Business Fraud Prevention
From Awareness to Action: FSCB Provides Your Business the Tools to Stay Safe. Protecting your business's privacy is important to us, and at First State Community Bank, we take measures to ensure your information is secure. We are dedicated to preventing unauthorized access to customer information and are committed to taking appropriate action to protect against fraud.
Enhanced Security Features for You
Secure Transactions
Multi-factor authentication is required on any device that is not trusted or registered by the user. Additionally, step-up authentication is required when high-risk transactions are detected or processed.
ACH Payments
Allows your business to transfer funds electronically between banks, reducing the need for paper checks and minimizing the risk of fraud.
Wire Services
By using wire services, your business can ensure that transactions are processed in real-time, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized access.
Notable Scams Happening Now
Fraudsters are always changing their tactics. Here are the scams we’re seeing in our communities right now and how to keep yourself and your family safe.
Active Alert
Posted September 2026
Call Forwarding Scam
Scammers pretending to be your bank are tricking people into forwarding their own phone calls, so the scammer can intercept security calls and passcodes.
How the Scam Works
-
The Initial Contact
You receive an urgent phone call, text, or message that appears to come from First State Community Bank. Scammers can spoof caller ID so our name or number shows up on your phone. -
Creating Urgency
The caller claims there is “suspicious activity” or a “fraudulent charge” on your account and that you must act right away to protect your money. -
The Trap
They tell you to dial a short code followed by a 10-digit phone number they provide. The code usually starts with a star or pound sign, such as *72 or **21*. -
The Hijack
That code turns on call forwarding. Your incoming calls, including security and verification calls, now ring the scammer’s phone instead of yours, so they can receive passcodes meant for you and get into your accounts.
How to Protect Yourself
-
Never Dial Codes a Caller Gives You
Don’t follow instructions from someone who contacted you to dial codes that start with a star (*) or pound sign (#). -
Hang Up and Call Us Directly
If you get a call about a security issue, hang up. Call us at 877-955-3722, the number on the back of your debit card, or reach out through our official website or mobile app. -
Never Share Your Codes
First State Community Bank will never call and ask you for a one-time passcode, PIN, password, or online banking login.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
-
Turn Off Call Forwarding Now
On most AT&T and T-Mobile phones, dial ##002# and press call. On Verizon, dial *73. If you’re unsure, contact your mobile carrier. -
Call Us Immediately
Call First State Community Bank at 877-955-3722 so we can help secure your accounts, review recent transactions, and watch for unauthorized activity. -
Secure and Report
Change your online banking password, then report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Remember: Caller ID can be spoofed. Even if a call appears to come from First State Community Bank, hang up and call the number you know is ours.
Learn What to Look For
Stay up to date on the latest scam tactics, by going to consumer.ftc.gov/scams.
Urgent and Threatening Language
Scammers may try to create panic by claiming your account is locked or compromised, pressuring you to act quickly. Be cautious with unexpected phone calls. To ensure your safety, call the number on the back of your bank card.
Asking for Credentials
Fraudsters may try to impersonate someone from your bank, and their caller ID might even show up as your bank. Banks never request your account number, PIN, or password via phone, text, or email — and will never ask for your secure access code.
Unexpected Emails and Text Messages
Avoid clicking on attachments/links in emails or text messages claiming to be from your bank. Fraudsters often send fake messages that look legitimate to steal your login credentials or personal details.
Key Security Tips
Protect your business and your financial information from fraudsters and cybercriminals by following these safe banking tips.
Secure Your Devices: Update your computer, tablet or phone regularly, as well as any antivirus and firewall software. Use strong privacy settings on your devices to avoid pop-ups and unsafe websites.
Sign up for Banking Alerts: Protect your hard earned money by staying on top of your finances with FSCB alerts! Setting up account alerts can help you monitor activity and suspicious transactions. Don’t wait until it’s too late - Safeguard your accounts today.
Know How to Spot Phishing Attempts: Phishing is one of the most common ways cybercriminals attack. Don’t reply or click on any links in unsolicited or suspicious emails or texts.
Pick Strong & Unique Passwords: Pick a different password for each of your online accounts. Don’t use birthdays, anniversaries, pet’s names, children’s names, or common phrases like “password” or 12345. Use complex phrases at least 8 characters long, including upper and lower case letters, numbers and characters.
Multi-factor Identification: This is required for each digital banking user. It is the best way to prevent fraudsters from pretending to be you.
Set Up Account Security Alerts
Enroll in our digital banking platform to stay informed by setting up alerts and easily monitor your accounts via email, phone, or text messages.
Step 1:
Under the menu tab, click settings.
How to Report Fraud
Monitor your accounts regularly. Here's what you should do if you notice unusual activity on your account.
Visit FTC.gov and report the scam.
Contact your bank by calling the number on the back of your card.
Call your local law enforcement to report the crime and obtain a police report.
If you have concerns about a phone call, text, or email from an unknown individual or company, be cautious and give the individual/company a call back to a known and verified phone number to ensure the legitimacy of the request.
Frequently Asked Questions
FSCB protects your business through tools like Positive Pay, ACH Credit Payments, and Wire Services—each designed to detect unauthorized activity, verify transactions, and safeguard sensitive data. These features add multiple layers of protection to ensure your funds are secure.
Businesses should regularly secure devices, set up banking alerts, and use multi-factor authentication for all digital banking activities. FSCB also encourages using strong passwords and learning to identify phishing attempts to prevent unauthorized access.
Monitor your accounts frequently for suspicious activity. If you notice unusual transactions, contact FSCB immediately using the verified number on the back of your bank card. Never share your account number, PIN, or secure access code with anyone claiming to be from your bank.
