Protect Yourself from Personal Fraud

As your trusted Wisconsin community bank, Fortifi Bank is committed to protecting your financial well-being. We understand that scams and phishing attempts can cause unnecessary worry, especially during tax season. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and what steps you can take if you suspect fraud.

Tax-Time Phishing Scams

During tax season, scammers often take advantage of heightened stress and uncertainty. Fraudsters may impersonate tax professionals or even claim to be from the IRS. Their goal is to trick you into providing personal information, including:

Passwords and Bank Details: Misleading claims about refunds or credits to lower your guard.

Threats or Demands: Urgent requests to pay immediately, often accompanied by threats of arrest or other consequences.

Suspicious Links: Website addresses that are misspelled or unfamiliar, diverting you away from trusted sites like IRS.gov.

Targeting Wisconsin Residents

What’s Happening?
Recently, some of our clients have reported receiving text messages that appear to come from Fortifi Bank. These messages typically ask if you’re using your debit card for a large purchase—often at retailers like Best Buy—and instruct you to reply “yes” or “no.” Soon after, you may receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from Fortifi Bank, asking for your debit card number and other sensitive information. While one phone number reported in these scams is actually a 920 area code phone number, scammers can change these numbers at will.

Recognizing Red Flags

Unexpected Contact: Receiving unsolicited texts or calls.

Urgency: Pressure to respond immediately.

Sensitive Information Requests: Being asked for personal data such as your debit card details.

Unfamiliar Numbers: Contact from numbers that aren’t associated with our official communications.

How to Protect Yourself

Fortifi Bank encourages you to take the following steps to safeguard your personal information:

Verify the Source:
Always confirm any communication by calling us directly. Our official contact number is 855.876.1500.

Be Cautious of Urgent Requests:
We will never pressure you to provide sensitive information immediately.

Guard Your Personal Data:
Do not share your debit card number, passwords, or Social Security number unless you’re sure of the recipient’s identity.

Examine Links and Emails Carefully:
Look out for misspellings or unfamiliar web addresses.

Keep Your Devices Secure:
Use strong passwords and keep your security software updated.

Monitor Your Accounts:
Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam or notice any suspicious activity, take action immediately:

1. Stop Communication:
Do not respond further to any suspicious texts or calls.

2. Contact Fortifi Bank:
For immediate assistance, call our support team at 855.876.1500.

3. Monitor Your Accounts:
Keep an eye on your transactions and report any unauthorized activity.

4. Report the Incident:
File a report with local law enforcement and consider notifying the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Our Commitment to the Wisconsin Community

At Fortifi Bank, we’re more than just a bank—we’re part of the Wisconsin community. Your security is our priority, and we work diligently to protect you from fraud. We understand the local landscape and are dedicated to providing personalized service that makes you feel secure and supported.

Remember, if you ever have questions or need assistance, our friendly team is here to help. For immediate assistance, call our support team at 855.876.1500.

Stay vigilant, stay informed, and let’s work together to keep your financial information safe.

Fortifi Bank is here for you, every step of the way.