Online banking makes it easy to check balances, transfer money and manage your finances from almost anywhere. But before you sign in, take a moment to consider how you reach your bank's website.
Scammers sometimes create fake banking websites that look remarkably similar to legitimate ones. These sites may appear in search results, advertisements, emails or text messages, making it easy to mistake them for the real thing.
A few simple habits can help you avoid these scams. One of the most effective is to avoid using search engines to access your accounts. Use the official Seacoast Mobile Banking app or go directly to Seacoast Bank® through a trusted website bookmark.
A fake banking website is a fraudulent site that imitates a legitimate financial institution. Scammers may copy a bank's logo, colors and login page to make the site appear authentic. These fraudulent banking websites are also called spoofed websites or phishing websites.
The goal is often to trick you into entering your username, password or other personal information. Once scammers collect these details, they may attempt to access your accounts, transfer money or use your information to commit identity theft.
When you want to check your bank account, searching for your bank's name might seem like the quickest option. However, search results aren't always a reliable way to verify a website's legitimacy. Scammers can buy ads that mimic legitimate banking search results. They may also use techniques to make fraudulent websites more visible in search engines.
For example, you might search for your bank's online banking login page and see a sponsored result that appears to lead to the bank's website. If that result actually points to a fraudulent site, clicking it could take you to a convincing fake login page.
Search engines have systems to detect malicious websites, but some fraudulent pages can still slip through.
Some fake bank websites are easy to recognize. Others closely resemble the real thing. Here are a few signs that a website deserves a closer look.
You don't have to give up the convenience of digital banking to reduce your exposure to fraudulent websites. Instead, make a few changes to how you access your accounts.
One of the simplest ways to avoid fake banking websites is to use the official Seacoast Mobile Banking app. Once you've downloaded and verified the legitimate app, you can open it directly rather than searching for a login page each time.
Download the app through a link on Seacoast's official website or a verified listing in your device's app store. Avoid downloading banking apps through unsolicited messages or unfamiliar third-party websites. Keep your app and device software updated to benefit from available security improvements. Before downloading, verify that the app is published by Seacoast Bank and comes from a trusted app store source.
If you prefer banking through a web browser, a bookmark can make signing in easier. Type https://www.seacoastbank.com directly into your browser's address bar. Confirm that you've reached the official website, then save it as a bookmark. Next time you need Seacoast Bank Online Banking, select your saved bookmark instead of searching again.
Don't have a bookmark? You can still avoid search results by entering SeacoastBank.com directly into your browser's address bar. Double-check your spelling before proceeding. Some scammers register website addresses that differ from legitimate ones by only a letter or two. Make sure you're entering the address in the browser's address bar rather than a search field.
Even when a website looks legitimate, take a moment to verify the address before signing in. Many fraudulent banking sites now closely mirror the appearance of real bank websites and may not have any obvious errors. That's why checking the URL is one of the most important security habits you can develop.
Before entering your username or password, confirm the address in your browser is https://www.seacoastbank.com/. If the URL is different in any way, close the page and access Seacoast through your saved bookmark, by typing the address directly into your browser or through the official Seacoast Mobile Banking app.
Remember: If it's not https://www.seacoastbank.com/, it's not Seacoast Bank.
You can also strengthen your online banking security by using a unique password, enabling available multifactor authentication and regularly reviewing account activity.
A simple routine can make a difference: Open the official app or use your saved bookmark. Check the website address, then sign in.
If you suspect you entered information on a fraudulent banking website, act quickly to protect your accounts.
1. Contact Seacoast Bank immediately. Call 800-706-9991, not one displayed on a suspicious website. Explain what happened and follow the guidance provided.
2. Change your online banking password. Access your account through the official app or verified website. Choose a strong, unique password.
3. Review your account activity. Look for unfamiliar transactions, changes to your contact information or other unexpected activity.
4. Protect any additional information you shared. If you provided personal information beyond your login credentials, ask about additional protective steps.
5. Watch for follow-up scams. Fraudsters may contact you again pretending to help resolve the original problem.
If you're unsure whether a website was legitimate, contact Seacoast for assistance. You don't need to wait until you notice unauthorized activity.
Fake banking websites are designed to look familiar, but a few habits can help you avoid them. Use the official Seacoast Mobile Banking app, save a verified bookmark to SeacoastBank.com or type the website address directly into your browser.
And remember, you don't have to navigate account security concerns alone. If something doesn't look right, visit our fraud prevention resources or contact Seacoast Bank for assistance.
Topics: Protect Your Finances, Cybersecurity Tips
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