Fraud: Information and prevention tips

Increased Debit Card Fraud Alert

Across the country, banks and their customers are experiencing significant increases in fraudulent debit card activity. This includes customers of American Bank.

We work closely with MasterCard® and our card processor to monitor card activity and identify new methods for protecting your accounts from fraud. We want you to be aware of a new anti-fraud measure we've recently implemented that may impact your Check Card usage.

When a clear and active pattern of fraudulent activity is identified, we will block certain types of transactions and/or transactions originating from particular countries, states, and/or merchants.

The blocks will be removed and added as fraud patterns change.
The blocks can apply to transactions in person, by phone, or via the Internet.
The blocks could cause legitimate transactions to be declined.

If you experience a declined Check Card transaction, call Customer Service at (361) 992-9911 or (800) 257-8316 Monday through Friday from 7 am to 6 pm. If your transaction is blocked because of these anti-fraud measures, we can remove the block for your Check Card, provided you can answer security questions about your account that only you should know. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but feel the current fraud environment warrants the added protection for our customers' accounts.

If you are traveling outside of your usual purchasing area, please notify American Bank Customer Service in order to reduce the risk of your card being blocked for suspected fraud.

Should you detect suspicious activity related to your Check Card, contact Customer Service immediately at the same numbers provided above.

If you have questions, we will be glad to visit with you.

Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention

The potential for fraud exists with virtually every transaction you conduct. To aid in the prevention of fraud, here are some tips on how to be alert and what you can do to minimize your risk. And, for your convenience, we have also provided information on specific types of scams or fraud. Click on the link on the left to get more information on that type of fraud.

Fraud Alert

There has been a recent increase in Phishing scams that are targeting Texas community banks. These scams involve multiple methods of contacting bank customers including telephone calls from an automated system, emails, and text messages. The messages usually direct the recipients to call either a toll-free or local number because their account had supposedly been compromised. Once the victim calls the number they are asked to provide specific information about their debit cards or accounts. This information is then used to remove funds from the victim’s account.

Never give your card, PIN, or account numbers or other sensitive information to anyone. Even if it appears to be legitimate. If you are ever solicited by someone claiming to be from American Bank asking for this information, please do not give them the information and contact us immediately. Our contact information can be found on this website under the ‘Contact Us’ link, or you can report a potential phishing attempt to your area branch.