Everything is getting smarter these days. Your phone recognizes your face, cars drive themselves, even the way you buy groceries has seen major advances in technology. Unfortunately, scam calls are getting smarter too, using technology to sound eerily convincing and inspiring, an unsettling feeling that has you second-guessing yourself.

With so many scam calls happening daily, it’s important to know what to look for so you can answer with confidence and keep your personal information out of dubious hands.

Why do phone scams work?

Scammers often use a tactic called “spoofing,” which allows them to disguise their phone number, showing a number from a trusted source. This can be especially misleading when the number matches one you recognize.

As if that wasn’t sneaky enough, scammers often use personal information obtained from data breaches to sound more legitimate. They might reference your name, location, or even recent transactions to gain your trust. This combination of familiarity and urgency is designed to make you panic and act quickly.

Reasons we will (and won't) call you

Knowledge is your best defense against phone scams. At Golden 1, we want you to feel confident knowing what to expect from a legitimate call from us.

We will never:

• Ask for your full Social Security number, account number, routing number, or full debit or credit card number.
• Use threats or pressure tactics, such as saying your account will be closed.

We may call to:

• Verify unusual or suspicious activity and transactions.
• Follow up on service requests or account changes.

Scamming red flags and examples of scam calls

Although they’re getting sneakier by the day, scam calls will always follow a few typical formats that make them easier to identify.

Here are some scam call examples and key things to look out for:

• A rushed, urgent tone meant to cause panic
  Scammers often try to create a sense of emergency. For example, you might receive a call claiming your account has been compromised and will be frozen unless you act immediately. This tactic is designed to make you react quickly without thinking.
• Requests for sensitive information early in the call
  A scammer may ask for your full debit card number, Social Security number, or online banking credentials right after introducing themselves. Remember, Golden 1 will never ask for these.
• Pressure to transfer funds or make a payment
  Scammers love to tell you to move money to a “safe account” or pay a fee to prevent account closure. These are classic scam tactics. Golden 1 will never ask you to transfer funds over the phone to resolve an issue.
• Claims of prizes, refunds, or unexpected rewards
  Some scammers pretend to offer a refund or prize but first ask you to “verify your identity” by providing account details. These calls often sound friendly and casual, but they are designed to collect your personal information.
• Requests for remote access to your device
  A caller may say they need to fix a security issue and ask you to install software or grant remote access to your phone or computer. This can lead to stolen data or compromised accounts.

How to protect yourself from bank scams

In addition to knowing the red flags of scam calls, there are added measures you can take to prevent yourself from falling victim to scam calls.

• Monitor accounts and set alerts.
• Go paperless and use strong, regularly updated passwords.
• Use Mobile Banking features like card lock/unlock and mobile payments for added security.
• Never hesitate to hang up when you have even the slightest suspicion it’s a scam call. You can always reach back out to us directly by calling the number on the back of your card or through our Contact Us page.

Unfortunately, we can’t prevent scam calls from getting smarter, but we can adapt to their advancements. By learning how to recognize red flags and understanding how Golden 1 communicates with members, you’re already taking important steps to protect yourself. Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it isn’t.

Golden 1 is committed to helping you stay safe. Visit our Fraud and Security Center to learn how to spot scams, report suspicious activity, and access tools to secure your account.

If you’ve experienced an issue and need extra support, our Member Advocate Team is here to help. They provide personalized assistance and will work with you to resolve concerns and protect your financial well-being.