Fraud & Security

Working together is the best fraud protection

What is bank fraud?

Bank fraud is a criminal act that involves the use of deceit or deception to gain unauthorized access to funds or financial information. It can take many forms, including identity theft, phishing scams and account takeover. By working together, we can help ensure your financial information remains safe and secure.

Report Fraud

Online Banking Security
Here's how we protect you

Unique identifiers

You need a valid access code to access certain account and financial information.

Encryption

We use Transport Layer Security technology to ensure data is protected in transit.

Security alerts

Get notified when there's suspicious activity related to your account.

Timeout

Your session in our online application will automatically end after a period of inactivity.

Fraud Prevention
Steps to stay secure

Here are some steps you can take to ensure your account and personal information are as secure as possible.

Step 1

Understand your privacy

Learn more about the types of information we collect, how we use it and how we work to protect your privacy.

View Privacy Statement
Step 2

Maintain accurate contact information

Ensure your account contact information is up to date so we can quickly contact you about any suspicious activity.

Update Contact Information , Opens in a new tab
Step 3

Use strong passwords

Change passwords regularly, use different ones for different accounts and use a unique combination of letters, numbers and symbols.

Update your Digital Banking password , Opens in a new tab
Step 4

Enable two-factor authentication

This adds an extra layer of security to your account, making it more difficult for fraudsters to access it—even if they have your password.

Learn more about two-factor authentication with First Citizens
Step 5

Set up account alerts

Get real-time notifications about your account activity so you can detect and prevent fraud, as well as monitor spending and account balances.

Explore Account Alerts
Step 6

Enable biometrics

Biometrics provide an added layer of security, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access your account. Biometric authentication—such as a fingerprint—is unique to you and can't be replicated, making it a highly secure form of identification.

Fraud Tactics
Safeguarding tips

The best way to protect yourself from fraud is to arm yourself with knowledge on the most common types of scams.

Phishing

Phishing is an attempt by fraudsters to lure you into emailing them your personal information so they can access your financial accounts. Red flags include:

  • Unknown numbers
  • A sense of urgency
  • Threats
  • Spelling errors

Learn more about phishing

Smishing

Smishing is phishing through text, where scammers ask you to give away sensitive information or funds. To protect yourself from a smishing attack:

  • Keep your web browser and phone's operating system up to date
  • Be wary of urgent text messages
  • Verify the phone number
  • Don't store sensitive information on your phone
  • Research before responding

Learn more about smishing

Common fraud messages

It's important to recognize some of the most common fraudulent messages and report them accordingly. These include:

  • Free prizes, gift cards or coupons
  • Bank account verifications
  • Texts or messages from government agencies
  • Order deliveries
  • Issues with your payment information

Learn more about common fraud messages

Other financial scams

While phishing and smishing are among the most common types of scams, there are a few more types that target customers:

  • Bank imposter scams
  • Investment scams
  • Online shopping scams
  • Phone call scams
  • Payment app scams
  • Romance scams
  • Tech support scams

Learn more about other financial scams

Fraud Video
Signs a message is a scam

Scammers can make text messages and emails appear that they're from First Citizens. To protect yourself from these threats:

  • Never select suspicious links in texts or emails.
  • Don't share your account information, user IDs, passwords or other sensitive information through text, email or with an unsolicited caller.
  • Enroll in First Citizens Digital Banking text and email alerts.
  • Never give your Digital Banking Secure Access Code, or SAC, to anyone.

Remember that we'll never text, email or call you to request security codes or other sensitive personal information.

Signs a Message is a Scam

A vague text from an unknown number. An alarming phone call from your bank. A phone call or a message about debt that's old or unfamiliar. A sense of urgency or threats—or a request to send money or pay debt using an unusual payment method. All of these are red flags that you might be dealing with a scammer. While it used to be much easier to spot a scam, fraudsters have started to evolve their tactics—and their scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. That's why when it comes to fraud prevention, vigilance is key.

Here's how to protect yourself.

