Information Security & Scam Awareness

At BankPacific, protecting your money and personal information is one of our top priorities.  Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick people, so staying informed is one of the best ways to stay safe.  This page gives you simple, easy-to-follow tips to help you protect yourself both online and in everyday life.

Your Digital Safety Starts With a Few Smart Habits

Good security doesn’t mean complicated routines.  A few small steps make a huge difference:

Keeping your phone and computer updated closes security holes that criminals rely on.  Strong passwords, especially when used with multi-factor authentication, help prevent unauthorized access.  It also helps to be cautious when clicking links or opening attachments in messages you weren’t expecting.  When in doubt, slow down and double-check before sharing personal or banking information.

Learn more: FTC Cybersecurity Basics
https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/small-businesses/cybersecurity/basics

Mobile Banking & Device Safety

More and more people do their banking on their phones, which makes mobile security extremely important.  Make sure your device has a lock screen, a strong password, and automatic updates turned on.  Only download apps from trusted app stores, and never install an app someone tells you to install over the phone. 

Common Scams & How They Work

Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, your bank, a government agency, a delivery company, or even a friend.  They try to rush you into making decisions before you have time to think.

Some use fake emails and texts (“phishing”), others make phone calls claiming your account is in danger (“vishing”), and some try to scare you with fake computer virus pop-ups (“tech support scams”).  A new trend involves scammers asking for payment via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency.  These are all big red flags!

Learn more:
FTC – Recognizing Phishing: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams
FDIC – Avoiding Scammers: https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/2021-10/avoiding-scams-and-scammers

Spotting Red Flags

Many scams share the same warning signs:

If the message pressures you, threatens your account, asks for verification codes, wants remote access to your device, or tells you to send money urgently, it’s likely a scam.  Always take a moment to pause and think.  If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and reach out to us directly using the number on our website or your bank card.

Learn more:
CISA Cybersecurity Tips: https://www.cisa.gov/topics/cybersecurity-best-practices

Scam Trends to Be Aware Of

Cybercrime evolves quickly, and some tactics include:

• Fake package or delivery alerts
• “Bank fraud department” caller-ID spoofing
• Scammers asking victims to move money to a “safe” account
• Fake job offers involving check deposits
• Romance scams; long-term manipulation that leads to financial loss
• QR code scams placed on signs, parking meters, or receipts

Scammers sometimes tailor their messages to local events, island businesses, or family gatherings, so always take a moment to pause if anything feels unusual or out of place.

If you ever receive an unusual request, especially involving money movement, stop before you act and call us.

Learn more:

FTC – Scams | Consumer Advice
FBI IC3 Scam Alerts – https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2024/Default.aspx
CISA Emerging Threats – https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories

Elder Financial Abuse

In our island culture, we take pride in caring for our manåmko’, our elders,  and protecting them with respect and compassion is at the heart of our roots.  Unfortunately, scammers know that our seniors are generous, trusting, and often eager to help family and community members.  This makes them prime targets for financial exploitation.

Elder financial abuse can come from strangers, online scammers, or even people the victim knows.  Warning signs include sudden withdrawals, new “friends” influencing financial decisions, confusion about recent transactions, or pressure to keep secrets about money matters.

In Guam’s close-knit communities, it helps to stay connected:

• Check in regularly with your elderly family members.
• Talk openly about scams and remind them that the bank will never ask for passwords, verification codes, or money over the phone.
• Encourage them to call you or the bank before making unexpected payments or transferring money.

If you suspect something isn’t right, please contact us.  We can help review the account, secure it, and guide the family through the next steps discreetly and respectfully.  As a bank rooted in our community, we take this responsibility seriously.  

Learn more:
FTC – Older Adult Fraud: https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/older-americans

Identity Theft: Protecting Your Name & Your Finances

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it to impersonate you.  Criminals may open accounts in your name, take over existing accounts, or use your identity for unlawful transactions.

Keep an eye on your accounts and credit reports, and never share personal information through email, text, or unexpected calls.  If you believe your identity was compromised, contact us immediately so we can help you secure your accounts.

You can also report identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.

What BankPacific Does to Protect You

We use multiple layers of protection to help safeguard your BankPacific accounts, including secure encryption, real-time fraud monitoring, and tested cybersecurity controls.  Our teams watch for unusual activity, and our employees receive ongoing training to recognize emerging threats.

While we work hard behind the scenes, scammers often target customers directly, which is why staying alert is so important for keeping your BankPacific accounts safe.

What To Do If You Think Something Is Wrong

If you clicked on a suspicious link, responded to a strange message, or noticed anything unusual on your BankPacific accounts, please contact us right away.  Acting quickly gives us the best chance to secure your account and prevent any further loss.  You should also update your passwords and run a security scan on your device, if needed.

After reporting to the bank, fraud can also be reported to the FTC at: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here in our island community, these are the questions we hear most often about keeping your BankPacific accounts protected.

Will BankPacific ever ask for my password or verification code?
No.  We will never text, email, or call you to ask for your password, PIN, or a one-time verification code.

Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi for banking?
It’s best to avoid it.  Use your mobile data or a trusted network instead.

How can I protect my personal information on my phone?
Use a passcode or biometric lock, keep your phone updated, and only download apps from trusted app stores.  Avoid storing passwords in notes or messages.  Turn on mobile banking alerts so you can spot anything unusual on your BankPacific accounts quickly.  And never install an app or click a link because someone told you to during a phone call, that’s a major red flag.

What if I’m not sure a message is really from the bank?
Call us at the number on your card or our official website not the number in the message.

Glossary of Common Cyber Terms

Phishing
Fake messages designed to trick you into sharing personal or login information.

Smishing
Phishing through text messages.

Vishing
Phone scams where someone pretends to be from the bank or a government agency.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
A security step requiring a second check, such as a code sent to your phone.

Malware
Harmful software that steals information or damages your device.

Account Takeover
When a scammer gets into your account and locks you out.

Identity Theft
When someone uses your personal information to impersonate you.

Ransomware
Malware that locks your files until you pay a ransom.

Spoofing
Making a phone number, email address, or website look real when it’s not.

Social Engineering
Psychological tricks used to manipulate you into giving up information or money.

If you ever feel unsure about a message or transaction, reach out to us; we’re here to help.  At BankPacific, where others put branches, we place roots, and those roots include protecting you and your family every step of the way.