From manipulating search engine results to spoofing URLs, fraudsters have an array of tools at their disposal that can allow them to obtain your personal or banking information. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help keep your information more secure and avoid being a victim of online fraud:

Verify the URL when clicking a link to the bank’s website.

Fraudsters will often use links that look like they go to the bank’s website but take you to a fake website that looks almost identical to the real site. On this fake site, they can steal information like usernames and passwords so they can then gain access to your account.

To help avoid falling for these types of scams, always verify the URL before clicking on any link – even links that appear in search results on Google or Bing. Here are some simple ways to verify a link you’re clicking on:

• The URL should start with https://. Unlike http://, the ‘s’ in https:// signifies there’s an added layer of security.
• The URL should end with .com. Any link that ends with a different suffix, like .biz, .co, .ru, etc. will not take you to the bank’s website.
• Hover your mouse over the link without clicking to see where it leads. Hyperlinks can be manipulated and what appears in the link may be different than the destination.
• Avoid clicking shortened URLs that look like https://tinyurl.com/1234, ow.ly/1234, etc.

Remember, the only legitimate URL to our bank’s main site is https://www.amegybank.com. Any other URL should be treated as if it may be malicious.

Access the bank’s website directly instead of using a search engine to find it.

Fraudsters have learned how to manipulate search engines so that malicious websites can appear in the search results. In some cases, the fraudster can even pay to have their malicious site advertised on the search engine, so it appears first in the search results. While it may be tempting to simply search for “Amegy Bank login page” when trying to sign on to your Online Banking account, you could be exposing yourself to unnecessary risk by doing so.

A simple way to avoid clicking on a link to a malicious site is to type the banks’ URL directly into your browser’s address bar.

Practice caution when using third-party banking tools like Intuit, QuickBooks, Plaid, Yodlee, or eMoney.

While third-party banking tools can be useful for managing your finances, they aren’t without risk. Given that, there are some precautions you can take to help mitigate this risk:

• Only use third-party banking tools from reputable companies. These tools only work if they have access to your banking information, so it’s vital that you do your research when deciding on a tool to use.
• Make a habit of signing on to your Online Banking account at regular intervals. Online Banking is one of the ways that the bank can communicate with you and relay important information. Signing on regularly can help you make sure no important information is missed.
• Regularly monitor your account activity through your Online Banking account or by using eStatements. This can help you make sure no transactions slip through the cracks of your third-party tool and that the information matches your Online Banking account. 
• Periodically change both your Online Banking account’s password and your third-party tool’s password, and use a strong, unique password for both. These passwords should not only be different from each other, but they should also be different from passwords you use for other websites and online services.

We’re here to help.

If you believe you clicked a fraudulent or malicious link or you have questions about something you see online, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact Online Banking Support at 888-500-2960, Mon - Sat, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. CT. You can also email any suspicious links or websites you see to abuse@zionsbancorp.com.