Protect Yourself from Coronavirus Scams

The coronavirus has brought with it an increased number of scammers looking to take advantage of the confusion and unknowns associated with the situation. At INTRUST, we have a responsibility to the people we serve and are doing everything we can to ensure the security of your information. It’s important that you stay informed to help keep yourself and your accounts protected.

Avoiding coronavirus scams

The Federal Trade Commission is currently recommending consumers stay vigilant by following the below tips:

1. Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to sell everything from coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.
2. Ignore offers for vaccinations and home test kits that originate from both email and phone communication.
3. Be aware of online sellers. Some sellers will claim to have high-demand products, like household cleaning supplies or medical supplies, when in fact, they do not. Make sure your purchases are from trusted sources.
4. Avoid emails claiming to be from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information on the virus. Rather, visit the CDC's website directly for the most up-to-date information.
5. Be aware of false donation requests. Don't rush into making a donation, especially if it is by cash, gift card or wiring money.
6. Never provide your bank account, debit or credit card number to anyone over the phone.

Your security is our priority

We work diligently at INTRUST to keep your information secure. However, your personal information can also be found outside our four walls, which means it can still fall into the wrong hands. Reduce your risk by following these tips.

Easily identify a scam.

Fraudsters use common access points such as emails and phone calls to trick you into providing personal information. Scams range from phone calls claiming your computer needs to be repaired, to emails requesting payment on overdue utility bills. Be aware of these common scams to protect yourself from an attack.

Use password best practices

Your password is the key to accessing your accounts online. Here are some guidelines for making sure your password is safe and secure:

1. Use strong passwords. Consider passphrases over passwords by thinking of the lyrics to your favorite song. Use the chorus and mix in a special character to create a secure and strong password.
2. Use unique passwords for all websites you visit, and never use your INTRUST Online and Mobile Banking passwords for other logins.
3. Keep passwords protected. Never save passwords on your computer to an unencrypted file, such as a Word document, or write them down on a piece of paper that could easily be lost. Also, prevent your web browser from automatically saving your username and password. If you have too many passwords to remember, try using a password manager. For guidance on selecting and using a password manager, review this guide from the SANS Institute.
4. Use multi-factor authentication when it is available. If the website offers stronger authentication methods, follow the instructions to create a stronger login by using another layer of security.
5. Never share passwords. Legitimate companies, including INTRUST, will never request your password. Do not respond to these requests.

Visit the INTRUST Security Center for more details on keeping your passwords safe.

Stay protected online

Even people who follow safe password best practices can still become a victim of fraud. For more information on how to protect yourself, visit our Protecting Yourself Online article.

Committed to your well-being

We’re using every available resource to stay connected to our customers and our communities. Don’t hesitate to stop by our banking centers, visit us online or contact us at 316-383-1234 or 800-895-2265.