Columbus-based Synovus bank warns of imposter scams

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Scammers are continuing to evolve, and experts at Columbus-based Synovus bank say government impostor fraud is one of the fastest-growing threats.

Caleb Callahan, the Senior Director of Financial Intelligence at Synovus, says check fraud and account takeovers are still common, but what’s growing rapidly are scams. He says criminals prey on normal human behavior, fears of breaking the law, wanting to help family members, or the promise of quick money.

According to the Synovus Fraud Prevention and Security Hub, common imposter scams include:

Pay Up or Else Scams: Scammers will pose as the IRS, local law enforcement, bank representatives, etc. claiming the victims have an outstanding payment that could get them in legal or financial trouble.

‘I’m Here to Help’ Scams: Scammers pose as a helping hand, but request a upfront fee or information in exchange for the help. This includes scammers posing as a Medicare representative offering new benefits, or someone claiming the victim has won a prize.

Move Your Money to ‘Protect It’ Scams: A scammer will reach out pretending to work for the government or a company’s fraud department and claim they detected fraudulent activity in the victim’s account. Then, as the Synovus website says, “they instruct the customer to withdraw large sums of cash to assist in a fake ‘bank investigation’ and request the funds, agreeing to meet their target to get the money for ‘evidence’ or ‘safekeeping.'”

“The biggest thing about being a victim of a scam is the shame involved with it. You don’t trust yourself anymore. How could I have fallen for this?” says Callahan. “They’re really good. And the worst thing that you can do if you think you’re a victim of a scam is deny it or allow that shame to keep you from reporting it.”

Callahan says an important part of his job is to help victims through the investigation process without feeling that shame.