Tips & Tricks
Scammers are sending fake text messages claiming you have unpaid tolls and threatening penalties if you don't pay immediately. These messages often include links to fraudulent websites designed to steal your personal and financial information. Legitimate toll agencies will send notices by mail, not urgent text messages. If you receive one of these texts, do not click any links or provide any information. Instead, contact the toll agency directly using their official website or phone number to verify if you actually owe any fees.
Phishing scams use fake emails, texts or phone calls that appear to come from trusted sources like your bank, government agencies or well-known companies. These messages try to trick you into sharing passwords, account numbers, Social Security numbers or other sensitive information. West Tennessee Bank will never ask you to verify account information, provide passwords or click links in unsolicited messages. Be suspicious of urgent requests, poor grammar or generic greetings like "Dear Customer." When in doubt, contact us directly using the phone number on your card or statement—never use contact information provided in a suspicious message.
Your account information is the key to your financial security. Never share your account numbers, passwords, PINs or online banking credentials with anyone—even if they claim to be from the bank. Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Monitor your accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions, and report any suspicious activity immediately. Shred documents containing account information before discarding them, and be cautious about sharing financial details on social media or unsecured websites.
Clicking on suspicious links is one of the fastest ways for scammers to access your personal information or infect your device with malware. Fraudulent links can arrive via email, text message, social media or even pop-up ads. Before clicking any link, hover over it to see the actual web address—if it looks suspicious or doesn't match the claimed sender, don't click. Be especially wary of shortened URLs that hide the true destination. If you receive an unexpected message with a link claiming to be from West TN Bank, don't click it. Instead, log into your account directly through our official website or app, or call us to verify the message is legitimate.
Q:
How can I tell if an email or text from the bank is legitimate?
A:
Decatur County Bank will never ask you to verify your account information, provide passwords, or update personal details through email or text message. Legitimate communications from us will not create a sense of urgency or threaten to close your account. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the bank, do not click any links or reply. Instead, contact us directly using the phone number on your debit card or bank statement. You can also log into your online banking account through our official website (never through a link in an email) to check for any genuine alerts or messages.
Q:
What should I do if I think my account has been compromised?
A:
If you notice unauthorized transactions, receive alerts about activity you didn't initiate, or believe someone has accessed your account information, contact Decatur County Bank immediately. Change your online banking password right away if you can still access your account. Monitor your account statements closely and report any fraudulent charges. We'll work with you to investigate the issue, secure your account, and help you recover any losses. The sooner you report suspicious activity, the better we can protect your finances.
Q:
How can I protect myself from online banking fraud?
A:
Start by using strong, unique passwords for your online banking—avoid using the same password across multiple sites. Never access your bank account on public Wi-Fi networks, and keep your devices updated with the latest security patches. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts asking for personal information. Regularly review your account activity and set up account alerts to notify you of transactions. Remember, Decatur County Bank will never call, email, or text asking for your password, PIN, or full account number. When in doubt, hang up and call us directly at the number on your card.