Help With Fraud or Scams | Third Coast Bank
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Help With Fraud or Scams

Protect personal information. The identity saved could be your own.

 

Fraud Alerts

 Lost or Stolen Debit Cards: If you lose your debit card or it is stolen, call us at 833-844-7708. You can also report it through Online Banking or the Third Coast Bank App. Just log in, go to "Manage Cards," select the card, and click "Report."

 

Fraud Alert: Protect yourself from fraud by setting up email or text alerts. Recent data breaches at large retailers have affected many customers. Activate alerts in Online Banking under the Options tab to keep an eye on your accounts.

 

Third Party Pay Alert: When using third-party bill payment services, we cannot guarantee timely payments, which might lead to late fees.

 

Tell Us What Happened If You Are a Victim

If you are a victim of an internet crime, follow the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center's guidance and provide the following information:

  • Your Information: Name, address, phone number, and email.
  • Financial Transaction Details: Account information, transaction date and amount, and who received the money.
  • Subject Information: Name, address, phone number, email, website, and IP address of the person/entity committing the crime.
  • Details of the Incident: Specific details on how you were victimized.
  • Email Headers: Include headers from relevant emails.

Other Relevant Information: Any supporting documents, such as:

  • Canceled checks
  • Credit card receipts
  • Money order receipts
  • Mail receipts
  • Wire receipts
  • Virtual currency receipts
  • Pre-paid card receipts
  • Envelopes from FedEx, UPS, or U.S. Mail
  • Facsimiles
  • Pamphlets or brochures
  • Phone bills
  • Copies of emails (include full headers)
  • Copies of web pages
  • Hard drive images
  • Logs from network, host systems, or security appliances
  • Chat transcripts or phone logs

 

If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft

If you think you have been a victim of identity theft, follow these steps right away:

  • Contact Third Coast Bank: Call Customer Service at 833-844-7708 (Monday–Friday 8am–9pm, Saturday–Sunday 9am–5pm CT). Also, contact other financial institutions you use.
  • Review Your Accounts: Check all your accounts for any unusual activity, like changed addresses, PINs, or new cards ordered. Notify the fraud departments of your credit card companies and other banks. Close any accounts that have been tampered with and change your Online Banking username and password.
  • Contact the Police: File a report with your local police or the police where the theft occurred. This will help with investigations and provide information for addressing credit report and account issues.
  • Complete an Affidavit Form: You may need to fill out an "Identity Theft Victim's Complaint and Affidavit" form. You can report identity theft and get a recovery plan at identitytheft.gov.
  • Contact Credit Bureaus: Place a "fraud alert" on your credit report by contacting one of the three agencies:
    • Equifax: 1.800.525.6285, www.equifax.com
    • Experian: 1.888.397.3742, www.experian.com
    • TransUnion: 1.800.680.7289, www.transunion.com
  • This alert will be shared with the other agencies. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each agency and should review them for any suspicious activity.
  • Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report the theft to the FTC by filing a complaint online or calling the Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338).
  • Notify Check Verification Companies: Ask your bank to report your account information to the Texas Closed Account Notification System (CANS). This will alert major check verification companies. You can find the required form here.
  • Keep Records: Document the names, phone numbers, and dates of everyone you speak to about the incident. Follow up letters and keep copies of all correspondence.
  • Continue to Review All Accounts: Identity theft can take time to resolve. Regularly check your account statements and report any discrepancies immediately.

 

Tips for Avoiding Scams

You are the best person to spot suspicious activity in your account. Keep an eye on your transactions and contact us if you see anything unusual.

Basic Tips

  • Never lend your credit or debit card to anyone.
  • Notify Third Coast Bank if you move.
  • Sign your credit and debit cards as soon as you get them.
  • Do not write your PIN on your card or keep it near your card.
  • Do not trust caller ID because caller ID can be faked.
  • Do not share codes from calls you receive.
  • Do not act immediately in response to pressure.

Using Your Card at ATMs/Retail Stores

  • Always keep an eye on your card when you use it and get it back quickly.
  • Shield your card number from others.
  • Destroy any carbon paper used in transactions.

Online Fraud Prevention

  • Only provide your card information on secure websites (look for "https:" and a lock icon).
  • Stick to reputable online merchants and read their privacy policies.
  • Install a firewall and keep your browser and antivirus software updated.

Email Fraud Prevention

  • Never respond to emails asking for your card information or personal details. These are phishing scams.
  • Third Coast Bank will never ask for personal information via email.
  • If you get a suspicious email, forward it to phishing@thirdcoast.bank.

Keeping Financial Information Secure at Home

  • Shred credit card applications and documents with your card numbers.
  • Review your account and credit card statements regularly.
  • Reconcile your credit card statement monthly.
  • Report suspicious charges to Third Coast Bank at 833-844-7708 or visit a branch.
  • Do not leave your cards or receipts lying around.
  • Do not write your card number on anything visible to the public.
  • Check your credit report regularly.
  • Keep sensitive information stored securely and out of sight.