Security Center

FRAUD ALERT: Fake Law Firms Targeting Crypto Scam Victims

Scammers are impersonating law firms and government agencies, claiming they can recover lost cryptocurrency funds. These schemes often re-victimize people by stealing more money and personal information.

Red Flags to Watch For:

Knowledge of your past scam details to appear legitimate.
Pressure to stay on the phone so that you are forced to act quickly and only follow their instructions
Claims of being “authorized partners” with government agencies (no law firms have this status).
Use of fake agencies (e.g., “International Financial Trading Commission” or "FTC").
Requests for payment in crypto or gift cards.
Being added to WhatsApp or group chats for secrecy.
Pressure to open bank accounts or send money to third parties.

Protect Yourself:

Be cautious of unsolicited contacts offering recovery services.
Verify lawyer credentials and government employment directly.
Never pay upfront fees in crypto or gift cards.
Do not be pressured to lie to your financial institution about your reasons for withdrawing money.
Work directly with your financial institution to verify involvement—do not use provided phone numbers or click on links.

Report suspicious activity to the FBI at ic3.gov

👉 Full details: FBI Public Service Announcement

We are partners in security.

St. Mary’s Bank is committed to helping our members identify and prevent fraud, including online scams and identity theft. Our dedicated fraud team has helped put together information based on the most common and trending kinds of fraud.

Remember St. Mary’s Bank will NEVER call, email, or text you to request:

Your card information (number, CVV, PIN, or expiration)
Your online or mobile banking login or password
A one-time passcode
Any other login credentials to access your information

This information should be always secured and never provided to anyone. You are the best defense against becoming a victim of fraud and we can help with the educational items below.

If you have concerns about security or privacy, please contact our Member Contact Center at (888) 786-2791.

Have a Happy Holiday Season by Avoiding these Scams!

The holidays usually mean an increase in online shopping, which can also mean an increased risk of scams. Scammers can impersonate delivery companies like Fedex or the Post Office by impersonating them in texts or emails. Find out how to protect you and your family this holiday season.

Beware of Financial Romance Scams - Know the Red Flags

As meeting people online becomes even more common so will financial deception and scams. In our digital world it is common to message strangers in games, dating apps, or just on social media. How do you identify when someone you have been chatting with for months might be a scammer or financial groomer? St. Mary's Bank breaks down the red flags for these common romance scams.

Fraud Watch: Phishing and SMiShing Scams

Scams to acquire personal account and card information are becoming more sophisticated. Text messages and emails disguised to look authentic or phrased to panic the recipient are on the rise. St. Mary's Bank is here to help if you suspect your private account information may have been compromised. Never hesitate to call us or visit our Security Center at stmarysbank.com/security.

Beware of Scams! Gift Cards

Scammers are getting clever, tricking people into buying gift cards for "emergencies" or "prizes." Identifying these scams can be tricky. St. Mary's Bank breaks down what you need to be aware of when identifying suspicious communications.

Don't Be Fooled By Fraud

Does this scenario feel familiar? If you receive a call or text claiming to be St. Mary's Bank (or any bank) and they ask for personal or banking information including a verification code, stop! It's a scam.

Stop! It's a Scam.

Has someone asked you to lie to your financial institution about the reason you are withdrawing money? Stop! It's a scam. Fear and pressure are common tactics used by scammers to convince you to help them with their fraudulent and criminal behavior.

Recognizing Bitcoin and ATM Scams

Bitcoin and ATM Bitcoin scams are on the rise. Scammers will often use fear or pressure to persuade their victims to deposit cash into drop-boxes or special ATM's.

Young woman holding calculator while looking at forms at a desk with a laptop on it.

ID Theft Prevention and Response

Steps to take if you believe your account has been compromised.

Hand holding phone with an unknown caller calling

Scams

Learn the types scams are targeting members and how you can avoid them.

Person on a laptop with an exclamation icon sitting on the desk.

Top Dos and Don'ts

Learn the top 10 best practices to keep yourself safe from fraudsters.