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Identity Theft & Fraud

Protecting Your Confidential Information

Alliance Bank Central Texas takes the security of your personal and financial information seriously. We work with industry leading security firms to safeguard your financial information, as well as, protect your identity. However, there are ways beyond our control that can compromise your information.

We urge you to learn more about these problems and take measures to protect yourself.

Financial Regulatory sites such as the Federal Reserve and FDIC have information available about protecting your account. Read detailed information about fraudulent scams and what you can do to help prevent it on the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft website.

Phishing Scams

The term “phishing” – as in fishing for confidential information – is a scam that encompasses fraudulently obtaining and using an individual’s personal or financial information.

In one example, the consumer receives an e-mail requesting personal or financial information; the e-mail appears to originate from a financial institution, government agency or other entity. The email will contain a link that appears to be the Web site of the financial institution, government agency or other entity; however, in “phishing” scams, the link is not to an official Web site, but rather to a phony Web site used to collect your information.

Once inside that Web site, the consumer may be asked to provide personal information – such as Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords or other information used to identify the consumer. When the consumer provides the information, those initiating the fraud can begin to access consumer accounts or assume the person’s identity to obtain fraudulent loans or open credit accounts.

As a reminder, Alliance Bank Central Texas will never request any personal information via an email or phone call.

 

Fraudulent Checks

Three steps to avoid fake check scams

Fake check scams are on the rise — and there are several variations of this type of check fraud.

Typically, scammers ask you to deposit or cash a counterfeit check and quickly send them back a portion of the money.

Important: It can take weeks to spot a fake check after it’s been deposited. Be careful because you may be responsible for the full amount of the check. And if you transfer1 or send money to a check scammer, we may not be able to recover those funds.

Here are three steps that can help you avoid fake check scams.

Step 1: Know the common fake check scams.

The key to these scams is that you’re asked to act quickly, deposit a fake check, and send back a portion of the funds before your bank can spot the fraud.

Here are examples:

Overpayment Scam: Someone sends you a fraudulent check for a product or service, but the amount is higher than the price you agreed upon. You’re asked to return the “overpayment.”

Employment Scam: Someone posing as an employer who wants to hire you sends a fake check as an advance payment or to cover expenses. You’re asked to send back the “extra money.”

Lottery or Sweepstakes Scam: Scammers say you’ve won prize money. They send a fake check and ask for a partial payment in return, claiming it's for processing fees, taxes, or another phony reason.

Vehicle Wrap: Scammers say you’ve been selected to advertise for a local company. They send a fake check and ask for a partial payment in return, claiming it's for processing fees, supplies, or another phony reason.

If you receive a check related to a deal that seems too good to be true, trust your instincts.

Be skeptical, don’t deposit the check, and verify that it’s real before taking any action.

Step 2: Look for the fake check warning signs.

If you're suspicious about a check you received, ask yourself:

§ Is the check for more than you expected?

§ Are you being pressured to quickly make the deposit and return some of the money?

§ Did you receive unusual instructions on how to deposit the check?

§ Were you asked to send money back using an immediate form of payment such as a money order, gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency?

§ Are you being threatened with law enforcement action?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, don’t deposit the check.

 

I’m a Victim of Identity Theft – What Should I Do?

If you suspect that your personal or financial information has been compromised, contact Alliance Bank Central Texas customer service department immediately. We can assist you in the following steps:

  1. Close any accounts that may have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

  2. Place a fraud alert on your credit report with one of the three major credit bureaus. Also request to review your credit report for suspicious activity. A copy of your credit report is available free each year from www.annualcreditreport.com.

Equifax®: 1-888-766-0008

Experian®: 1-888-397-3742

TransUnion®: 1-800-680-7289

  1. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.

  2. File a report with local police.