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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 -
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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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
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Positive Pay: Great Way for Businesses to Detect Potential Fraud
July 19, 2019
Categories: Business Fraud, Business Tips, Fraud Prevention, General
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
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Romance Scams are in the Air
July 19, 2019
Categories: Consumer Tips, Fraud Prevention, General
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
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Tips for a Safe Trip on the World Wide Web
July 19, 2019
Categories: Consumer Tips, Cybersecurity, Fraud Prevention, General
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.
Buyer beware.
Good quality items at a good price seem like an offer you can’t refuse….until you take a survey to pay $14.95 for shipping and handling... Read More -
It's Not Who You Think it Is!
July 19, 2019
Categories: Consumer Tips, Fraud Prevention, General
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
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Mortgage Scams Target Older Adults
July 15, 2019
Categories: Consumer Tips, Fraud Prevention, General, Home Loans
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
