Learn How to Identify and Prevent Telephone Fraud

Telephone fraud is becoming more sophisticated. Fraudsters pose as representatives of a trusted institution, such as banks, credit card companies or the government to try to get your information or steal your money. Learn how to stay safe by spotting the signs of a phone scam.

Notice suspicious activity on your account?
Call us at 877-448-6500 Opens your phone app..

What you need to know

Question incoming calls and don't feel pressured by the caller. You can hang up the call or tell them you'll contact the business' official phone number.
CIBC will never send you a text or email asking for your banking or personal information. If you receive these types of requests, don't share any information.
Don't rely on caller ID. Fraudsters may disguise their identity using a legitimate organization's name and phone number.

Recognize the signs of telephone fraud

Unexpected calls

The caller claims to be from an established organization, such as a bank or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and tries to pressure you to pay an outstanding balance or provide personal information.

Invasive questioning

The caller asks you for sensitive information, such as your bank account password or Social Security Number (SSN). Don't give out any of your personal or banking information. We'll never call you to ask for your PIN or password.

Urgent demands

The caller demands an immediate response to a technical support issue, a transaction on your account or customer service request. These demands often involve asking for personal information and threatening you with government, police or legal action.

Third-party calls

The caller claims to be from a credit card company, such as Visa*. They may claim you've been overcharged for a product or service or they can reduce your credit card interest rate. Be skeptical of any cold calls asking you for personal information or an immediate response.

Know when we'll call you

Requested calls

We'll contact you if you've submitted a request for a call at a specified time, such as a call with a mortgage or financial advisor.

Unusual account activity

We'll reach out to you if we detect any unusual activity in your account. You'll need to confirm if you've authorized the activity. Learn what we're doing and how to safeguard your accounts from debit and credit card fraud .

Service updates

We'll let you know when we have new offers or products if you've chosen to receive marketing calls. You can also opt out from being contacted anytime.

Stay safe with our tips to stop telephone fraud

Never give your personal or financial information to people you don't know, including your bank account and credit card details, passwords, PINs and full SSN.
Don't answer calls from an unknown number or one-ring calls. Let it go to your voicemail if applicable.
Don't trust your caller ID. Fraudsters use "caller ID spoofing" to change the information that appears on your display.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a legitimate company, always ask to call them back on their official phone number. Find phone numbers from sources such as the back of your card, an official website or old statements.

Hang up on automated calls. Don't follow instructions on pre-recorded messages, as it's most likely fraud.
Slow down and ask questions. Don't give in to the urgency or pressure from a caller. Fraudsters use this tactic to get your information.
Put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry Opens in a new window.. This won't stop scammers from calling, but it reduces unsolicited calls.
Use call blocking or call labeling. See what services your phone carrier provides. Check the reviews for a good call-blocking app for your cell phone.

Notice anything suspicious? Let us know.

Contact us immediately if you received a suspicious email or notice any unauthorized activity on your account.

Call us: 877-448-6500 Opens your phone app.

Explore more about telephone fraud

Internet Crime Complaint Center Opens in a new window.

Report fraud when it happens and track the latest data on fraud across the country.

American Bankers Association Opens in a new window.

Get connected with the resources banks use to help you identify, prevent and report fraud.

Internal Revenue Service Opens in a new window.

Recognize the different types of scammer tactics and take action against tax scams.

Protect yourself from telephone fraud

What you need to know

Recognize the signs of telephone fraud

Unexpected calls

Invasive questioning

Urgent demands

Third-party calls

Know when we'll call you

Stay safe with our tips to stop telephone fraud

Notice anything suspicious? Let us know.

Explore more about telephone fraud

Continue to Internet Crime Complaint Center site?

Continue to American Bankers Association site?

Continue to Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?