At Home Bank, your safety matters to us. Scammers are skilled and convincing, but you can protect yourself. The most powerful safeguard is simple: slow down.

Warning Signs of a Scam

Be cautious if you notice any of the following:

• You feel pressured to act quickly or told to keep it a secret
• The call, text, or email is unexpected
• You’re asked to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, cash, or payment apps
• Someone asks for banking details, passwords, Social Security numbers, or one-time codes
• You’re told there is an urgent problem or emergency involving money

Banks will never pressure you, threaten you, or ask for passwords or verification codes.

How to Verify a Request Safely

Before sending money or sharing information:

1. STOP – Hang up the phone or don’t respond right away
2. VERIFY INDEPENDENTLY – Call Home Bank or the organization using a number you already trust
3. TALK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST – A family member, friend, or banker
4. WAIT – Legitimate issues can wait. Scams depend on urgency

If You Think You May Have Been Scammed

Act immediately. Timing matters.

• Call your financial institution right away and report the situation
• Ask if the transaction can be stopped or reversed
• Secure your accounts (change passwords, monitor activity closely)
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  • Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • Or call 1-877-FTC-HELP
• Report the scam to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if it's cyber crime
  • Visit ic3.go

Even if you’re unsure call someone! We would rather help early than after more damage is done.

Know the Risk by Payment Type

Some payments are harder to recover than others:

• Often easier: Credit cards, unauthorized bank withdrawals
• Harder: Wire transfers or person-to-person payment apps if you approved the payment
• Very difficult or impossible: Gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash

Scammers choose these methods because they are hard to trace.

Please Remember

• There is no shame in being targeted
• Scammers are professionals at manipulation
• Slow down. Ask questions. Call Home Bank.

If it feels rushed, frightening, or secret—pause.

We’re Here to Help

Call your local bank branch

consumer.gov/scams

FTC - 1-877-FTC-HELP