” your personal information over the phone
If you receive requests for personal information by phone, text or email from someone claiming to be your bank, do not click or share your personal information. Instead, call the bank directly to confirm the message is legitimate.
4. Guard Your Clicks
Not every scam starts in your inbox.
Fake ads, pop-ups, and social media links can lead to malicious websites designed to steal your information.
Stick to trusted websites and verified social media pages.
Avoid downloading attachments or clicking unfamiliar links, even if they come from someone you know.
5. Stay Alert and Use Your Tools
Your Heritage Bank digital banking platform includes built-in security features to help protect you:
•Secure Alerts: Customize alerts to help you monitor account activity. It only takes a few minutes, and your future self will thank you.
•Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of protection every time you log in.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
If something doesn’t feel right:
1. Stop communication immediately.
2. Contact Heritage Bank right away.
3. Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
The faster you act, the more we can do to help protect your accounts.
Stay Smart. Stay Secure.
Cybersecurity isn’t just about software, it’s about awareness.
By taking a few moments to pause, verify, and think before you respond to unexpected communications, you're already ahead of the scammers.
Heritage Bank is here to help you stay safe every step of the way.
Visit ourheritage.bank/what-your-bank-wont-ask for more security tips or contact your local Heritage Banker for one-to-one support.
