Stay safe from scams: Fraud prevention tips for Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a great time to focus on protecting yourself from fraud. At Rize, your security is our priority. Scammers continue to get more sophisticated, but with a little awareness, you can spot their tricks before they succeed.

Common scams to watch for

Bank impersonator calls or texts
As we shared last month, scammers sometimes pretend to be from Rize. They may spoof our phone number, use friendly conversation, and even know a few of your personal details. Their goal is to pressure you into giving up account numbers, card information, or one-time passcodes. Always remember – if something seems suspicious, hang up and call the number on our website – we’ll be here to help.

Phishing emails and texts
Fraudsters often send emails or texts that look like they’re from a trusted company. They may include a link to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials. Look for telltale signs like poor grammar, unusual sender addresses, or a sense of urgency. When in doubt, delete the message and go directly to the official site.

Fake urgency
One of the biggest tools scammers use is pressure. They’ll say things like, “Your account will be locked unless you act now,” or “We’ve noticed unusual activity.” By creating panic, they hope you’ll act quickly without thinking. A good rule of thumb: if someone is rushing you to make a decision, step back and verify before doing anything.

Overpayment or refund scams
These scams usually start with someone “accidentally” sending you money or issuing a fake check. They’ll then ask you to send part of it back before the payment clears. By the time the check bounces or the fake deposit disappears, you’ve already lost the money you returned. Remember – if something sounds unusual, it probably is.

Cómo protegerte:

Pause before you share – Scammers count on quick reactions. Take a moment before giving out any personal or financial information.

Verify requests – If something feels off, end the call, close the email, or delete the text. Then, contact us directly through the number on our website or the number on the back of your card.

Use alerts and controls – Enable account and card alerts in . They give you real-time updates and allow you to spot unauthorized transactions right away.

Keep devices secure – Make sure your phone, computer, and apps are updated with the latest security patches. Strong passwords and multifactor authentication add another layer of protection.

Remember
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. And if you ever think your Rize accounts may have been compromised, reach out to us right away – we’re always here to help.