Impersonation Scams

We are currently seeing an increase in impersonation scams

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Protect Yourself Against Impersonation Scams

We are seeing a high amount of fraud due to impersonation scams. Scammers are pretending to be employees of First Financial to collect personal & financial information.

First Financial will NEVER contact you unexpectedly by text, email, or phone to request information such as online banking username, password, or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) code. We also won’t send representatives to your home to collect debit or credit cards.

Please note: If you call First Financial directly, we may ask for a one time verification code to confirm your identity.

What Members are Seeing

Scammers impersonate First Financial representatives by spoofing our main phone number. Often times, they claim they are from the Fraud Department and may even share a fake employee ID number.

Explore 3 real-life scenarios and helpful tips below to avoid getting scammed.

  • Request for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Codes

    What Happens: The scammer will create a sense of urgency by saying there’s fraud on your account. Their goal is to trick you into sharing your MFA code by claiming they can block the transition. However, sharing your MFA code gives the scammer access to your online banking account.

    Helpful Tip: MFA codes are used for security events like password changes and clearly state “DO NOT SHARE” in the SMS message. If unsure, contact us directly at 410-321-6060 or through Online Banking to verify the request.

  • Request to Pick Up a Card

    What Happens: The scammer calls and claims your account has been compromised. They say they will come to your home to collect your card for “secure disposal.” But once they have your card, they will use it for unauthorized purchases and may share your information with other scammers.

    Helpful Tip: First Financial will NEVER visit your home. If you suspect card fraud, contact First Financial directly at 410-321-6060 or the phone number on the back of your card.

  • Request to Send Money

    What Happens: Scammers pose as legitimate businesses or individuals and pressure you to send money. Common tactics include claims of unpaid bills, hacked accounts, loan offers, work-from-home opportunities or romance scams.

    Helpful Tip: Be cautious when sending money to someone you haven’t met in person or don’t know. When in doubt, verify the request through trusted channels.

    How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

    Here are some tips to help keep your information and accounts safe:

    Personal Information

    We will never ask you for your PIN, CVV, one-time passcodes, online username and passwords.

    Keep Your Cards Safe

    Never provide your cards to anyone coming to your home claiming to be First Financial.

    Call Us to Confirm

    You can always end a call if the request seems out of the ordinary or if you’re being asked to act immediately. Contact us at our main number 410-321-6060 or the number on the back of your card.

    Added Account Security

    Add a verbal password to your account for further security, by calling our Member Services Department or by visiting a branch.

    Card Alerts & Controls

    Enroll in card alerts & controls and account notifications to be immediately notified of any changes.

    If you receive a suspicious call or text message, hang up immediately, do not click any links within the text and contact First Financial directly at 410-321-6060 or send us a secure message through Online or Mobile Banking.