Beware of scams

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

According to the National Council on Aging, almost 90% of the financial abuse committed against older Americans is done by someone they know. More than ever, it is imperative for seniors to select a trustworthy person to properly manage their finances and personal affairs.

“Fraudsters often prey on seniors experiencing cognitive decline, limited mobility and other disabilities that require them to rely more heavily on others for help,” said Kristie Brown, Executive Vice President... Read More

A message from Jason Wartick, Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer --

Criminals don’t just target consumers – they’re looking at businesses, large and small, for their fraudulent schemes. If you’re one of our commercial customers who uses our eCorp Business Banking solution at www.BankISB.com, we’re pleased to offer Positive Pay – a way for your business to reduce potential check fraud.

Our Positive Pay feature matches checks presented... Read More

With the popularity of online dating sites, criminals have learned to tug at the heartstrings – and purse-strings -- of consumers through online dating scams.

These online fraudsters typically initiate relationships online for several months before asking to meet, move in, or even marry! The only problem is that they need you to send them money. The money can be for a variety of things – overdue rent, car repairs, travel expenses, or a marriage license that will help secure... Read More

Online shopping gives us access to all kinds of things that we may be unable to find in our hometown marketplaces. Regretfully, it can be a marketplace for fraud as well. It’s easy to get lost in the great discounts and offers, but beware – if it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.

A message from Kathy Nelson, Vice President, Cashier & Director of Retail Banking --

The phone rings. You answer. The caller says, “Grandma, is that you?” You respond with the name of the grandchild that you think it is. The caller is quick to confirm their identity as your grandchild. The impersonator of your grandchild then announces that they have a very urgent matter and are in trouble. They need money as soon as possible to get them out of this mess. Cash. Wire transfer.... Read More

A Message from Brenda Hannover, Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer --

A home is most people’s largest asset. For criminals, older adults who own their own home represent great potential for reverse mortgage scams.

Older adults are often pressured to obtain a reverse mortgage, or to use equity in their home for home repairs that fail to be completed by unscrupulous repair people. The repairs never happen, and your money is gone. Other scams aimed at homeowners... Read More

A message from Patty Hammer, Operations Officer --

Vacation is a time to get away from it all, but tourists are a great target for thieves. Help prevent identity theft with these tips:

Scammers are playing on our emotions, and the generosity of grandparents. Grandkid scams are out there. Here's what to look for and how to protect yourself and the grandparent in your life:

If you're a grandparent, you could get a call that starts, "Hello, Grandma? I need money for bail." Or it could be some other kind of trouble. No matter the circumstance, the caller says it is urgent and the caller says to keep it a secret. "Don't tell my mom or dad."

Chances... Read More