Isn't That Rich Podcast

This week on the Isn't That Rich podcast, we tackled a topic that's not exactly fun but couldn't be more important: fraud. It's making the rounds again in a big way, and we're seeing it firsthand at Farmers State Bank. If we can help even one person avoid becoming a victim, this post is worth writing.

Here's the hard truth. Spotting a scam used to be easy. Misspelled words, strange email addresses, stories that didn't add up. Not anymore. Today's fraudsters use technology that can disguise voices, copy websites, and make a phone call look like it's coming straight from your bank. So let's walk through what we're seeing and how to protect yourself.

The big one right now: spoofed phone numbers

Scammers can make their call show up on your phone as Farmers State Bank, right down to our name and number. Then they use a scare tactic: "We've noticed fraud on your account. We just need you to verify a few things."

Here's what to remember. Your bank will never rush you. Scammers create urgency because they don't want you to slow down and think. So slow down and think.

We're also seeing fraudsters send links to "easily log in" to your online banking. That link leads to a fake version of your banking site or app, sometimes called a skin. It looks just like the real thing, but it's recording your username and password as you type. Never log in through a link someone sends you. Go straight to our website or open your app yourself.

And those one-time passcodes from two-factor authentication? Those are for you and only you. If anyone asks you to read one out loud, hang up. The text message even says not to share it, and we mean it.

Stop. Think. Hang up.

If you ever get a call that feels off, or even one that feels fine, you are always welcome to hang up and call us back. Not the number that called you. Use the number on our website or the back of your debit card. No one here will ever be offended. Honestly, we'll be proud of you.

Six things your bank will never ask you for

Write this down, stick it on the fridge, share it with everyone on your account. Whether it's Farmers State Bank or any other bank, we will never call, text, or email asking for:

1. Your online banking username or password. We already have what we need on our end.
2. A one-time passcode or verification code. Those are for you to use, never for us to know.
3. Your full debit or credit card number or PIN. If someone asks, they're a fraudster.
4. Your full Social Security number over the phone.
5. Your identity verified through a link or QR code. Those lead to fake sites.
6. Payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency to fix an account issue. Ever.

One important note: if you call us, we may ask you some security questions to make sure it's really you. But those are questions you chose when you opened your account. That's us protecting you, not the other way around.

Other scams making the rounds

The grandparent scam. A panicked call or text that sounds like a grandchild in trouble who needs money fast. Our favorite defense: pick a family safe word. If the person on the phone doesn't know it, you have your answer. It's a lighthearted way to start a serious conversation with the people you love.

Smishing texts. Fake delivery notices, toll charges, or "your card is locked" messages with a link to click. Don't click unexpected links. If you're worried about a package, go back to your original order and check the tracking there.

Romance scams. It sounds far fetched until you see it happen, and we do. People walk into the bank wanting to wire thousands of dollars to someone they've never met in person. These scammers play on emotion, and they play the long game. If you want to see just how deep it can go, watch The Tinder Swindler on Netflix.

If something feels wrong, act fast

Call your bank right away. The sooner we know, the more we can do, whether that's locking your card, closing an account, or helping you file a police report. You can even lock your own debit card right in our app.

There is never any judgment on our end. Calling us with a suspicion is always the smart move, and we want to normalize it. Once money is gone, it is very hard to get back, so speed matters more than certainty.

Be your own bodyguard

We protect everything we can on our end, but you're the first line of defense for your own accounts. Educate the people you love, especially anyone who shares access to your accounts. Talk to your parents. Quiz your family. Set up that safe word.

We all work too hard for our money to let a stranger on the phone walk away with it.

If you ever want to talk through something suspicious, or you just want a refresher, come see us at any of our locations in Alto Pass, Harrisburg, Herring, and Marion. If this post resonated with you, share it with someone you love. It might be the reminder that saves them.