How to Avoid Account Takeover Fraud
What is an “account takeover”?
An account takeover happens when a fraudster poses as a financial institution to get your personal or account information. Once the fraudster has access to your account, they can make unauthorized transactions.
![3143 shield](https://www.bankchampaign.com/wp-content/uploads/3143_shield.png)
![3143 phone](https://www.bankchampaign.com/wp-content/uploads/3143_phone.png)
How Does It Work?
An account takeover begins with a fraudster sending a text message to your mobile phone. They usually claim they’re from a financial institution’s fraud department. They ask you to confirm a suspicious payment that was sent from your account — this may not be true and could be part of the fraud.
If this is a fraud attack, the fraudster typically follows up with a phone call and asks for your personal information to “cancel the payment.” NOTE: BankChampaign will NEVER ask for your personal information over the phone.
The account takeover fraud usually begins on a Friday, after business hours, and runs through the weekend.
The phone shows an example of a fraudulent “account takeover” text message.
How Can You Prevent Account Takeover Fraud?
![generatemaskicon](https://www.bankchampaign.com/wp-content/uploads/generatemaskicon.png)
If someone posing as BankChampaign contacts you by phone, email, or text message and wants you to share your personal information, consider it fraud.
![generatemaskicon 1](https://www.bankchampaign.com/wp-content/uploads/generatemaskicon-1.png)
If you receive a text (or email) like the one shown here, do not reply to the sender. Ignore the message and do not call any phone numbers listed in the text.
![generatemaskicon 2](https://www.bankchampaign.com/wp-content/uploads/generatemaskicon-2.png)
If you receive a phone call that seems to be a phishing attempt, end the call immediately. And be aware that area codes can be misleading: a local area code does not always guarantee that the caller is local.
If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, contact customer service at 217-351-2870 or [email protected].