posted
on Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Top Fraud Tips Every Person Should Hear
Discover practical guidance from our experienced frontline staff s to help turn questions into confident decisions. In this collection of top fraud tips, our teller and financial service representative team explain how to spot scams early, safeguard your accounts, and keep your money secure.
Fraud Top Tip #1
Ashley Fencl, Financial Services Representative in Cresco
"Don't reuse passwords," says Ashley. "A strong, unique password for each account helps keep your information safe!"
Fraud Top Tip #2
Lexi Foote, Financial Services Representative in Cresco
“Don’t click links in unexpected emails or texts," says Lexi. "Instead, contact the company directly using a trusted website or phone number you look up yourself.”
Fraud Top Tip #3
Amanda Johnson, Financial Services Representative in Cresco
“Resist pressure to act quickly when you’re instructed to send money a specific way," says Amanda. "It’s often a sign of a scam.”
Fraud Top Tip #4
Rielynn Hruska, Financial Services Representative in Cresco
"Only use your debit card on legitimate sites that you know and trust," says Rielynn. "And never share your card information over the phone unless you placed the call to a trusted, verified phone number.”
Fraud Top Tip #5
Sarah Holthaus, Financial Services Representative in Cresco
“Monitor your account statements for unfamiliar transactions or withdrawals you didn’t authorize," says Sarah. "Ask us how to set up balance and transaction alerts in online banking as another way to monitor your account activity.”
Fraud Top Tip #6
Jess Wall, Financial Services Representative in Cresco
"If it seems too good to be true, then it usually is," says Jess. "Never pay upfront taxes or fees to collect a prize—this is a common scam."
Fraud Top Tip #7
Madison Roll, Financial Services Representative in Osage
"If something feels urgent, unusual, or too good to be true, take a moment to pause and verify through a trusted channel before taking any action," says Madison, "A few extra minutes of caution can go a long way in helping prevent fraud."
Fraud Top Tip #8
Stacy Dohlman, Financial Services Representative in Lime Springs
“Fake package delivery texts are a commonly reported scam. Be skeptical of unexpected emails or texts claiming there is a problem with your account or delivery," says Stacy. "If a text asks you to click a link or provide personal information, go directly to the shipping company’s official website to verify it first.”
Fraud Top Tip #9
Molly Tweeten, Financial Services Representative in Ridgeway
“Pause before you act,” says Molly. “Scammers want you to feel rushed. Take a moment to verify that a website, text, or phone call is legitimate, and if something doesn’t feel right, contact your bank.”
Fraud Top Tip #10
Heidi Thor, Financial Services Representative in Shell Rock
“No legitimate bank, government agency, or law enforcement authority will tell you to withdraw cash, buy gold, or send a wire transfer to keep your money safe," says Heidi. "That is a red flag for fraud.”