Scam alert: Trust Intuition when Asked to Act Urgently
BY CAITLYN EULGEN
COMMUNITY STATE BANK
According to new data from the Federal Trade Commission, American consumers lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
That’s an increase of 25 percent from the previous year.
Community State Bank remains diligent in helping customers identify potential scam artists and their evolving tactics. Here are three warning signs to identify and prevent fraudulent activity:
1. Stay Skeptical of Urgent Requests
Scammers are notorious for creating a sense of urgency, prompting you to act fast and not truly analyze the information they are attempting to gather.
Take a moment to ask yourself, ‘Is the method of communication from this person/entity reliable and normal? Why would they need to know the information they are requesting? Is there another form of communication I can research myself to ensure the request is legitimate?’
It could save you from sharing private, personal information and the potential loss of funds.
2. Be Careful of Social Media and Online Ads
We have all seen ads within our social media platforms that show images of products we may be drawn to, which then prompts us to click the link and make a purchase.
Often, scammers promote fake sites to gather personal and payment information from purchasers. Be leery when clicking random ads within your social media.
Instead, go directly to the website in your browser. It could save you from getting your device hacked or your personal information compromised on a bogus site.
3. Never Share Sensitive Information
If you get an unexpected call from an entity or person you are not familiar with, DO NOT provide personal information such as account logins, passwords, social security numbers, or birthdates.
Unless you initiate the call and know it is a legitimate company or individual on the other end of the call, do not provide any information. NEVER log into your online banking if you have someone requesting control of your computer.
They are attempting to gather your banking information in hopes of obtaining funds to their benefit.
If you believe you may have been a victim of fraud or noticed something unusual, Community State Bank is here to help. Feel free to call us at (262) 878-3763.
ABOUT COMMUNITY STATE BANK
Community State Bank has proudly served the communities of Southeast Wisconsin since 1898. They are a locally owned and operated community bank, headquartered in Union Grove, Wis. For more information, visit CSB online at CSB.bank.