You're in the middle of your day when a text pops up:
"Texas Gulf Bank fraud alert — did you authorize a $2,400 transfer? Reply or call now to stop it."
The number shows our name. The link looks close. The message feels urgent.
It isn't us.
This kind of message is part of a growing trend of bank impersonation scams, which are becoming more frequent across the Southeast Texas Gulf Coast region.
What happens is that fraudsters pose as bank employees through calls, texts, emails, and fake websites to steal your personal information, access your accounts, or get you to send money to a third party.
The good news: a few simple habits can help protect you from almost all of these scams.
How Texas Gulf Bank Will Contact You
We will never:
- Send a link asking you to log in to online or mobile banking
- Ask for your username, password, token code, wire PIN, or one-time passcode in an unsolicited call, text, or email
If a call, text, or email asks you to click a link or hand over login details "to verify activity," treat it as a scam — even if it uses our name or looks similar to our website.
To sign in safely, always:
- Type texasgulfbank.com directly into your browser
- Use our official mobile banking app
How To Stay Ahead of Bank Impersonation Scams
1. Don't Trust Caller ID
A name or number on your screen is not proof of who is calling. If someone calls claiming to be from Texas Gulf Bank and something doesn't feel right, hang up and call us back using the number on the back of your card or from our official website.
2. Go Directly to Our Website or App
To access online banking, always type our URL directly into your web browser or use our mobile app. Avoid logging in through links in texts or emails.
3. Never Share Login Details or Security Codes
Keep usernames, passwords, token codes, wire PINs, and one-time passcodes to yourself. Texas Gulf Bank will never ask for this information in an unsolicited call, text, or email.
4. Take a Moment Before Acting
If a message makes you feel rushed, pause. Read it carefully. Then contact us through a trusted number if you're unsure.
5. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
Where available, enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection.
How To Report Suspicious Messages
If you receive a call, text, or email that claims to be from Texas Gulf Bank and you're not sure it's real, call us at 1-800-467-7216 or stop by any Texas Gulf Bank banking center.