LANSING, Mich. — In an effort to raise awareness about the growing threat of phishing scams, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, in partnership with the Michigan Bankers Association (MBA), has launched the #BanksNeverAskThat campaign. The initiative aims to educate consumers on how to identify and avoid phishing attempts that can lead to identity theft and financial loss.
The campaign, which coincides with National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), will run from March 2 to March 8. NCPW, sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is an annual event dedicated to empowering consumers with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves from fraud and scams.
“I’m excited to work with the Michigan Bankers Association on the #BanksNeverAskThat campaign to help Michiganders remain vigilant against scammers looking to steal their hard-earned money,” said Attorney General Nessel in a recent news release. “Phishing scams are on the rise, and it’s more important than ever to educate and empower consumers.”
Phishing scams typically involve fraudsters posing as legitimate institutions, such as banks or government agencies, in order to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information like passwords, bank account details, or Social Security numbers.
The #BanksNeverAskThat campaign seeks to inform consumers that legitimate financial institutions will never ask for confidential information through unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls. According to experts, if a person receives such a request, it is almost certainly a scam.
Key Tips for Spotting Phishing Scams:
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Suspicious Emails, Texts, or Phone Calls: If you receive a message asking for confidential information, it’s a red flag. Banks will never request this kind of information through email or phone calls. If in doubt, hang up or delete the message and contact your bank directly using trusted contact details.
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Verify the Source: If you receive an unexpected communication, always verify the request by calling your bank’s customer service number, which can be found on the back of your debit or credit card. Never respond to a phone number or email address provided in the suspicious message.
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Avoid Clicking Links or Downloading Attachments: Phishing emails and texts may contain links that lead to fraudulent websites or attachments that contain malware. To avoid compromising your security, do not click on any links or download attachments from unknown sources.
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Report Suspicious Activity: Consumers are urged to report phishing attempts to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) at [email protected], and to forward any phishing text messages to SPAM (7726). Reports can also be made to the FTC.
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Hang Up on Phishing Phone Calls: If you receive a suspicious phone call, hang up immediately. Scammers often disguise their phone numbers to appear local, but the area code can be misleading. Financial institutions will never ask for personal information over the phone.
T. Rann Paynter, President and CEO of the Michigan Bankers Association, emphasized the importance of collective action in the fight against scammers. “With phishing scams on the rise, it’s more important than ever to educate and empower consumers. By working together, we can outsmart scammers, strengthen fraud prevention, and protect the financial security of our communities.”
As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the campaign encourages Michiganders to stay vigilant and informed about the tactics used by scammers, helping to safeguard their personal and financial well-being.
