HOMETOWN NATIONAL BANK
Protect Yourself from Fraud
Fraudsters are constantly finding new and sophisticated ways to trick people and businesses, using tactics like fake emails, phone calls, text messages, and even social media. Staying alert and informed is your best defense.
At Hometown National Bank, we are committed to helping you stay one step ahead by providing the tools, resources, and education you need to recognize and avoid scams before they happen. Below you will find examples of common fraud schemes along with practical, easy-to-follow steps you can take to safeguard your personal information and protect your money.
Common Scams Targeting Consumers
Phishing Emails & Texts: Fraudulent messages that appear to be from trusted sources, prompting you to click on links or provide personal information.
Phone Impersonation (“Vishing”): Scammers impersonate legitimate entities, such as banks or government agencies, to extract sensitive information over the phone.
Romance Scams: Fraudsters build online relationships and then fabricate emergencies to request money.
Gift Card Scams: Scammers pose as trusted individuals or organizations, instructing victims to purchase gift cards and share the codes.
Cryptocurrency/Bitcoin Scams: Promises of high returns on cryptocurrency investments lead victims to send funds to fraudulent platforms.
Check & Wire Fraud: Fake checks or wire transfer requests trick victims into sending money for non-existent services or products.
Online Shopping or Marketplace Scams: Fraudulent listings or websites collect payment without delivering goods or services.
Common Scams Targeting Businesses
Business Email Compromise (BEC): Fraudsters impersonate executives or vendors to request unauthorized payments or changes to account details.
Invoice & Vendor Fraud: Scammers submit fake invoices or request changes to legitimate vendor payment information.
Payroll Diversion: Criminals manipulate payroll systems or personnel to redirect employee wages to their own accounts.
Check & Mail Fraud: Fraudulent checks or intercepted mail can lead to unauthorized transactions.
ACH & Payment Fraud: Unauthorized access to bank account information allows criminals to initiate fraudulent electronic transactions.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Business
Never provide personal or banking details in response to unexpected communications.
Confirm payment changes or urgent fund transfers by contacting the requester through known channels.
Set up notifications for withdrawals, transfers, and unusual activities.
Regularly update passwords and utilize multi-factor authentication where available.
Regularly review statements and online banking to detect any discrepancies early.
Educate staff on identifying phishing attempts, handling sensitive information securely, and recognizing red flags associated with fraud.
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accessing financial accounts and systems to enhance security.
Utilize secure payment gateways and avoid using unsecured methods for financial transactions.
Implement segregation of duties, approval workflows, and regular audits to prevent and detect fraud.
Next Steps
What to do if you fall for a link or scam
Hometown National Bank is here for you if you ever fall victim to a scam. It can happen to anyone, even the most careful and tech-savvy individuals. The important thing is to act quickly and know the right steps to take.
Contact Us
Contact Hometown National Bank immediately at 815-207-4664. If it happens on a card or payment app, close the card and notify the platform.
Reset Access
Change your passwords and PINs immediately, especially for your online banking and email accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each account to reduce the risk of further unauthorized access.
Helpful Links
ReportFraud.ftc.gov
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
ic3.gov
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Submit a Complaint
Report to Authorities
Report the scam to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. Sharing details of what happened can help investigators track down fraudsters and prevent others from becoming victims.
Police Report
If you lost money as a result of the scam, contact your local police department and file a report right away. Having an official report on file can help with any investigations, insurance claims, or recovery efforts related to the fraud.
Spot the Scam: Banks Never Ask That
We proudly support the Banks Never Ask That® campaign from the American Bankers Association. Your bank will never:
- Call, text, or email to ask for your account number or full Social Security number.
- Ask you to send money to yourself or anyone else to “verify” your account.
- Pressure you to act immediately or threaten account closure.
Your Security Is Our Priority
Hometown National Bank has safeguarded our community for more than 140 years. Together, we can help keep your finances safe.
Protect Your Business with Positive Pay
- Matches checks and ACH files against your authorized list.
- Flags suspicious transactions for review before they clear