Account Takeover Protection: What You Need to Know
La apropiación de una cuenta comienza con un estafador/a que le envía un mensaje de texto a su teléfono móvil. They usually claim they’re from IncredibleBank's fraud department. Le pueden pedir que confirme un pago sospechoso que se envió desde su cuenta, esto puede ser falso y puede ser parte de la estafa.
Si es una estafa, el/la estafador/a puede hacerle una llamada telefónica y preguntarle información personal para "cancelar el pago". ATENCIÓN: IncredibleBank NUNCA le preguntará por su número de seguro social completo, la contraseña de su banca en línea ni por otra información personal.
Once the fraudster has access to your online banking credentials, they'll begin making changes to your account - updating your personal identifying information, adding an authorized user, or changing the password. Estos cambios no solo permiten que ellos accedan a sus cuentas, sino que también lo bloquean a usted de su propia cuenta, por eso se llama "apropiación de cuenta".
La estafa de apropiación de cuenta generalmente comienza los viernes luego del horario hábil y continúa durante el fin de semana. También ocurre durante los feriados. ¿Por qué? Porque están esperando que usted se tome el fin de semana o el feriado, así no se dará cuenta de que algo anda mal hasta que sea demasiado tarde.
How to Protect Yourself: Quick Prevention Checklist
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your account.
- Monitor your account activity regularly: Check for suspicious transactions or login attempts.
- Be cautious with texts, emails, or phone calls: Fraudsters often impersonate your bank to steal information.
- Never share passwords or verification codes: Do not provide these over phone, text, or email.
- Use device protection and update software: Keep your devices secure and software up to date.
- Set up account alerts: Receive notifications for unusual activity to act quickly.
Steps to Stop Account Takeover Fraud Before It Happens
1. Be wary of texts, emails, or phone calls claiming to be your bank
2. Don't share your information
3. Don't rush
4. What to do if you've already provided your information
If you did mistakenly provide information to fraudsters, check your financial accounts for unusual activity, document it, and report it to your bank right away (in fact – report it to your bank even if you haven’t seen suspicious activity yet!). Your bank may also recommend additional steps to take to protect yourself.
If you provided your social security number, we recommend reaching out to the Social Security Administration and each of the three credit bureaus to place a credit freeze.
Learn more about protecting yourself from identity theft at our cybersecurity blog.
¿Cómo evitar una estafa de apropiación de cuenta?
No comparta información
If someone posing as IncredibleBank contacts you by phone, email, or text message and wants you to share your personal information, consider it fraud.
No conteste
If you receive a text or email, don't reply to the sender. Ignore el mensaje y no llame a ningún número que aparezca en el mensaje de texto.
Cuelgue y llámenos
Si recibe una llamada telefónica que parece ser un intento de suplantación de identidad, finalice la llamada enseguida. Remember: local area codes can be misleading.
Frequently Asked Questions About Account Takeover Fraud
¿Qué es una estafa de apropiación de cuenta?
Account takeover fraud occurs when a fraudster gains access to your bank account by stealing your login credentials or personal information. They may then change your passwords, lock you out, and initiate unauthorized transactions—often targeting your personal checking or savings accounts.
What are the signs of account takeover fraud?
Warning signs include unexpected texts or calls claiming to be from your bank, changes to your contact information, and unauthorized activity in your accounts. For businesses, unusual payroll or payment activity may also be a red flag. Tools like Positive Pay can help detect fraud early.
How does account takeover fraud usually happen?
It often starts with a phishing text message pretending to be from your bank. If you respond, the scammer may call you to gather more personal information and gain access to your account. For businesses, compromised credentials in payment or payroll platforms can also be a target—so be sure to use secure tools like IB Payroll.
What should I do if I suspect my account has been compromised?
Immediately contact IncredibleBank at 1-888-842-0221. Check your accounts for unusual activity, document what you see, and follow the steps your bank provides. If you're a business, consider enrolling in cash management tools to enhance your account security going forward.
How can I protect myself in the future?
Monitor your personal and business accounts regularly. Set up alerts, use strong passwords, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. For business owners, tools like Positive Pay and secure payroll solutions can reduce risk and improve fraud detection.