October 16, 2026
Red Flags for Phone Call Scams
Posted in Business Banking, Consumer Banking
Has someone claiming to be from the bank told you there is fraud on your account, or that a Bank Employee is stealing your money?
They may ask you to move your money to a "safe account" or send cash or wires.
Has someone claiming to be from the bank asked you to share a one-time passcode sent to your device or a code from your security token?
This is a common tactic used by scammers to gain access to your accounts.
Has someone contacted you claiming you owe money to the government, or that you will be arrested or in legal trouble if you don't pay?
Scammers pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security, law enforcement, or other agencies.
Has someone claiming to be tech support or a customer service representative remotely accessed your computer or device so they could “assist” you?
Legitimate companies do not need to connect to your computer or device.
Has someone contacted you claiming a family member is in danger or in jail and asked you to send money to help them?
Scammers use fear to get you to act without thinking.
Has someone you have never met claimed to be romantically interested in you and asked you to send money or help them financially?
Romance scams are very common and can happen to anyone.
Has someone told you to keep this a secret or not to tell anyone about this transaction?
Scammers don't want you to talk to family, friends, or your bank.
Has someone pressured you to act quickly or said you must do this right now to avoid problems?
They create urgency so you won't have time to think.
Has someone you don't know sent someone to your home or asked you to meet somewhere to give them money or pick up money or other items?
This includes meeting in a parking lot or other public place.
Have you been asked to invest in cryptocurrency, gold futures, or other investments that you don't fully understand?
Scammers promise high returns but steal your money.
Has someone asked you to wire money to a person or company you have never met or to lie about the purpose of the wire (for example, say it's for "house renovations")?
Never send money or wire funds to someone you don't know and trust, Legitimate transactions should never require to misrepresent the purpose of the transaction.
Has someone contacted you claiming you won a prize or lottery and asked you to pay fees or taxes to claim it?
You can't win a prize for a contest you didn't enter.
Are you being asked to liquidate your accounts, send cash, or wire money to secure your accounts or clear you of a crime?
This is a scam. The bank or government will never ask you to do this.
MAKE SURE IT'S REALLY US
Fraudsters may pose as representatives of Virginia National Bank.
Virginia National Bank will NEVER ask our clients to provide your:
- Personal Identification Number (PIN) or security codes
- Bank account information
- Personal information once your account is opened
We will NEVER ask you to send payments anywhere.
Do you think you might be a victim of fraud?
If you are concerned with potential fraud, please call our Client Care Center directly at 877.817.8621.
