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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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Tips for Choosing a Financial Caregiver
October 18, 2019
Categories: Consumer Tips, Fraud Prevention, General
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
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Savvy Travel Tips to Avoid Identity Theft
June 18, 2019
Categories: Consumer Tips, General
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:
Remove all unnecessary cards from your wallet. Make a record of the items you are taking with you and leave copies at home in case of loss or theft. Avoid using public computers to log into accounts containing private information. Keep your guard up even when relaxing in your room. Verify... Read More -
Hello, Grandma? I Need Money...
May 7, 2019
Categories: Consumer 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
