Online banking is a fast, secure way to manage your money—when you’re on the real site. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are getting increasingly sophisticated at creating “spoofed” websites that look nearly identical to legitimate ones, including bank homepages and login screens. Their goal? To trick you into entering your username, password, and other personal information so they can gain access to your actual online banking account.
What is Website Spoofing?
Website spoofing is when a fake website is created to look like a real one. These sites often copy the design, branding, and even web address (URL) of legitimate businesses—especially financial institutions. Scammers then use tactics like phishing emails, fake ads, and even QR codes to lure you into clicking the link and handing over sensitive information.
How Spoof Sites Trick You
- Lookalike URLs: A spoofed website might have a URL that’s almost right—like androscogginbannk.com or secure-androscogginbank.com.loginverify.net. These minor differences can be hard to spot at a glance.
- Fake Login Screens: These pages often look identical to the real login screen. But once you enter your username and password, they’re sent directly to the scammers.
- Urgent Messages: Spoof links often come with alarming messages like “Your account has been locked!” or “Verify your login now to avoid suspension.”
How to Protect Yourself:
- 🔒 Always type in the bank’s URL directly. Don’t rely on links in emails, texts, or social media messages—even if they look legitimate. Androscoggin Bank’s site is: www.androscogginbank.com
- 🔍 Double-check the web address. Look for small misspellings, added words, or unusual domains like .net or .info that aren’t used by the real site. Always make sure the URL begins with https:// and has the padlock icon.
- 📱 Enable multifactor authentication (MFA). If someone does get your login info, MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step.
- 📩 Beware of unsolicited messages. If you get an email or text that seems suspicious or too urgent, don’t click any links. Instead, contact your bank directly using a phone number or email you know is real.
- 🔄 Monitor your accounts. Review your bank activity regularly and set up transaction alerts to spot any unusual activity quickly.
What to Do If You Spot a Spoof Site
If you believe you’ve landed on a spoofed version of Androscoggin Bank’s website or clicked a suspicious link:
- Do not enter any personal information.
- Close the tab or window immediately.
- Report it to us at ClientCare@androscogginbank.com or call us at 1-800-966-9172.
- Run a security scan on your device using antivirus software.
If you think you’ve entered your login credentials on a spoof site, call us right away so we can help secure your account.
Stay Safe Online
The best defense against website spoofing is knowing what to look for. Bookmark our official homepage and only sign in to your account through trusted channels. For more tips on online safety, check out our Cybersecurity blog archive.
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