Recognizing that something doesn’t seem right is an important first step.
The next step is even more important:
Verify before you trust.
Today’s scammers are skilled at making emails, text messages, phone calls, and websites look legitimate. They may use familiar company names, recognizable logos, or even phone numbers that appear to belong to a trusted business.
The good news is that you don’t have to decide whether something is real or fake based on appearances alone.
Instead, develop one simple habit:
Verify the request using a trusted source before you take action.
That one habit can help protect you from many of today’s most common scams.
What Does It Mean to Verify?
Verification simply means confirming that a request is legitimate before responding.
Think of it this way:
If you receive a text message claiming to be from your bank, don’t use the link in the message to verify it.
Instead:
- Open your banking app directly.
- Visit the bank’s website by typing the address into your browser.
- Call the phone number printed on your debit card or monthly statement.
- Contact someone you already know at the bank.
The goal isn’t to prove the message is a scam.
The goal is to confirm that it’s legitimate before taking action.
The “Second Source” Habit
One of the easiest ways to verify almost anything is to use a second, trusted source.
For example:
If you receive a phone call…
Call the business back using a phone number you already know.
If you receive an email…
Open the company’s website or mobile app instead of clicking the link.
If you receive a text message…
Type the company’s website address into your browser or call their published phone number.
If a family member asks for emergency money…
Call them directly using the number you already have or contact another family member.
The message may be unexpected.
Your source for verification shouldn’t be.
Slow Down Before You Decide
Scammers often rely on urgency.
They hope you’ll respond before taking time to verify the situation.
If someone tells you:
- “You need to act immediately.”
- “Don’t hang up.”
- “Keep this confidential.”
- “Your account will be closed today.”
Take a moment to pause.
Legitimate businesses understand that customers may want to verify important requests before responding.
Four Questions to Ask Before You Act
Whenever you’re unsure, ask yourself:
1. Can I verify this another way?
Look for an independent source of information rather than relying on the original message.
2. Am I using contact information I already trust?
Use a phone number from your debit card, statement, official website, or a saved contact - not the number provided in an unexpected message.
3. Am I feeling rushed?
Urgency is often a warning sign.
Give yourself permission to slow down before making an important financial decision.
4. Would I feel comfortable asking someone else?
Sometimes the best next step is simply asking another person.
A trusted family member, friend, or your local banker can often help you recognize something you may have overlooked.
Verification Is Easier Than You Think
You don’t need special software.
You don’t need to understand every new scam.
Most of the time, verification comes down to taking one extra step:
- Make one phone call.
- Open one trusted app.
- Type one web address yourself.
- Ask one question.
Those small actions can prevent much larger problems.
Remember
You don’t have to recognize every scam.
You don’t have to become a cybersecurity expert.
You simply need to build one habit:
Verify before you trust.
When something doesn’t seem right, don’t rely on the message, phone call, or website that contacted you.
Use a trusted source to confirm the request before taking the next step.
It’s one of the simplest - and most effective - ways to protect yourself.
Not Sure? Start With Us.
If you ever receive a message, phone call, email, or payment request involving your First Bank of Berne accounts and you’re unsure whether it’s legitimate, contact us before taking action.
We’ll never mind taking a few minutes to help you verify a request.
Helping you bank with confidence is part of what we’re here for.