Recently, both customers and non-customers of First Fidelity Bank have received fraudulent phone calls to their cellphones and landline phones from individuals claiming to represent the bank and requesting debit card information. The bank has received numerous reports of individuals/customers who have been affected over the past 24 hours. First Fidelity Bank is urging its customers to never give out personal or banking information over the phone.
“We want to remind our customers that we will never contact them directly for bank account information,” said Lee Symcox, president and CEO of First Fidelity Bank. “If you’re concerned that your First Fidelity Bank debit card, credit card or bank account has been compromised, it’s important you contact us immediately. The sooner we know what’s happened, the better we can rectify the situation.”
First Fidelity Bank is offering a few key tips if you detect suspicious or fraudulent activity.
* Trust your instincts – if it doesn’t seem plausible, it probably isn’t.
* Banks will never call and ask you to provide any account numbers or other personal identification numbers over the phone. This is a clear red flag and a sign that you may be part of a scam. Never share information with a caller.
* Should you receive a call like this, hang up and call your bank’s customer service line or go to a bank branch to report the incident.
* If you have already given your information over the phone, contact your bank immediately. They will be able to guide you through the necessary steps to help you protect your finances.
“The best way to guard against bank fraud is to use common sense,” Symcox said. “Your personal banking information is yours and you need to protect it. If the activity, call or website seems suspicious, trust your instincts and reach out to your bank for advice on next steps.”
First Fidelity Bank customers who wish to report fraud or have questions can call (405) 416-2223 in Oklahoma City, (918) 728-6345 in Tulsa, (602) 912-5555 in Arizona, or (800) 299-7047 nationwide.