Fraud Prevention and Security

Common Scams

Check Fraud

Scammers alter, forge, or steal checks. In other cases, they trick you into depositing fake ones.

• Red flags: Someone overpays you by check, then asks you to send money back. Scammers also may tell you to urgently deposit a check and wire funds immediately. Both are scams. You should also watch for unfamiliar payees.

• Please note, we have become aware of a scheme to steal check payments that are sent to PO Boxes in Carol Stream, IL.

• How to prevent

  • ​​​​​​​​Use permanent or gel ink to prevent washing.

  • ​​​​​​​Use secure alternatives (like our bill pay, ACH services, or other verified Apps).

  • Keep your checks in a safe place; mail them at secure drop box locations.

  • Always review your statements and images of cleared checks.

  • Businesses should consider “positive pay” and “payee match” services to reduce their risk.

  • You should always confirm vendor/biller changes using known contact methods.

• If it happens: Contact us immediately. We’ll help you with a mail theft report (e.g., USPS). Place a hold on compromised accounts and review recent activity.

Account Takeover

Scammers access your account by stealing credentials or intercepting one‑time codes.

• Red flags: Login alerts when you haven’t attempted to login. Password or contact info was changed without your involvement. Watch for new payees or transfers you don’t recognize.

• How to prevent:

  • Use Multi Factor Authentication for every account; consider using app-based or hardware tokens instead of text.

  • Have unique passwords or phrases; change them regularly and after any breach. Don’t share codes!

• If it happens: Call us right away. We’ll lock the account and help you recover. Change passwords for email, banking, and any linked services. Check device for malware; take it to your local expert for a security scan

Online Scams (Phishing, Smishing, Vishing)

Scammers impersonate trusted companies to steal information or money.

• Common tactics: Phishing emails with look‑alike domains and urgent warnings. Smishing texts with “verify your account” links or demands to pay toll fees. Vishing calls claiming to be a “fraud department” asking for codes.

• Red flags: There’s pressure to act urgently: “Your account will be closed.” You may see misspelled words and broken English, odd formatting, or generic greetings. Always watch for links that don’t match the sender’s domain.

• How to prevent:

  • Stop, don’t click. Go to the site directly.

  • Verify by calling the number on your card or on the website.

  • Hover over embedded links; look for https and correct domains.

  • Let us know if you receive suspicious messages.

• If it happens: Don’t engage. Get in touch with our fraud team. Immediately change credentials if you clicked links or shared information. Monitor your accounts closely; set security alerts. Disable your card on our mobile app.

Identity Theft

Someone uses your personal data to open accounts, commit fraud, and damage your credit. We’re experts at helping you recover.

• Red flags: Credit inquiries you don’t recognize. Bills or debt collection notices for accounts you didn’t open. Missing mail or unexpected address changes.

• How to prevent:

  • Freeze your credit with major bureaus; it’s free and reversible.

  • Limit what you share online, lock down social profiles.

  • Secure Social Security numbers and sensitive documents.

  • Use Informed Delivery (USPS) to track mail.

• If it happens: Contact us immediately to flag and protect your accounts. Disable your card on our mobile app. Place a fraud alert or freeze with credit bureaus. File an identity theft report (e.g., FTC, police as needed). Keep records of all communications and case numbers.

Other Common Scams

• Investment and crypto scams: Promises of “guaranteed high returns,” pressure to move funds fast. Verify licenses and platforms; be skeptical of unsolicited tips.​​​​​​

• Romance scams: Online relationships asking for money or gift cards. Never send funds or share personal info with someone you haven’t met in person.

• Tech support scams: Pop‑ups or calls claiming your computer is infected.

• Don’t grant remote access; contact your device’s official support. These scams evolve into account takeovers very quickly.

• Employment or side‑gig scams: Jobs paying upfront or asking you to process payments or purchase equipment. Don’t deposit checks and send money back, this is a classic mule setup.

• Grandparent/family emergency scams: Urgent requests for bail or medical money; they may tell you to keep it quiet. Hang up and verify directly with the family member using known contacts.

• Invoice/business email compromise (BEC): Vendor payment details “changed” via email, and you’re asked to send money to a new account. Confirm changes with a phone call to a known number before paying.