United Bank of Iowa

Scammers use AI and other technology to run automated text messaging. They set the script and the program starts to send out messages to phone numbers. Customers often asked. “How did they get my number?” UBI does not sell or give out your information. The way this scam works is that the program starts to dial numbers within a certain geographical area. That means it is random who gets the messages. Customers and non-customers alike get these messages. The scammers “get lucky” when they hit the actual target customers.

Just getting the text is relatively harmless. The important part is not clicking on the link that is in the message. Once clicked, the texts can bring you to a fake UBI online banking page or other pages. These pages look identical to the real pages. Customers put their log-in information in and the scammers capture that information, gaining the valuable personal information they are after.

While we cannot stop the text messages, the good news is that UBI has taken additional security steps to help slow scammers in the future. Keep in mind that your best protection starts with YOU. Here are few fraud tips and tricks.

1. Never click on any links in any texts or messages. Official UBI texts, such as real fraud alerts, will never have a link. If you do click on them, please report it to UBI right away. 
2. When visiting online sites (not just UBI), pay close attention to the web address. Look for misspellings or odd characters in the web address. 
3. Slow down. This is the most important thing you can do. You look and see that $900 transaction going through and you panic! Call us directly to confirm or deny any activity is occurring. Scammers rely on your panic.
4. If you are being asked to lie or make up a story to bank staff, police, family or friends; it is 100% a scam.
5. Never send money via cryptocurrency/crypto ATMs or gift cards. If someone is asking you for this, it is 100% a scam.