Scam calls aren’t slowing down. In fact, Americans lose billions of dollars each year to phone scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission. And many of those scams start the same way: a sudden, urgent call claiming your money is in danger.
Related Page: The Top Scams and Fraud Threats to Watch for in 2026 (and How to Protect Yourself)
Your account has been compromised.
A wire transfer is pending.
Suspicious activity has been detected.
You need to act now.
It’s designed to make your heart race. That’s not accidental.
Let’s walk through exactly how to handle unexpected calls that claim your money is at risk — calmly, confidently, and safely.
Scammers rely on emotion, not logic.
They create urgency.
They create fear.
They impersonate trusted organizations — your bank, the IRS, law enforcement, even a family member.
Modern spoofing technology allows criminals to make it look like your bank’s real phone number is calling. That’s why caller ID alone cannot be trusted.
Understanding this is powerful. Once you know their playbook, you’re far less likely to fall for it.
Here are a few versions we see most often:
The caller claims there’s fraudulent activity and asks you to:
No legitimate bank will ever ask for your password or one-time code over the phone.
Someone claiming to represent the Internal Revenue Service says you owe money and must pay immediately to avoid arrest or asset seizure.
The IRS does not demand immediate payment by phone. They do not request gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
The scammer transfers you to a second “department” to make it seem more legitimate. They may even keep you on the line while directing you to log into your online banking.
This is social engineering — and it’s very effective.
When someone claims your money is at risk, pause. Breathe. Then follow these steps.
That includes:
If someone pressures you for these details, that’s your signal. End the call.
Do not press numbers to “opt out.”
Do not call back the number that called you.
Instead, hang up completely.
If you’re unsure whether the call was real, wait a few minutes. Then call your bank using the official phone number printed on your debit card or listed on the bank’s website.
If you’re a customer of Liberty Savings Bank, call the number on your card or visit one of our branches directly. We would much rather you double-check than risk your security!
Log in directly through your bank’s official website or mobile app — not through a link sent by text or email.
Review:
If anything looks unfamiliar, contact your bank immediately.
Keep this quick checklist in mind:
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
First — don’t panic. Acting quickly can limit damage.
The faster you act, the more options you have.
Prevention isn’t complicated, but it does require awareness.
Set up real-time alerts for:
These notifications give you early warning if something truly happens.
You can reduce legitimate telemarketing calls by registering at DoNotCall.gov. While it won’t stop scammers entirely, it can reduce noise.
Scams thrive in silence. Talk to your family members, especially seniors and young adults, about common fraud tactics.
At a community bank, fraud prevention isn’t just policy. It’s personal.
We know our customers. We see you at the grocery store. We sit next to you at local events. When someone targets your hard-earned money, it matters to us deeply.
That’s why we encourage something simple: when in doubt, call us directly. Walk into the branch. Ask questions. There is never embarrassment in double-checking.
Scammers rely on isolation and urgency. We rely on relationships.
If you receive an unexpected call claiming your money is at risk, remember this: urgency is a tactic. You are allowed to slow the conversation down.
Hang up.
Call your bank directly.
Verify before you act.
Your money deserves protection. And so do you.
Here in our community, we look out for one another. If you ever feel unsure about a call, message, or email, reach out to us. We’re here to help — not just as your bank, but as your neighbor.