Southland News
Someone tried to access your bank account. Would you know the warning signs?
You get a text saying there’s suspicious activity on your account.
A few minutes later, your phone rings. The caller says they’re a Southland representative. They sound professional. They know your name. They tell you they’re trying to protect your account and just need you to verify a code that was texted to your phone.
In a stressful moment like that, a lot of people panic and comply.
That verification code is often the only thing standing between a scammer and your bank account.
Account takeover fraud is becoming one of the fastest-growing scams affecting credit union Members. Fraudsters are getting better at making fake calls, texts and emails look legitimate. Some scams are so convincing that people do not realize what happened until they are locked out of Digital Banking or money starts disappearing from their account.
The warning signs most people miss
Scammers rely on urgency. They want you to react emotionally before you have time to think clearly.
Here are a few red flags that should immediately make you pause:
You receive a verification code you did not request
This is one of the biggest warning signs of account takeover fraud.
If someone calls asking you to read back a one-time security code sent to your phone, stop immediately. Scammers may already have your username and password and are trying to use that code to access your account.
Southland will never ask you for:
Digital Banking passwords
PIN numbers
You get a text saying your account is locked or compromised
Fraud texts are designed to scare you into acting quickly. The message may include a link asking you to log in or verify your account information.
Do not click the link.
Instead, log in directly through Southland’s Digital Banking app or call us at 800.426.1917.
You receive login alerts from unfamiliar devices
Pay attention to security notifications. If you receive an alert about a login attempt, password change or new device you do not recognize, take action immediately.
Your password suddenly stops working
If you are unexpectedly locked out of Digital Banking, do not ignore it. A scammer may have already changed your login information.
You notice transactions you do not recognize
Even small transactions matter. Fraudsters sometimes test accounts with small purchases before attempting larger withdrawals or transfers.
How Members can better protect their accounts
Scammers rely on people reacting quickly. A few small security habits can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your account.
Never share verification codes or passwords
Use a unique password for Digital Banking
Enable multi-factor authentication and account alerts
Avoid clicking links sent through unexpected texts or emails
Review your account activity regularly
Another simple way to add protection is enabling Face ID on the Southland Digital Banking app.
Here’s how:
1. On your mobile device, log in to your account on the Southland Digital Banking app.
2. Tap More
3. Tap Tools
4. Tap Settings
5. Tap Biometrics
6. Tap the toggle to move it to the ON position
7. You will be able to use Face ID the next time you log in. Tap the Face icon at the bottom of the login screen to use Face ID.
Think your account might be compromised?
Contact Southland immediately if:
You shared a verification code
You clicked a suspicious link
You notice unusual account activity
You can no longer access your Digital Banking account.
The faster fraud is reported, the faster steps can be taken to help secure your account.
When it comes to fraud, trust your instincts
As a reminder, Southland will never ask for personal information like your Digital Banking password or PIN by phone, text or email. Southland will also never contact Members outside of normal business hours regarding account-related issues.
If something feels suspicious, it is always better to pause and call us at 800.426.1917. We are always here to help you verify activity on your account and protect your financial information.