Preventing Fraud

Your security is our top priority. Let's fight fraud together.

Financial fraud occurs when criminals access your sensitive information for unauthorized transactions. In a connected world, cybersecurity practices are crucial to defending your accounts and personal data from malicious attacks through scams, identity theft and fraud. We offer robust protection, but your vigilance is the most important defense against these growing threats.

Cybersecurity Checklist

Take steps to secure your digital presence and protect your financial well-being.

Use strong passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for every account. A password manager helps you keep track of them securely.
Be wary of public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured. Avoid logging in to sensitive accounts or making financial transactions while connected.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Also known as two-factor authentication, this adds a second layer of identity verification, making it significantly more difficult for criminals to access your accounts, even if they have your password.
Monitor your accounts: Set up account alerts to receive notifications for transactions or withdrawals so you can spot and report suspicious activity quickly.
Protect your mobile devices: Use a passcode or biometric security to lock your phone. Be cautious of public chargers and download apps only from official app stores.
Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system and applications to install critical security patches that protect against new vulnerabilities.

Scammers may call you and spoof the number they're calling from to make it seem realistic. The caller may claim to be from the IRS, Ameris Bank or another financial institution, urging you to share personal information or make a payment. The caller may even know some information about you, making claims of high-stakes urgency like a sweepstakes or lottery win. Be highly skeptical, hang up and call back through an official number. Call spoofing will only work when they call you. Remember, no bank will call and request your private information.

Phishing is online fraud initiated through fake emails. Here's how to spot the red flags.

Fake sender address: An email may look legitimate, but when you scrutinize the sender's address, you can see misspellings or an extra dash in the address. Sometimes the lower cap letter "L" is replaced with the number "1."
Generic or "phishy" salutation: If the salutation does not contain your name, consider it spam and delete it. Some emails might include an odd form of your name in the salutation, such as your email moniker (i.e. frsmith). If the email doesn't get your name right, delete it.
Urgent call-to-action: Any email that contains urgent calls to action, such as "your account will be closed" or "action required," should be considered suspect.
Request for sensitive information: Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never request confidential information. Delete it.
Phony links: Most phishing scams are all about the links. Never click on a link unless you are 100% certain of the source. Avoid links that don't start with "https" in the URL. If there is no "s," it's probably fake.

Never give your credit or debit card account number or PINs to anyone you don't know.
Review your card statements for unfamiliar transactions.
Always know where your card is and never leave your wallet or purse unattended – even for a moment.
Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
If you're shopping online, be sure the website you're visiting is secure (indicated by https://) before you enter your card number.
Pick PINs you can easily remember that are not easily guessed.
Never write your PIN on your card or on a slip of paper you keep in your purse or wallet.
Get the receipts from your card transactions.

Identifying Scams

Malware

Malicious software (malware) includes viruses and spyware designed to steal your personal information. The best way to prevent malware is to always think before you click. Watch our video to see how to detect and prevent malware from installing itself on your computer.

Click Here

Other Tactics

Fraudsters impersonate trusted entities to gain access to your information. Always verify a person's identity before sharing any sensitive data. Read more to find out how to avoid various types of scams.

Learn More

Report Suspicious Activity

Lost/Stolen Debit/Credit Card

Ameris Bank Debit Card: Call 800-236-2442
Ameris Bank Credit Card: Call 877-334-0460 and select option 2

Suspicious Email/Possible Fraudulent Activity

If you believe your personal information or account details have been compromised, call us immediately at 866-616-6020 or visit a nearby Ameris Bank branch.

If you have received a suspicious text message or email, do not click on any links within the text message or email. Please submit a photo or screenshot of the suspicious message to [email protected]. Do not include sensitive information such as your account or Social Security numbers. This mailbox is for collection purposes only so please do not expect a reply. This will not constitute notifying Ameris Bank of any potential fraud on your accounts. Additionally, you may file a customer complaint with the FTC and report the activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Sharpen Your Skills

The fight against financial crime is ongoing. Check out these resources from the American Banker's Association.

Do you practice safe checks?

Watch the video to find out

Think you can spot a scam?

Take the quiz

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Ameris Bank at 866-616-6020 and file a customer complaint with the FTC. If you believe your personal information has been compromised, immediately contact Ameris Bank.

Every October, Ameris Bank joins the national effort to raise awareness about the importance of online security. It's a dedicated time to learn how to stay safe and protect your digital life from scams and fraud.

We use a multi-layered approach to protect your information, including advanced encryption, secure login protocols, and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity.

Fraud is the unauthorized use of stolen information for financial gain, such as a fraudulent charge on your credit card. Identity theft is when a criminal steals your personal information to assume your identity and open accounts or commit other crimes in your name.

You are your first line of defense! Use strong, unique passwords for every account, enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, keep your software updated to patch security vulnerabilities, and switch to e-statements.

About

About

Your security is our top priority. Let's fight fraud together.

Cybersecurity Checklist

Identifying Scams

Report Suspicious Activity

Lost/Stolen Debit/Credit Card

Suspicious Email/Possible Fraudulent Activity

Sharpen Your Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

About

About

Preventing Fraud

Your security is our top priority. Let's fight fraud together.

Cybersecurity Checklist

Text and SMS Fraud

Phone Fraud

Email Fraud

Credit and Debit Card Fraud

Identifying Scams

Report Suspicious Activity

Lost/Stolen Debit/Credit Card

Suspicious Email/Possible Fraudulent Activity

Sharpen Your Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report fraud?

What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?

How does Ameris Bank protect my data?

What is the difference between fraud and identity theft?

How can I help protect my accounts?

Is my personal information safe on social media?

What happens if an unauthorized person uses my Access ID and Passcode?

How can I protect myself from online fraud?

Has Ameris Bank been the target of online fraud?

How is Ameris Bank protecting its clients from online fraud?

What is "phishing"?

Is the Ameris Bank website secure?

How do I know if an email is from Ameris Bank?

Should I be concerned about someone stealing my identity?

If someone obtains my information and stole some of my money, how can I ensure that they do not steal more of my money when I change my account/debit card numbers?

What if my card is lost or stolen?

What if my device is lost or stolen?

What if my Android device is lost or stolen?

What if my Samsung device is lost or stolen?