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Can You Spot a Phishing Scam?
October 1, 2020
Categories: Business Fraud, Business Tips, Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, Fraud Prevention, General
Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. And in this time of expanded use of online banking, the problem is only growing worse. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission’s report on fraud estimates that American consumers lost a staggering $1.9 billion to these phishing schemes and other fraud in 2019 — and the ongoing pandemic has only increased the threat. Imagine where we are in 2020.
It’s... Read More
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Beware of Unemployment Imposter Fraud
July 6, 2020
Categories: Business Fraud, Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, Employment, Fraud Prevention, General
An unfortunate side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been high numbers of people filing unemployment claims. While unemployment insurance exists to help people manage difficult financial situations, it can also be a target for cybercriminals to commit fraud. Consider these tips to avoid becoming a victim of what’s known as unemployment imposter fraud.
If You’ve Been Victimized …
A consumer may learn... Read More
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The Basics of Electronic Signatures
June 15, 2020
Categories: Business Fraud, Business Tips, Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, Employment, General
Are Electronic Signatures Safe to Use?
In today’s world, you’ve probably been asked to use an electronic signature for a job application, a car loan or even a home loan. New technology often yields new questions about safety and security. Here are some basics about electronic signatures to help you feel more comfortable with their usage:
Wet signatures (written with ink) can easily be forged, misused or copied. Electronic signatures include many... Read More -
Online Banking Upgrade May 6, 2020
April 23, 2020
Categories: Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, General
Due to an upgrade to our Online Banking services, users may see a message displayed upon log-in stating, “To log in to your online banking account, please visit your financial institution’s website.” This message is a valid message. Some users may have saved a direct link to online banking that bypasses our website. To ensure that our customers have access to the most up-to-date enhancements and security, users will be re-directed to our website (BankISB.com) for log-in purposes.... Read More
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How Consumers Can Protect Against Coronavirus Scams
April 20, 2020
Categories: Business Fraud, Business Tips, Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, Fraud Prevention, General
As world leaders continue to address the novel coronavirus pandemic, the likelihood that cybercriminals will use the public’s concern over the situation in cyber scams increases. To help educate consumers, use these six tips on how to spot cyber scams.
How to Protect Yourself From Coronavirus Scams
Consider taking the following steps when receiving communications regarding the coronavirus:
Be... Read More -
NEW! Online Financial Safety Webinar
March 23, 2020
Categories: Business Fraud, Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, General
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Kossuth County is partnering with Iowa State Bank to offer a webinar, “Online Financial Safety”, on Thursday, April 9, 2020. The webinar will be hosted via WebEx, and will begin at 12:00 noon.
The webinar will help participants to better protect their finances from fraud, by teaching how to instill good security practices for one’s home and financial life. “American’s have lost billions of dollars in recent... Read More
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Important News Bulletin #1: Changes for March 18, 2020
March 16, 2020
Categories: Business Tips, Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, General
At Iowa State Bank, we are deeply committed to your well-being and safety during this time. We are closely monitoring the evolving circumstances related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are enacting our existing business-continuity plans to continue to deliver banking services to you. We are making some changes in the way that we deliver banking services in an effort to protect our customers, employees and communities. We are taking the necessary steps to avoid potential service... Read More
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Protect Your Identity this Tax Season
January 30, 2020
Categories: Business Fraud, Business Tips, Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, Fraud Prevention, General
Taxes are due April 15, and as busy professionals work to complete their tax returns, criminals are stepping up their identity theft efforts. Iowa State Bank wants to make sure consumers know how to spot potential identity theft scams this tax season.
IRS impersonation scams involve phone calls or emails from someone claiming to work for the IRS. They may tell the victim that there is an issue with their tax return or that they need to update tax filing information. Following are... Read More
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Beware of Scams
December 12, 2019
Categories: Business Fraud, Business Tips, Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, Fraud Prevention, General
Scams are rampant this time of year with online holiday shopping, year-end business transactions and the distractions of a busy holiday schedule. Take a few moments to protect yourself from potential scams:
Know who you are dealing with.
Remember, your bank or other financial institution will not contact you by phone, email or letter and ask you for information they already know about you. If you receive a message claiming to be from the bank, contact us at the... Read More -
Beware of Holiday Gift Card Scams
December 3, 2019
Categories: Business Fraud, Business Tips, Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, Fraud Prevention, General
Gift cards can be a thoughtful and generous gift. Consumers spend more than $130 billion on gift cards per year, according to CEB TowerGroup. With that much money involved, these products make for a popular target for fraudsters -- especially during the holidays. Iowa State Bank wants to make sure consumers know how to spot such scams so they don't become a victim.
While community banks encourage consumers to shop their local businesses first, however sometimes a gift card is... Read More
