Identity Theft & Security

Safeguard your identity and financial security.

Your awareness is the first line of
defense against identity theft.

Do You Know Who to Trust?

Elderly citizens are often the target of phone scams and voice phishing. Follow these tips to protect your assets and your loved ones.


  • Do not trust the voice of a loved one from an unknown number. Voices can be manipulated to urgently ask for money. Hang up and call your loved one directly.
  • Do not trust your caller ID. Anyone claiming to be with the government, the IRS or your bank will not call you about your financial information or make threatening claims.
  • Do not trust callers claiming you’ve won a prize and must pay fees or taxes upfront.
  • Do not trust callers claiming to be your utility company threatening to cut off services unless immediate payment is made.
  • Do not trust callers requesting donations for charity. Hang up and call the charity directly.
  • Do not trust callers who claim your computer has been infected with a virus and ask for immediate payment or access to your online banking account to fix it. 
Banks Never Ask That!

Imposters are everywhere. Here’s how to spot them before it’s too late.

Banks will never:

  • Initiate contact with you to confirm personal or account information by phone, email or text, including your PIN, SSN, verification codes, username or password.
  • Pressure or threaten you with immediate requests for money or account details.
  • Independently text or email you a link to address a financial issue, reset your account password or log into your account.
  • Independently text or email sensitive documents asking for financial information.
Sweetheart Scammers

Before you fall in love online, watch out for these romance red flags.

 

  • They target people on social media and dating sites looking for a friend or partner.
  • They prefer to communicate via email, text and phone calls.
  • They avoid video conversations and in-person meetings, often canceling at the last minute or claiming technology issues.
  • They “fall in love” with their victims quickly and claim they need money for an emergency.
  • They claim to not live near you and will ask you to pay for their travel.

Brushing Scam QR Code Alert

How the Brushing Scam QR Code Works

  • Unidentified sender. You receive a small, seemingly random gift in the mail, with no information about who sent it.
  • “Scan to find out who sent it”.  Inside the package, a note encourages you to scan a QR code to discover the sender’s identity.
  • Malicious link. When you scan the QR code, it directs you to a fraudulent website that may try to steal your personal details like credit card information, login credentials, or contact information.

Why it’s a Scam

  • Fake reviews generation. Scammers often use these “brushing” packages to generate fake positive reviews on online marketplaces. These may include reviews for products you would not want to be associated with. 
  • Data Harvesting. The main goal is to collect personal information from unsuspecting recipients by tricking them into scanning the QR code.

What to Do if You Receive a Brushing Scam Package

  • Do not scan the QR code. This is the most important step.
  • Discard the package. You are not obligated to return or interact with the package in any way.
  • Report the scam. If you suspect a brushing scam, consider reporting it to the relevant authorities or online marketplace.

Lost or Stolen Card?

  • Debit Cards: Call 833-221-8675 to report a lost or stolen card or for account-related inquiries.
  • Credit Cards: Call 727-570-4881 to report a lost or stolen card or for credit card customer service.

Victim of Identity Theft?

  • Notify your local bank branch. 
  • Call 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338) to report the suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission. 
Find a Branch

Your trusted partner in identity theft protection.

Identity theft affects more than 8 million Americans annually, leading to billions of dollars in losses. At Farmers & Merchants Bank and The Bank of Fayetteville, our goal is to help you prevent identity theft and protect your financial well-being.

Phone numbers, email addresses and even voices can be spoofed or faked these days. We will never contact you and request your full account or card number or your online banking password. When you contact us, we will identify you through our standard security questions and protocols. If you are ever suspicious of a call that purports to be from the bank, hang up and call the bank back at one of our authorized phone numbers that can be found throughout this website.

  • Be cautious with your personal information
  • Report any suspicious activity immediately

Please Note: Always read your liability disclosures about the loss or theft of your bank cards.

When it comes to your finances, you can never be too careful. Keep yourself safe online. As your Identity Theft Security Team, we are here to help. We act quickly to protect you when security breaches occur at major retailers. We issue new debit and credit cards at no charge if your account is compromised. Always contact us if you think your account is at risk.
Please Note: If you are every unsure if it is the bank contacting you, simply call the Bank at 870-673-6911 or 479-444-4470 to confirm. It is essential to call back if you are suspicious because phone numbers can be faked to make it appear that the Bank is calling you. Just remember – call back to confirm.