Security

Security:
Please see below for information about security from Union State Bank. 

New: Scam Alert 

Recognizing a Phone Scam

You’ve heard stories of people losing their life savings to a phone scam. How can you protect yourself from being a victim? Here are some telltale signs of a phone scam:

The Promise of a Prize: If you have to pay for something, it’s not a prize.

A Threat: No government agency, bank, or law enforcement representative will call to threaten arrest, a fine or deportation. This is a scam to scare you into agreeing to their demands.

Urgency: Legitimate businesses won’t expect you to make a decision right away; if it’s a good offer in your best interest, the caller will be happy to let you think it over.

A Request for Sensitive Information: Government agencies will never call and ask for your social security number or any other identifying information.

There is never a good reason to give out your login credentials for your Union State Bank accounts, Amazon, PayPal, etc. 

Common Phone Scams: 

Phone scams can come in a lot of forms, and there are new ones emerging all the time. Take a look at some of the most common types:

• Imposter Scams where the caller pretends to be someone you trust, such as a government agency like the IRS, your bank, or a loved one. They may even have a fake number or name that shows up on your caller ID.
• Debt Relief or Credit Card Scams where the caller offers to help you lower interest rates, consolidate your debt, or get student loans forgiven.
• Charity Scams where scammers pose as disaster relief organizations.
• “Free” Trials where you are signed up for an initial free product but then pay for a subscription month after month unless you go through a punishing cancellation process.

What to Do:

Now that you know how to recognize the signs of a phone scam, what should you do if you realize you’re being scammed on a phone call?

1. Hang up. Not only is it effective, it’s satisfying.
2. Use call blocker technology on your cell phone to prevent repeat calls from that source.
3. Do not trust caller ID. It may not be a reliable source of information.

What to Do If You Realize You've Been Tricked: 

If you realize that a scammer has obtained money from you, contact us at Union State Bank.  We’re here to help.

Get more information on phone scams from the Federal Trade Commission: Phone Scams | FTC Consumer Information

Lost or Stolen Card:  
Contact your financial institution during business hours. After regular business hours, please call 800-383-8000.

Identity Theft

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