News & Events

Take Control of Your Account Security

Posted August 17, 2023

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reportedly lost 8.8 billion dollars collectively to scams and fraud in 2022 . All forms of communication including emails, text messages, voice calls, and letters can be methods scammers use to trick people. While this can be overwhelming, there are a few easy things you can do to protect yourself.

1. Ensure that your contact information is updated in your digital banking profile. In the event of suspected fraud, we can contact you in a timely manner. Update it by logging into your digital banking account, clicking your account name in the top right corner, selecting the ‘Contact Information’ option in the drop-down menu, and updating any blank or outdated information.
2. Enable account alerts to notify you when a transaction occurs or if a transaction fits certain criteria that you have determined. When you have enabled those alerts, make sure to review them as close to real-time as possible to validate the transactions. Here is a quick video to walk you through this short process:
   
   
3. We recommend all business checking accountholders enroll in our new anti-fraud service, Positive Pay, which helps alert business owners to potential ACH and check fraud. Using Positive Pay is simple. First, you will set it up with a list of verified payees. Then, you will receive daily email alerts prompting you to confirm if transactions match your records. Positive Pay allows you to flag fraudulent transactions quickly and even report inconsistencies, like check numbers, dollar amounts, and payees back to you. Get enrolled today by calling our product support team at 636-940-5555.
4. Being aware of common scamming methods can better prepare you to spot and report potential fraud early.
   
   

   POTENTIAL SCAMMING METHODS

   	Email	Fraudsters will create legitimate looking emails to trick you into calling them, visiting a fake website, or downloading malware on your device. Never click a link or download an attachment from someone you do not know.
   	Phone	Scammers will try to catch you by surprise to pressure you into sending money or revealing personal information. Be wary of unexpected phone calls or texts.
   	Check	Someone may approach you and ask you to cash a check for them as a favor. Never cash a check for someone you do not know.
   	Online Payment	If you are asked to pay any debts with cryptocurrency, gift cards, or prepaid debit cards it is most likely fraud.
   	Transferring Money	Consistently review your online banking accounts including CashApp, PayPal, or Zelle. Call the app customer service number immediately if you notice any irregular transactions, even if they are deposits. Scammers will sometimes take a few cents at a time to test the account first before taking a large sum.