Beware of Fraudulent Callers Posing as SouthState Bank

Important Tips

1. SouthState Bank will NEVER contact a customer to request sensitive information such as PINs, passwords, security codes, account numbers, a username, personal or account information.
2. SouthState does not send text messages as part of our claim initiation process for disputed charges.
3. Authorized text messages from SouthState about suspicious transactions are sent from 37-268. If you receive a text message claiming to be from SouthState with a different number, call us immediately at (800) 277-2175. Do not respond to the text.
4. Email notifications from SouthState will come from [email protected].

How the Scam Works

• A customer receives a call from a fraudster claiming to be from SouthState Bank. In some instances, a text message is sent to the customer, which appears as a valid alert, to confirm whether or not a transaction should be allowed.
• The fraudster “spoofs” the phone number to make it look like it’s coming from SouthState Bank, N.A. Customer Care phone Number, 1-800-277-2175.
• The purpose of the call is to alert the customer of fraudulent transactions on their account that do not actually exist.
• The fraudster is trying to gain access to the customer's online accounts or debit card.
• The fraudster provides the last 4 digits of the card number and notifies the customer of a refund for the false transactions.
• For debit cards, the fraudster provides the last 4 digits of the card number and notifies the customer of a refund for the false transactions.
  • The scammer tells the customer to reply “yes” to the initial text message “in order to file a claim” and dispute the charge. Instead, clicking “yes” actually authorizes the transaction, allowing the scammer to make a fraudulent purchase.
• For online banking, the fraudster enters the customer’s username into online banking and selects “Forgot Password”.
  • A “Forgot Password” Secure Access Code (SAC) is sent to the customer.
  • The fraudster asks for the code and the customer provides it, thus giving the fraudster access to the customer’s online banking.
  • The fraudster initiates Zelle payments prompting the customer to receive an SMS message to authorize payment.
  • The customer replies YES to authorize the Zelle transaction and the funds are debited from the customer’s account.

What to Do if You Receive A Call

• NEVER provide a texted security code to anyone over the phone - it is only used to access your online account.
• If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from SouthState Bank requesting personal account information (like your username/password/security access code), hang up the phone.
• If you have questions about your account activity, you can log into your online banking or call us at the phone number on the back of your debit card.
• Remember that Caller IDs can be manipulated easily and are not a good way to confirm the identity of a caller.