October is the season for haunted houses, ghost stories, and the occasional jump scare—but the last thing you want is a real-life fright from banking fraud. At Community Bank of Louisiana, your safety and peace of mind are always our top priority. That’s why we’re sharing some essential banking fraud prevention tips to help you stay one step ahead of scammers.
The Tricks Behind the “Treats”
Fraudsters are sneaky, often disguising themselves with believable stories or familiar phone numbers. Here are some common tricks they use—and how you can protect yourself:
- Unsolicited Calls: CBLA will never call you out of the blue asking for personal information. If you call us, we’ll ask for basic verification, but that’s it. If a call feels eerie, hang up and dial our official number directly. Spoofing—where scammers mask their identity with a real phone number—is common, so trust your instincts.
- Urgent Messages: Whether it’s a social media plea for money or an email that feels too dramatic to be true, take a pause. Scammers thrive on urgency. Always verify the story with the person directly before sending money or sharing details.
- Third-Party Apps: Be cautious when using money transfer apps not tied to CBLA. While these tools can be convenient, we cannot help if fraud occurs through them. Never share your credentials or logins with anyone, no matter how trustworthy they may seem.
- Wires to Strangers: Wiring money to someone you don’t know well is as risky as walking through a dark forest at midnight. Fraudsters prey on emotions, using compelling stories or false promises of a return. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Why Fraud Prevention Matters
According to a recent FDIC report, U.S. consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, with imposter and bank‐impersonation scams among the worst offenders. Bank fraud cases continue to rise across the country, with scammers constantly inventing new ways to target individuals and businesses. Many customers wonder, “Will my bank reimburse internet banking fraud?” The reality is that reimbursement isn’t guaranteed—especially if the fraud involves third-party platforms or voluntary transfers. That’s why prevention is the most powerful tool you have.
Businesses aren’t immune either, but banks follow strict protocols to protect businesses and alert them when suspicious activity is detected. Fraud can be disruptive, costly, and stressful, making vigilance essential.
Safety Is Our Commitment
Just like locking your doors at night, safeguarding your financial information should be second nature. At CBLA, we’re committed to helping our customers stay safe, secure, and confident in their banking. If you ever have doubts, give us a call—we’d rather you double-check than face a real scare later. Don’t let fraudsters play tricks on you. Stay alert, protect your information, and remember: CBLA is here to keep your money safe from anything that goes bump in the night.