25 Jun Alert
Fraudulent Callers Identifying as Sunwest Bank Employee
A Critical Warning About Potential Phone Scam
We want to inform you of potential scammers reaching out to our clients. The scammers represent themselves as Sunwest Bank Fraud Investigators, stating they have potential fraudulent transactions they need to confirm. The scammers then request the clients’ online banking username and password, or will send the user a password reset email.
Please DO NOT provide any information should you receive a call as described above, hang up and contact us directly at our official number, 800.330.9890. We’re here to help protect your financial well-being.
1. Never Trust Caller ID
Caller ID technology can be easily manipulated by scammers. Even if a call appears to be coming from Sunwest Bank, remain cautious. Sunwest Bank will never ask for your login credentials to verify your identity. Only after verifying your identity through security questions will we discuss account information.
2. Never Share Sensitive Information
If a representative from Sunwest Bank contacts you to assist you with a transaction or help you with any account request, we will first ask you to provide answers to security questions you have on file with us. We will never ask you to provide your account number.
Sunwest Bank employees will never ask for your:
- PIN numbers
- Passwords
- One-time access codes
- Full social security number
3. Beware of Payment Requests
We will never ask you to send money to anyone including yourself to “reverse a transfer”, “stop fraud”, or “receive a refund.” These are classic scammer tactics.
4. Report Unexpected Access Codes
If you receive a one-time access code that you didn’t request, don’t use it or share it with anyone. Contact Sunwest immediately to verify the security of your account and check your transaction history for unusual activity.
5. Be Cautious with Online Searches
Don’t rely on Google searches for customer service numbers. Scammers sometimes create fake listings with fraudulent contact information. Always use the contact information from our official website (www.sunwestbank.com) or your banking statements.
What To Do if You Suspect a Scam
If you believe you’ve been contacted by a scammer or have shared information with a suspicious caller:
- Contact Sunwest Bank immediately at our official number at 800.330.9890
- Change your online banking passwords
- Monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Our Commitment to Your Security
At Sunwest Bank, we’re constantly enhancing our security measures to protect your accounts. However, the most powerful defense is an informed customer. By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these sophisticated scams.
Remember: When in doubt, hang up and contact us directly. We’re here to help protect your financial well-being.
For more information about protecting your accounts or to report suspicious activity, please visit your local Sunwest Bank branch or contact our customer service team through our official website.