Do you have what it takes to be a Scam Slayer?

Staying informed is your first line of defense against identity theft. Simple steps like monitoring your accounts regularly, using strong and unique passwords and being careful about where and how you share personal information can make a big difference. Identity thieves often look for easy opportunities, and a few proactive habits can significantly reduce your… Continue reading Identity Theft Resources

Payment cards such as ATM, debit, credit and EBT cards make paying for things easier and more efficient, but they are also common targets for fraud. Criminals use discreet scam devices like pinhole cameras, skimmers, and fake keypads to steal card information and PINs at ATMs, point-of-sale terminals and gas pumps, often in just seconds… Continue reading Protecting Your Payment Cards

The FBI is warning consumers and businesses about a sharp rise in Account Takeover (ATO) fraud, where criminals impersonate banks to steal money or personal information. Since January 2025, more than 5,100 complaints have been filed, with losses topping $262 million. Criminals often use emails, calls, texts, or fake websites to trick victims into giving… Continue reading Account Takeover Fraud Is on the Rise – Here’s How to Stay Protected

In today’s increasingly digital world, staying vigilant and informed is more important than ever when it comes to cybersecurity. At Kirkwood Bank & Trust, protecting your information and maintaining your trust is our highest priority, which is why we’ve implemented safeguards and ensure our team is continuously trained to prevent cyber threats. As financial institutions… Continue reading Cybersecurity Awareness

The Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection has released a consumer advisory on avoiding cyber and online scams during the holiday season, including a warning about suspicious texts or emails claiming to come from financial institutions. OCCIP noted that cybercrime contributed to more than $12.5 billion in losses in 2023, marking a 22% increase from 2022.… Continue reading Federal cybersecurity office releases tips for consumers on avoiding holiday scams

Despite the fact that check use has declined by 25%, reports of check fraud have soared. In fact, they’ve nearly doubled since 2021. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated and finding new ways to steal your financial information to gain access to your money. Kirkwood Bank & Trust is committed to helping our customers use checks… Continue reading Do You Practice Safe Checks?

Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. And in this time of expanded use of online and mobile banking, the problem is only growing worse. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission’s report on fraud estimates that American consumers lost a staggering $10… Continue reading Can You Spot a Phishing Scam?

Summary Voice Over Internet Protocols (VoIP) is one-way threat actors attempt to trick unsuspecting consumers into sharing their confidential information, such as usernames, passwords, bank account information, and the like. These actors frequently use “ID Spoofing” as vehicles in their attack campaigns. ID Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to a… Continue reading Keeping an Eye Out for Telcom Attacks

Elder abuse refers to an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. The trauma of elder abuse can result in premature death, the deterioration of physical and psychological health, destruction of social and familial ties, devastating financial loss, and more. Older adults… Continue reading Protecting Vulnerable Adults