Protect Yourself from Fraud this Holiday Season

The holiday season is a busy time for everyone—including fraudsters. While you're shopping for gifts and enjoying the festivities, it's important to stay alert. Scammers don’t take time off, and the rush of holiday spending can make...

Beware of scams, Fraud detection, prevent fraud, Safety, Security

When it comes to holiday spending, make the most of Santa’s wish list this Christmas: Plan ahead to avoid impulse purchases that may result in overspending or excessive gifts. Know the spending game. Research prices and upcoming sales events,...

With the end of 2025 drawing near, it’s a great time to look back at spending patterns and habits, review savings and investments, make a plan for paying off debt, and set financial goals for the upcoming year. By taking a few simple steps at the...

This holiday season, Iowa State Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are urging consumers to keep their spending local by shopping with community-owned businesses this holiday season. Supporting local businesses can make a big...

Iowa State Bank urges consumers to use extra caution online this holiday season. Scammers take advantage of unique opportunities during the holiday season to defraud consumers.  These involve phishing emails, charity scams, delivery scams and travel...

Beware of scams, Fraud detection, prevent fraud, protect identity, Safety

Iowa State Bank’s Christmas tradition continues to grow as the Sharing Tree returns to the lobby of Iowa State Bank in Ruthven beginning November 20. Area residents are invited to make Christmas special through this gift program for residents at...

community relations, Donations, Ruthven Care Center Communities, Sharing Tree

As high school seniors and college students apply for scholarships and financial aid, scammers are ready to take advantage of the opportunity to steal sensitive information in the process.    Fall is the prime time for scholarship applications...

Beware of scams, prevent fraud, protect identity, Safety, student loans, University

Question: What is a Mobile Wallet? Answer: A mobile wallet is a way to carry your debit card (or credit card) information in a secure digital way on your mobile device– instead of using your physical plastic card. Question: Why should I use...

Convenience, mobile wallet

Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank, a loved one, the government or law enforcement. And in this time of expanded use of online and mobile banking, the problem is only...

Beware of scams, Consumer Tips, identity theft, prevent fraud, Safety

Iowa’s banking industry continues to see fraud associated with corporate account takeover   JOHNSTON, Iowa (Oct. 13, 2025) — Iowa banks continue to see sophisticated fraud impacting business customers. Currently, business customers...

Consumer Tips, Fraud detection, prevent fraud, protect identity, Safety, Security