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‘I Don’t Trust Anyone at This Point’: Bank Scams Are Getting Way More Sophisticated

Published by: US News

Date: August 4, 2025

Summary

Bank scams have become more sophisticated, making it harder for consumers to recognize fraud. Criminals now use realistic-looking emails, texts, and calls pretending to be from legitimate banks. One common tactic is phishing, where scammers trick people into revealing login details or clicking malicious links. Check fraud is also on the rise, with thieves stealing and altering mailed checks. Additionally, imposters may pose as bank representatives, convincing victims to transfer money or provide account credentials under false pretenses.

These scams often succeed because they mimic real banking interactions, exploiting trust and urgency. Consumers are advised to be cautious about unsolicited messages, verify communications directly with their bank, and avoid clicking links or sharing personal information with unknown sources. Staying alert and skeptical is key as scams continue to evolve.

Our Take

Fort Knox, developed by Austin Capital Bank, is a high-security savings account designed to safeguard consumers’ life savings and protect them from sophisticated fraud and scams. Its advanced security features include biometric verification, soft and hard tokens, proprietary technologies, and a focus on creating intentional friction to prevent unauthorized access and transactions. Many scams highlighted in the U.S. News report—such as phishing emails, fraudulent bank calls, and check fraud—rely on tricking consumers into revealing account details or moving money quickly. Fort Knox eliminates these weak points. For example, Fort Knox account numbers are never exposed to third parties thanks to Active Account...

Topics

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Fake PayPal email let hackers access computer and bank account

Date: July 23, 2025

A recent scam involving fake PayPal emails is targeting users by tricking them into giving hackers access to their computers and bank accounts. The scam works by sending an email that appears to be from PayPal, claiming there is an issue with the recipient's account. The email includes a link that, when clicked, installs malware on the user's computer. This malware allows hackers to steal sensitive information, including bank details. Experts advise users to be cautious and not click on suspicious links or attachments in emails. Instead, users should directly log into their PayPal accounts through the official website to verify any issues....