We have taken many steps to ensure appropriate information security. However, bad actors are always present and pose a risk to your personal data. The following information will help you do your part in protecting your personal and banking information.
Email scams account for 96 percent of all phishing attacks, making email the most popular tool for the bad guys. Often, the scammer will disguise the email to look and sound like it’s from your bank.
If an email pressures you to click a link — whether it’s to verify your login credentials or make a payment, you can be sure it’s a scam. We will never ask you to do that. It’s best to avoid clicking links in an email. Before you click, hover over the link to reveal where it really leads. When in doubt, call us directly, or visit our website by typing the URL directly into your browser.
We will never use scare tactics, threats, or high-pressure language to get you to act quickly, but scammers will. Demands for urgent action should put you on high alert. No matter how authentic an email may appear, never reply with personal information like your password, PIN, or social security number.
In the same way defensive driving prevents car accidents, always treating incoming email as a potential risk will protect you from scams. Fraudulent emails can appear very convincing, using official language and logos, and even similar URLs. Always be alert.
We will never send attachments like a PDF in an unexpected email. Misspellings and poor grammar are also warning signs of a phishing scam.
Scammers sometimes try to cheat you out of your money by impersonating your bank over the phone. In some scams, they act friendly and helpful. In others, they’ll threaten or scare you. Scammers will often ask for your personal information, or get you to send them money. Banks never will.
Scammers count on getting you to act before you think, usually by including a threat. We never will. A scammer might say “act now or your account will be closed,” or even “we’ve detected suspicious activity on your account” — don’t give into the pressure.
Never share sensitive information like your bank password, PIN, or a one-time login code with someone who calls you unexpectedly — even if they say they’re from Mountain Valley Bank. We may need to verify personal information if you call us, but never the other way around.
Scammers can make any number or name appear on your caller ID. Even if your phone shows it’s Mountain Valley Bank calling, it could be anyone. Always be wary of incoming calls.
Whether it’s a scammer impersonating your Mountain Valley Bank or a real call, stay safe by ending unexpected calls and dialing the number on the back of your bank card instead.
Phishing text messages attempt to trick you into sharing personal information like your password, PIN, or social security number to gain access to your bank account. As long as you don’t respond to these messages and delete them instead, your information is safe. All you need to do is spot the signs of a scam before you click or reply.
Acting too quickly when you receive phishing text messages can result in unintentionally giving scammers access to your bank account — and your money. Scammers want you to feel confused and rushed, which is always a red flag. We will never threaten you into responding, or use high-pressure tactics.
Never click on a link sent via text message — especially if it asks you to sign into your bank account. Scammers often use this technique to steal your username and password. When in doubt, visit our website by typing the URL directly into your browser or login to your bank’s mobile app.
We will never ask for your PIN, password, or one-time login code in a text message. If you receive a text message asking for personal information, it’s a scam.
Don’t risk accidentally replying to or saving a fraudulent text message on your phone. If you are reporting the message, take a screenshot to share, then delete it.
Scams using payment apps such as Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle®, are growing more and more prevalent as those platforms become increasingly popular. Once you’re hooked, it only takes seconds for a scammer to access your hard-earned cash.
Payment app scams often start with a phone call or text. If you get an unexpected call, just hang up. If you get an unexpected text, delete it. Even when they seem legitimate, you should always verify by calling us at (304) 637-2265 or payment app’s customer service number.
Don’t send money to someone you don’t know or have never met in person. These payment apps are just like handing cash to someone.
Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency to get you to act without thinking. They might claim your account is in danger of being closed, or threaten you with legal action. These high pressure tactics are red flags of a scam — a real bank will never use them.
Banks will never ask you to pay bills using a payment app, or ask you to send money to yourself. Scammers can “spoof” email addresses and phone numbers on caller ID to look like they’re from Mountain Valley Bank, even when they’re not. When in doubt, reach out to us directly by calling the number on the back of your card (304) 637-2265.