Spring is a season of fresh starts, but it is also a time when scammers look for new ways to catch people off guard. Tax season, travel planning, online shopping, and everyday account activity can all give fraudsters an opening for spring scams.
At Cornerstone Bank, we believe education is one of the best tools for protecting your money and personal information. That is why we encourage customers to stay alert, slow down, and verify before responding to any unexpected message. Our Fraud and Security resource center also includes reporting tools and educational materials to help you stay informed.
How Bank Impersonation Scams Work
This spring, one of the biggest risks to watch for is bank impersonation. In this scam, criminals call or text from spoofed caller IDs that appear to show your bank’s name. They may pose as the bank’s Security Department, mention suspicious ACH and wire activity, use fake fraud case numbers, or try to send payment confirmation links. Remember, Cornerstone Bank will never text confirmation links for any form of payment. If you receive this type of message, ignore it and call us directly at 800-939-9103.
These scams work because they create urgency. A text may say there is a problem with your account, a wire transfer, or a recent purchase. A caller may sound calm, professional, and convincing. The Federal Trade Commission says impersonation scams remained the top fraud category reported to the agency, with consumers reporting nearly $3 billion in losses to impersonators in 2024. The FDIC also warns that bank impersonation texts often push people to act fast, click a link, or share personal information before they have time to think.
Other Common Scams This Season
Other spring scams often follow the same pattern.
Tax-Related Messages
These messages may claim to be from the Internal Revenue Service and ask you to verify account details, claim a refund, or scan a QR code. The IRS warns that scammers use email, text messages, spoofed caller ID, and even AI-enabled phone calls to steal money and personal information during filing season. (IRS)
Package Delivery Texts
Package Delivery Texts are another common threat, especially for spring travel and online ordering pick up. The FTC warns that fake delivery texts often lead to look-alike websites built to capture payment card details and other sensitive information.
What To Do if You Receive a Suspicious Message
So, what should you do if a message feels off? Pause first. Do not click links in unexpected texts or emails. Do not trust the phone number in a text message or the caller ID on your screen. Instead, contact the company or agency through a number or website you already know is real. If you think a package alert could be legitimate, look up the shipment directly through the retailer or carrier account. If you receive a suspicious text, you can forward it to 7726 to report spam. (FTC)
We also encourage customers to review our Safeguarding Your Information page. If you think a message involving Cornerstone Bank may be fraudulent, call us directly at 800-939-9103.
When it comes to fraud, a careful second look can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bank impersonation scam?
A bank impersonation scam happens when a fraudster pretends to be your bank by phone, text, or email to pressure you into sharing information, clicking a link, or sending money.
What should I do if I get a suspicious text about my account?
Do not click the link or reply. Call your bank using a phone number you already know is real, such as the number on your debit card or the official website.
What are common spring scams?
Common spring scams include bank impersonation texts, tax-related phishing messages, and fake package delivery alerts.
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