 | In today’s digital-first world, protecting your financial accounts and personal information is more important than ever. In this guest blog, KeyBank shares practical, up-to-date guidance to help individuals stay one step ahead of fraudsters. From recognizing common warning signs to adopting smart security habits, these tips are designed to empower you with the knowledge needed to safeguard what matters most. |
Arming yourself with the latest information is crucial to protecting your financial accounts and your personal data. Here are a few guidelines to help you safeguard your accounts against fraud.
Use online banking and account alerts to catch suspicious activity quickly
You don’t have to wait for your monthly statement to check your account activity — in fact, we recommend reviewing your transactions daily. Online banking allows you 24/7 access to your accounts so you can do just that. And once you’re enrolled, KeyBank and many other banks make things even easier by allowing you to set up account alerts (i) for automated, around-the-clock monitoring of your accounts.
Check payments are most secure when mailed directly from inside your post office
With mail and check theft on the rise, you may also want to consider using other forms of payment, such as debit or credit card, or electronic methods such as online Bill Pay or Zelle® (ii).
When in doubt, don’t click!
Embedded links are often a fraudster’s bread and butter. Whether in a text message or email, you should never click on a link unless you are 100% certain it is legitimate. Other fraud techniques commonly employ embedded links to collect your sensitive data or install harmful malware on your computer. Be skeptical of any text or email containing a link. Look for red flags like a request to verify or unlock your account, a sense of urgency, or grammatical/spelling errors. If you’re even the slightest bit suspicious, do not click the link.
Fraudsters often impersonate banks and can be very creative in trying to get access to your accounts
For example, if KeyBank ever initiates a call or text to you, we will not ask for your log-in credentials, passwords, PIN, or one-time passcode. We’ll also never ask you to send money to yourself via any electronic method such as Zelle, account transfers, or wire payments.
Stay informed
When it comes to fraud, knowledge is power. Staying up to date on the latest trends and emerging scams is your greatest defense. For additional information on trending fraud tactics and how to avoid them, visit banksneveraskthat.com.
If you notice anything remotely suspicious, play it safe and verify the situation
If you receive a call, text, or email claiming to be from your bank/financial institution that you feel is questionable, hang up the phone and/or do not respond to the message. Immediately contact your bank through a known channel. KeyBank customers can contact your banker, call or visit your local branch, or contact us through a phone number like 1-800-KEY2YOU®. There’s no harm in verifying the legitimacy of a request — in fact, we’ll be glad you did.
i Message and Data rates may apply from your wireless carrier
ii Subject to terms and conditions in Service Agreement
The information and recommendations contained here have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable based on current information and conditions and are subject to change. KeyBank assumes no duty to update any information in the material in the event that such information changes. KeyBank does not represent or warrant its accuracy, reliability, or completeness or accept any liability for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect) arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This material is provided as general information only; particular situations may require additional information or actions. Nothing in material shall be regarded as an offer, solicitation, recommendation or advice (whether financial, accounting, legal, tax or other) given by KeyBank and/or its officers or employees or other presenters. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Zelle and the Zelle-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC, and are used herein under license. ©2026 KeyCorp®. All rights reserved. KeyBank Member FDIC CFMA #260108-3920678
Use online banking and account alerts to catch suspicious activity quickly
You don’t have to wait for your monthly statement to check your account activity — in fact, we recommend reviewing your transactions daily. Online banking allows you 24/7 access to your accounts so you can do just that. And once you’re enrolled, KeyBank and many other banks make things even easier by allowing you to set up account alerts (i) for automated, around-the-clock monitoring of your accounts.
Check payments are most secure when mailed directly from inside your post office
With mail and check theft on the rise, you may also want to consider using other forms of payment, such as debit or credit card, or electronic methods such as online Bill Pay or Zelle® (ii).
When in doubt, don’t click!
Embedded links are often a fraudster’s bread and butter. Whether in a text message or email, you should never click on a link unless you are 100% certain it is legitimate. Other fraud techniques commonly employ embedded links to collect your sensitive data or install harmful malware on your computer. Be skeptical of any text or email containing a link. Look for red flags like a request to verify or unlock your account, a sense of urgency, or grammatical/spelling errors. If you’re even the slightest bit suspicious, do not click the link.
Fraudsters often impersonate banks and can be very creative in trying to get access to your accounts
For example, if KeyBank ever initiates a call or text to you, we will not ask for your log-in credentials, passwords, PIN, or one-time passcode. We’ll also never ask you to send money to yourself via any electronic method such as Zelle, account transfers, or wire payments.
Stay informed
When it comes to fraud, knowledge is power. Staying up to date on the latest trends and emerging scams is your greatest defense. For additional information on trending fraud tactics and how to avoid them, visit banksneveraskthat.com.
If you notice anything remotely suspicious, play it safe and verify the situation
If you receive a call, text, or email claiming to be from your bank/financial institution that you feel is questionable, hang up the phone and/or do not respond to the message. Immediately contact your bank through a known channel. KeyBank customers can contact your banker, call or visit your local branch, or contact us through a phone number like 1-800-KEY2YOU®. There’s no harm in verifying the legitimacy of a request — in fact, we’ll be glad you did.
i Message and Data rates may apply from your wireless carrier
ii Subject to terms and conditions in Service Agreement
The information and recommendations contained here have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable based on current information and conditions and are subject to change. KeyBank assumes no duty to update any information in the material in the event that such information changes. KeyBank does not represent or warrant its accuracy, reliability, or completeness or accept any liability for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect) arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This material is provided as general information only; particular situations may require additional information or actions. Nothing in material shall be regarded as an offer, solicitation, recommendation or advice (whether financial, accounting, legal, tax or other) given by KeyBank and/or its officers or employees or other presenters. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Zelle and the Zelle-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC, and are used herein under license. ©2026 KeyCorp®. All rights reserved. KeyBank Member FDIC CFMA #260108-3920678
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