Fraudulent scams are evolving-and one of the fastest-growing threats today is social engineering fraud. First Mid Bank & Trust is warning customers to stay alert as criminals increasingly impersonate trusted sources, such as bank employees, to gain access to sensitive information and accounts.

Unlike traditional malware-based hacks, social engineering scams rely on human interaction. Criminals use phone calls, emails, or text messages designed to appear legitimate, often creating a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into sharing personal details, login credentials, or even one-time passcodes.

How Social Engineering Scams Work

"These fraudsters are professionals targeting the human side of banking," explained Alyssa Newmister, Director of Treasury & Digital Solutions at First Mid. "They know how systems work and use urgent, credible-sounding language to trick people into acting fast without thinking."

Some scammers may even use artificial intelligence to script conversations and mimic authentic communication. But at the core, these scams are human-driven and highly organized.

Warning Signs to Watch For

If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email claiming to be from your bank:

• Never share your login credentials or one-time passcodes.
• Do not call phone numbers provided in unsolicited texts or emails.
• Hang up and call your bank back at a trusted phone number.
• Avoid clicking unknown links, even if the message appears urgent.

"Whether you have $5 in your bank account or $5 million, it's still your money-and no one wants to fall prey to a scam like this," said Caleb Keller, Business Services Manager at First Mid. "Your bank will never call, text, or email you asking for sensitive information. One of the best protections you have is knowing your banker and contacting them directly if something feels off."

Best Practices for Fraud Prevention

First Mid Bank & Trust recommends these steps to safeguard yourself and your business:

• Require approval from two authorized users for wire transfers or large transactions.
• Verify suspicious requests directly with your bank before taking any action.
• Stay informed-scammers can create fake websites, phone numbers, and even caller IDs to appear authentic.

Stay Educated and Stay Secure

When it comes to bank fraud prevention, education is one of the best defenses. Scammers are counting on quick reactions and misplaced trust, but informed customers can stop them in their tracks. To learn more about protecting your personal and business accounts, visit First Mid's Fraud Information Center.