Phishing scams are one of the most common ways criminals try to steal your personal and financial information but knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
What Is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of scam where fraudsters pose as legitimate businesses or organizations you trust. They often send emails or create pop-up advertisements that look real—sometimes even copying branding and language from official websites—to trick you into sharing sensitive information.
These messages typically ask you to “update,” “verify,” or “confirm” details like:
- Account numbers
- Passwords or PINs
- Login credentials
- Social Security numbers
They often create a sense of urgency to push you into acting quickly before you have time to think.
Important Reminder:
BankNewport will never ask for personal or confidential information, such as passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers, through unsecured email.
How to Recognize a Phishing Attempt
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but there are still warning signs to watch for:
🚨 Urgent Requests
Messages that say your account will be closed or locked unless you act immediately are a major red flag.
👤 Generic Greetings
Emails that don’t address you by name (e.g., “Dear Customer”) may not be legitimate.
✏️ Typos and Poor Design
Spelling errors, awkward wording, or low-quality graphics can signal a fraudulent message.
How to Protect Yourself
Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in keeping your information safe:
- Don’t click suspicious links
Instead, type the website address directly into your browser or use a saved bookmark. - Never send sensitive information via email
Legitimate organizations won’t ask for confidential details this way. - Keep your login credentials private
Never share your IDs, passwords, or PINs with anyone. - Verify requests directly
If you’re unsure, call the company using a trusted phone number—not one provided in the message. - Look for secure websites
Confirm the URL begins with https:// and displays a padlock icon. - Check website security certificates
Your browser can help verify if a site is secure. - Keep your software updated
Regular updates help protect against the latest security threats. - Always log off secure sites
Especially for online banking or any account that requires login credentials.
What to Do If You Suspect Phishing
If you think you’ve encountered a phishing attempt or believe your information may be compromised, take action right away:
- Contact Customer Service
Call BankNewport at:
- 401.845.2265 or 877.709.2265
Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Place a Fraud Alert with Credit Bureaus
- Equifax: 800.525.6285
- Experian: 888.397.3742
- TransUnion: 800.680.7289
- Report Identity Theft
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): 1.877.IDTHEFT
Stay Informed, Stay Protected
Phishing scams rely on urgency and deception, but with the right awareness, you can stay one step ahead. When in doubt, pause, verify, and contact a trusted source before taking action.
Your financial security starts with informed choices, and a little extra caution online can go a long way.
