Use these tips to fight fraud and protect yourself

First South Financial is committed to protecting our members from fraud and scams. As part of our ongoing efforts, we wanted to share these helpful tips with you.

First South will never call you rom our main number, 901.380.7400, and ask you for any of the following information:

• Your one time verification or pass code
• Your PIN number for your debit or credit card
• Your Full social security number
• Your online or mobile banking username or password
• Your full debit or credit card number
• Other personal identifying details

If you think you may not be dealing with us, please hang up on the caller and call us at 901-380-7400 or use the secure messaging center inside online or mobile banking to send us a message. We'll do our best to help you verify the legitimacy of the call and protect your accounts if necessary.

Recognize pressure tactics

Fraudsters will often create a false sense of urgency, such as turning off your utilities, discontinuing your benefits, reporting a late payment to the credit bureaus, etc. If the caller is insisting that you take action right now and not consult with your spouse or other family members, then you may want to seriously consider the legitimacy of the call.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Beware of anyone offering high returns for very little or no risk. These fraudsters will often use this in conjunction with pressure tactics to make you think you have to act right this second or the "golden" opportunity will pass you by. Avoid giving in to FOMO (fear of missing out) and take the time to ask questions that can help you determine the legitimacy of the offer.

Go to the source

If you get a call you think is fishy, verify the nature of call by calling the number on the back of your credit or debit card, or look up the company's website to get legitimate contact information and use that to contact the company that called you.

Avoid the grandchild/relative in trouble scam

Fraudsters will often try to trick the elderly into sending money or gift cards to a grandchild or other family member under the guise of them being injured or in jail. If you think your grandchild or other family members may be in trouble, try to contact them directly and do not use social media or texting. Contact their parents or other family members before unintentionally sending money to a scammer.

Never share your passwords or PIN

Do not share these with family, close friends or co-workers. Keep them a secret, as you would all other login information.

Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) whenever possible

The use of a one-time password or passcode (OTP) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Our online and mobile banking allow to also set up certain devices to be "remembered" by the platform what will allow you to authenticate your login without an OTP.

Be Alert

While the last one sounds simple, it can be tough to do when life gets hectic. Never send money to anyone you don't know, especially using gift cards or a third-party app. Monitor your accounts regularly and set up transaction and balance alerts to help you keep on top of your account activity.

And as always, we are here to help. If you have questions or think you may be a victim of fraud or identity theft, please call us at 901-380-7400 or use the secure contact us form on our website or the messaging center inside online or mobile banking.

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