from Shannon Goche, Assistant Vice President, Cashier & Retail Banking

When it comes to fraud, don't let it pop up on you! Fraudsters work to create pop up messages on computers that trick consumers into clicking on these messages because the messages indicate that there is something wrong with your computer -- and there is not! After clicking on the message, consumers then are asked to call a phone number. Once the consumer calls, the fraudster convinces the consumer to give remote access to help you "fix" your computer. Instead, the fraudster is gathering all of the personal financial information they can in order to commit identity theft or fraud. 

If you've inadvertently fallen victim to this scam (or another), consider these steps:

1. Contact your bank and alert them to potential fraud.

2. Consider placing a freeze to your credit file with ALL THREE credit agencies. Start with Experian at https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html and this site will provide additional contact information for Equifax and Transunion.

3. Review your credit report to make sure that no new accounts have been opened without your authorization. Use the website https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action -- it is FREE and authorized by federal law. If a site asks for payment, it is not the correct site.

Customers of Iowa State Bank may be interested in our identity theft and resolution service from CyberScout. If you are a Choice Checking customer, contact us about activating this complimentary service that is included with your account. As always, if you have questions, contact your local office of Iowa State Bank.