Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting individuals and businesses through Account Takeover (ATO) fraud, according to a recent FBI alert. Since January 2025, over 5,100 complaints have been filed, with losses exceeding $262 million.
How ATO Fraud Works:
- Criminals impersonate bank staff or websites to steal login credentials.
- They use phishing emails, texts, and calls, often claiming there are fraudulent transactions on your account.
- Fraudulent websites mimic legitimate banking sites, sometimes promoted through search engine ads (SEO poisoning).
- Once inside, criminals lock you out and quickly transfer funds to accounts they control.
Tips to Stay Safe:
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Navigate to our site using bookmarks—avoid clicking on ads or search results.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited messages or calls. Hang up and call us directly using our official number.
- Regularly monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
If You’re a Victim:
- Contact us immediately.
- Report the incident to IC3.gov.
- Reset all compromised credentials.
For more details, visit IC3 Public Service Announcement.
Getting Help
If you identify suspicious activity involving your accounts with The First, contact us immediately.
We hope you find these tips helpful. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Stay safe and secure!
For more information to protect yourself from cybercrime, visit The First’s Security Center and review steps to protect your personal and financial information.
