Fraud Prevention Tips on National Consumer Protection Week

Phishing, Imposter Scams Continue to flood calls, emails, texts

UNION GROVE - Community State Bank is recognizing National Consumer Protection Week (March 1-7) to highlight fraud prevention with tips on identifying phishing, imposter scams and securing financial information.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, an increase of 25 percent from 2023.

Scammers frequently contact victims through interactive methods such as social media, websites and mobile apps. They commonly direct them to newer, more untraceable sources of payment like cryptocurrencies and payment apps.

"This is something we're seeing, addressing and preventing almost on a daily basis," Community State Bank Retail Operations Director Caitlyn Eulgen said. "We devote a lot of time and resources into training our team to help protect our customers."

Learning how to identify popular phishing scams is one way to lower the risk of becoming a victim.

Phishing is a cyberattack where bad actors send fraudulent messages - typically through email, text or phone - impersonating people you trust to steal sensitive information.

According to the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau, phishing messages typically contain one of three methods to fool victims.

1. The message promises a reward (gift card, free item)
2. Threatens a punishment (unpaid taxes, missed jury duty, deactivated bank account)
3. Harmless nature (a file or link from a manager or coworker)

These messages often urge targets to share personal information, call a phone number or download an attachment (likely containing malicious software).

Scammers commonly create a false sense of urgency. If someone contacts you demanding immediate personal information, it's likely a scam.

"Fraudsters are insanely tactical and intelligent in coming up with ways to convince consumers not to talk to their bank when a scam is occurring, often by stating it will disrupt the outcome or solution," Eulgen said. "Community State Bank is here to help you. Never hesitate to contact your banking team when something doesn't look right."

Community State Bank offers the ability to add a trusted contact for single party account holders over the age of 65. This allows our banking team added security measures to contact a designated person (18 years or older) if we suspect fraud, cannot reach a customer or to check on someone's health or well-being.

Community State Bank reminds customers it will never contact you asking for your account information. If you receive a suspicious phone call, SMS message or email, contact Community State Bank directly at (262) 878-3763.

ABOUT COMMUNITY STATE BANK

Community State Bank has proudly served the communities of Southeast Wisconsin since 1898. They are a locally owned and operated community bank, headquartered in Union Grove, Wis. For more information, visit CSB online at CSB.bank.

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