Fraud Updates


Information on Shazam Phone Call Scam (March 13, 2025)

Scammers are impersonating the SHAZAM phone number listed on the back of debit cards. The fraudsters are calling to report a large transaction coming through your account and asking for full card details in order to "assist" you. Once you give them your personal information, they proceed to make fraudulent charges on your account.
 
Combat these scam calls by knowing what SHAZAM will and will not do.
 
SHAZAM will:
  • Ask basic questions to verify identity such as address or recent transactions.
 
SHAZAM will NOT:
  • Ask for information such as Social Security number, bank account number or debit card number.
  • Ask you to approve a fraud text message as a "test" or to "verify" a charge or fraudulent activity.
  • Threaten you or call you repeatedly if you hang up on them.
 
Never approve a transaction that you did not authorize, even if you are being pressured to do so. If in doubt, hang up and call the number on the back of your debit card directly or your local UBI office.
 
Keep in mind, scammers can impersonate any phone number...just because if looks like Shazam is calling, doesn't mean it is.
 

 

 

Information on Current Debit Card Text Scam (January 26, 2025)

This scam is comparable to scam messages that are very common with financial institutions, delivery services, and other businesses. Keep in mind, the only text messages you will receive from United Bank of Iowa regarding your debit card are:

  • Alerts that you have established in Online or Mobile Banking
  • Messages sent by our debit card fraud detection service 

Legitimate text messages will not have a link that you are asked to click on. A text you receive that includes a link is likely a scam, so please DO NOT click on any links in the message.  If you think you may have fallen victim to this scam, call your local United Bank of Iowa office.

For more information on how to protect yourself from fraud, click here.