Bank of Botetourt has joined the American Bankers Association and banks across the nation in launching a first-of-its-kind, industry-wide campaign to educate consumers about the persistent threat of phishing scams.
The Federal Trade Commission estimates that consumers lost $1.48 billion to phishing schemes in 2018 with the ongoing pandemic increasing the threat. To combat phishing, the #BanksNeverAskThat campaign uses attention-grabbing humor and other engaging content to empower consumers to identify bogus bank communications asking for sensitive information like their passwords and Social Security numbers.
“This campaign is an unprecedented effort by the banking industry to address a growing threat to our customers,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “Thanks to participating banks like Bank of Botetourt, we’re turning the tables on the bad guys by giving consumers the tools they need to spot illegitimate bank communications.”
Bank of Botetourt, the ABA and banks across the country launched this campaign on October 1. It coincides with the commencement of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Throughout October Bank of Botetourt will share eye-catching and engaging short videos, animated GIFs and consumer tips on social media and in bank branches designed to highlight common phishing schemes. Because cybersecurity education and fraud awareness can often be dull and forgettable to many consumers, the campaign is designed to be bright and bold with a bit of humor.
“We are pleased to partner with the ABA on this campaign to help bring awareness to our customers regarding the threats of identity theft,” said G. Lyn Hayth III, Bank of Botetourt president and CEO. “Protecting our customers and equipping them with the information to help protect themselves is extremely important.”
The campaign’s short videos offer similarly ridiculous questions that banks would never ask and direct consumers to BanksNeverAskThat.com for more information. At that website, consumers will find the #BanksNeverAskThat quiz, videos, phishing red flags, tips and FAQs.
For more information about phishing scams and how to stop fraudsters in their tracks, visit www.BanksNeverAskThat.com.
