Online banking offers convenience—but it also opens the door to cybercriminals who use clever tricks to steal your money and personal information. At Mechanics, your security is our top priority. Here’s how to recognize and avoid common online scams that target bank customers.
Phishing Emails: Don’t Take the Bait
Scammers often send emails that look like they’re from your bank. These messages may use official logos, colors, and language to appear legitimate.
Watch for these signs:
- The sender’s email address is slightly off (e.g., support@yourb4nk.com)
- The message contains urgent language like “Your account will be suspended!”
- It asks you to click a link or download an attachment to “verify” your account.
What to do:
- Never click on suspicious links or download attachments.
- Instead, log in to your account directly through Mechanics official website or app.
- If you’re unsure, call us at (419)524-0831, not the one in the email.
Suspicious Links: Look Before You Click
Scam emails and texts often include links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials.
How to spot them:
- Hover over the link to see the actual URL, it may look strange or unrelated to your bank
- URL (short for Uniform Resource Locator) is the address you type into your web browser to visit a website).
- Secure bank websites always start with “https://”.
Pro tip: Bookmark your bank’s official site and use that link every time.
Attachments from Unknown Sources: Handle with Care
Attachments in scam emails may contain malware that can infect your device and steal sensitive information.
Avoid opening attachments unless:
- You’re expecting them
- They come from a verified sender
- You’ve confirmed their legitimacy
More Tips to Stay Secure
- Keep your devices and antivirus software up to date.
- Report suspicious messages to your bank immediately.
By staying alert and informed, you can protect yourself from online scams and keep your finances safe. If you ever have doubts, reach out to us—we’re here to help.
