Lake Region Bank is committed to helping customers recognize and avoid financial scams, especially as fraudsters use increasingly sophisticated tactics, including AI. Learn what Lake Region Bank will never ask you to do so you can protect your personal information and your money.
October is Cybersecurity and Fraud Awareness Month. Did you know that bank and other financial fraud is on the rise? The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is making fraud harder to spot.
Fortunately, a little education can go a long way toward protecting your accounts from fraudsters. Let’s take a look at seven things Lake Region Bank will never ask you. If you receive a call, text, or email from someone claiming to be Lake Region Bank that uses these tactics, hang up, ignore the text or email, and let us know so we can investigate.
Let’s get into it!
Lake Region Bank will never . . .
Call, Text, or Email You to Ask for Your Personal Information
You will never receive a call, text, or email from us out of the blue demanding your account number, passwords, PIN, or other personal information. If you receive a call, text, or email from someone claiming to be Lake Region Bank asking for this information, hang up or ignore the message and block the sender.
Then, give Lake Region Bank a call using a number you know and trust. The bank’s number is 320-235-5900 and can be found on our website and your account statements.
Ask for Your Help in a Fraud Investigation
We’ll never ask for your help in a fraud investigation. Our fraud department has all the resources it needs to investigate fraud without asking you directly for your account and other personal information. If you receive a call, text, or email asking or demanding your help with a fraud investigation, hang up or ignore it. Then, get in touch with Lake Region Bank using a number you already know and trust to verify the request or report the suspected fraud.
Ask You to Transfer Money Due to a Fraud Investigation
Similarly, we’ll never ask you to make a transfer due to a fraud investigation. If you receive a call, email, or text demanding you transfer money due to a fraud investigation, even if the person claims it is to protect your money, don’t take action. Hang up, ignore the text or email, and call us on a number you know and trust. Explain the communication you received, and we will be happy to help you.
Ask You to Be Dishonest
Lake Region Bank will never ask you to lie on our behalf or otherwise be dishonest. We’ll never ask you to keep a secret for us. If you receive an email, text, or call from someone claiming to be from Lake Region Bank who asks you to be dishonest, ignore it.
Rush or Pressure You into Action
Fraudsters create a sense of urgency to pressure you into action. At Lake Region Bank, we’ll never rush or pressure you into sharing financial information. If someone claiming to be the bank is pressuring you to take action or even making you fearful, hang up, ignore the message, and report it to us.
Threaten You with Locking or Closing Your Accounts
Likewise, we’ll never threaten you with locking or closing your accounts with us. This is a common tactic fraudsters use. Lake Region bank or any other bank will never threaten to lock or close your accounts.
Make Transfers Between Your Accounts Without Your Authorization
Finally, we will never ask you to make transactions between your accounts. Your money is your business and your responsibility. You may choose to set up automatic transfers between your Lake Region Bank accounts on your own, but we’ll never ask you to make a transfer or initiate a transfer ourselves without your express authorization.
The bottom line is that if you think something seems suspicious, it probably is. The safest thing to do is ignore the text or email, hang up the call, and get in touch with our banking team. We’re here to help you identify potential scams and help you protect your accounts.
Bank Fraud FAQs
What should I do if I receive a suspicious call, text, or email claiming to be from Lake Region Bank?
Do not respond, click links, share information, or transfer money. Hang up or ignore the message, block the sender, and contact Lake Region Bank using a phone number you already know and trust.
What information should I never share with someone claiming to be my bank?
Be especially cautious about requests for your account number, password, PIN, or other personal or financial information. Lake Region Bank will not unexpectedly contact you and demand this information.
Why do scammers try to create a sense of urgency?
Scammers often use pressure, threats, or urgent requests to prevent you from taking time to think or verify the communication. If someone claiming to be Lake Region Bank pressures you to act immediately, stop and contact the bank directly.
What should I do if I think I may have fallen for a financial scam?
Contact Lake Region Bank as soon as possible at 320-235-5900 or through a trusted contact method. The sooner you report a potentially fraudulent communication or transaction, the sooner the bank can help you determine what steps to take.