First, keep an eye out for those red flags, as well as any demands for secrecy or threats of arrest, embarrassment or blackmail. Also, any request involving payment via wire transfer or the purchase of gift cards or cryptocurrency should be an immediate red flag. Criminals prefer these methods because they're difficult to trace.

Next, remember that government agencies like the IRS and FBI won't contact you by phone to discuss unpaid taxes or other sensitive matters. If you're contacted about any type of debt, ask the caller to validate the debt in writing. This is a legal requirement from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that any legitimate debt collector will adhere to. If someone is harassing or threatening you, block them, and be sure to report any additional emails, text messages or phone calls you may receive.

Finally, know that your bank will never contact you and ask for your PIN, password or verification code. If you receive an unsolicited text or phone call that appears to be from your bank, do not provide any information or click on any links. Instead, hang up and call your bank using the number on the back of your card.

And always remember: If something doesn't add up or if you're being pressured—particularly if there's money involved—just stop engaging.

For more fraud prevention tactics, visit FirstCitizens.com/fraud-prevention.

Fraud & Security Insights
Protect yourself with knowledge

Security

Protecting yourself from investment scams

Investment fraud has become the costliest form of fraud in America. Here's how to protect yourself.
Approximately one in 10 investors will fall victim to investment fraud at some point in their lives, according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.
Security

Tips to protect parents from fraud

The risk of financial scams is on the rise, but there are steps you can take to help keep your parents' assets safe.
Elderly people are particularly impacted by fraud because they don't have the time to make up for losses that younger generations do.
Security

Do you recognize these common elderly scams?

Learn the signs of financial scams targeting the elderly so you can help protect your loved ones.
Many seniors can successfully steer clear of scams with some help from supportive relatives or friends.
Explore Additional Security Insights

Fraud Reporting Options
Report fraud activity and identity theft

Report fraud activity to us

866-567-7760

8 am to 9 pm ET Monday thru Friday

8 am to 8 pm ET Saturday and Sunday

Report a Suspicious Email

Report fraud activity online

Visit IC3.gov to access the FBI's centralized hub for reporting cybercrimes.

Learn where to report a scam through USA.gov.

Report and recover from identity theft through IdentityTheft.gov.

Find a branch near you

Visit any one of our bank branches to discuss potential fraud activity or identity theft in person.

Find a Branch , Opens in a new tab

Fraud & Security FAQ
People often ask us

Yes. Your deposits at First Citizens are protected up to at least $250,000 by the FDIC.

As added assurance, we have a banking history that spans more than 125 years. As one of America's largest family-controlled banks, we're known for our stability, financial discipline and long-term focus. Our time-tested strategies ensure that we'll be here for you both now and in the future.

We take protecting your personal information seriously and use state-of-the-art security technology to safeguard your account information. There are also some simple steps you can take to increase the security of your personal information.

The first thing you can do is to use strong passwords and user IDs. Hackers always go for the most obvious passwords and login IDs. So think of a phrase, song lyric or quote and add a few capital letters, numbers and symbols. And never use personal information such as family names, birthdates or phone numbers.

It's also important to not share your personal information to anyone who contacts you by phone, web, email or text message. Personal information includes your Social Security number, account numbers or any other information that can be used to personally identify you.

To report suspicious activity, contact us immediately at 866-567-7760.

You can also place a security freeze on your credit file to prevent fraudsters from opening new accounts or making changes to your existing accounts. You only need to notify one credit bureau—the one you choose will notify the other credit bureaus.

Equifax: 800-525-6285

TransUnion: 833-395-6938

Experian: 888-397-3742

If you receive a suspicious email or text message, don't respond, select links or open attachments. If we reach out to you by phone, we won't ask for confidential information like your card PIN, access code or online banking password.

Be on the lookout for phone calls, emails or texts from even seemingly legitimate companies that either solicit your assistance or offer to help. Never give out your Social Security number, bank account numbers or other personal information to companies or individuals unless you initiated the conversation.

Links to third-party websites may have a privacy policy different from First Citizens Bank and may provide less security than this website. First Citizens Bank and its affiliates are not responsible for the products, services and content on any third-party website.

Bank deposit products are offered by First Citizens Bank. Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. icon: sys-ehl.

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