Understanding Social Engineering
At Associated Bank, your security is our top priority. As technology advances, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals. One of the most effective—and dangerous—methods of fraud today is social engineering. Understanding what it is and how to recognize it can help protect your personal information and finances.
What is social engineering?
Common social engineering tactics include phishing emails, fraudulent phone calls or deceptive text messages. These attacks are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive data such as passwords, Social Security numbers or bank account details.
How social engineering scams work
A typical social engineering attempt starts with gathering information about the target. If the target is you, this might include your name, job title, workplace or personal interests. Criminals may use social media, public records or data breaches to build a convincing story.
Once they have enough information, the scammer may pose as a trusted source—a bank representative, a co-worker or even a family member. They might send an email that looks like it’s from your financial institution asking you to verify account activity. Or they might call pretending to be tech support requesting remote access to your computer.
These attacks are sophisticated and often personalized making them harder to detect.
Watch for red flags
To stay protected, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of a social engineering scam. Be cautious if you notice any of the following:
- Unexpected emails, calls or messages that request sensitive information
- Pressure to act immediately or threats of negative consequences
- Generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name
- Links or attachments from unknown or suspicious senders
- Requests to move money or gift cards under unusual circumstances
How you can stay safe
Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Verify requests: Always verify the identity of the person contacting you. Call back using an official number—not one provided in the message.
- Think before you click: Don’t click on links or download attachments from unfamiliar sources.
- Keep software updated: Regularly update your devices and security software to defend against known vulnerabilities.
- Use strong passwords: Create unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager.
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
At Associated Bank, we are committed to helping you stay informed and secure. If you believe you’ve been targeted by a social engineering scam or notice suspicious activity, contact us immediately. Together, we can stay a step ahead of fraud.
Learn more about protecting your identity and finances by visiting Security Help.
