Fraud Alert

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Protect Yourself from the Latest Fraud Scams

At PrimeSouth Bank, your security is our top priority. Two new scams have recently surfaced that could compromise both personal and business accounts. Here’s what to watch for:

phone scam

Phone Scam: The 21 Call-Forwarding Trap

Scammers are impersonating trusted sources—like bank representatives or tech support—and instructing victims to dial *21 or similar codes to “secure your account.” In reality, this activates call forwarding, sending all your incoming calls, including authentication codes, to the scammer.

  • How it works:
    • You’re asked to dial *21 followed by a number.
    • All your calls are silently redirected to the scammer.
    • They intercept verification codes and take over accounts.
    • What to do:
      • Never dial 21, 72, or similar codes unless you initiated them yourself.
      • To turn off call forwarding:
        • Verizon: *73
        • T-Mobile: ##21#
        • Universal GSM: ##002#
      • Use app-based authenticators (like Microsoft or Google Authenticator) instead of SMS-based codes.
      • If you think you’ve activated call forwarding, contact our IT Help Desk immediately.

ACH scam

Business Customers Targeted:

Fraudsters are posing as financial institutions and claiming there’s an issue with your ACH file that needs urgent attention. They may ask you to download an attachment or click a link that installs malware designed to commit ACH-related fraud.

How to stay safe:

  • Don’t open attachments or click links from unknown sources.
  • Always verify a caller’s identity using official contact information.
  • Report any suspicious calls or activity immediately.

If you suspect fraud email our Treasury Department at or call 352.306.4075.

Common Fraud Schemes

Stay aware of common tactics used by fraudsters. Understanding how these scams work is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your accounts.

  • Scammers can make it look like they’re calling from your bank, even when they’re not. If someone pressures you to share personal information or act quickly, the best thing to do is hang up and call us using the number on the back of your debit card or on our website.
  • Fraudsters claiming to be a long-distance family member or friend in need of money immediately. Always pick up the phone and call him or her to verify.
  • Fraudsters claiming to be a member of a government agency or police/sheriff department. Never hesitate to ask for valid forms of identification.
  • Using similar email addresses or logos from reputable companies (Example: Amazon, Ticketmaster, StubHub, etc.). A safe practice is only communicate through the company app.
  • Fraudsters calling to claim that your PrimeSouth Bank account is compromised. Two Tips: 1 – If you are not certain you are talking to a PrimeSouth Bank employee, hang up and dial your branch number listed on our website. 2 - Remember, we will never ask for your account information, Social Security number, debit card PIN, security code or password. If we contact you, we will always use your name or account information.

Tips for Fraud Protection

Remember, you are in control:

  • Delete unknown texts that urge you to take action.
  • Delete emails that contain unusual syntax or misspelled words.
  • Delete social media messages that contain links enticing you to click/open.
  • Sign up for alerts within Online Banking and activate card controls within your mobile app.

Refrain from sending payments via Cash App, Google Pay, Venmo, and Zelle to people you do not know. These services are for you to pay friends and family only.

If you ever suspect fraud on your account, please contact us right away. Never hesitate to visit your local banker to learn more or get help with setting up these features listed above!

Mission:

Make a positive impact on the communities we serve through offering creative solutions.

Vision:

To be a dynamic organization passionately committed to making tomorrow better than today for our employees, customers, and communities we serve.

 

Core Values:

  • SERVICE — We honor and give back to our communities and believe it is important for us to be philanthropic, giving of our time, resources and expertise where it is most needed.
  • FLEXIBILITY — We offer dynamic financial products to meet our customers' unique needs.
  • RESPONSIVENESS — We are committed to a timely personal response to our customers.
  • COMMITMENT — Our employees, our customers and our communities are our priority.
  • COMPASSION — We are always there to help our customers and colleagues as they face the inevitable challenges in their lives.