Safeguarding Your Finances

At HomePride Bank, we understand that financial scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, especially in targeting tight-knit rural communities like ours here in the Missouri Ozarks. Scammers exploit the trust we have in each other, and sometimes limited access to financial services, to deceive their victims. But by staying informed and vigilant, we can build a strong defense against these threats together.

The scale of financial fraud is staggering. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023, a 14% increase over 2022. This marks the first-time fraud losses have reached that benchmark. Common scams to watch out for include:

• Phishing attempts and imposter scams, where fraudsters pose as legitimate businesses, charities or even government officials to steal your personal information. Imposter scams were the second costliest category in 2023 with nearly $2.7 billion in losses.
• Investment scams promising unrealistic returns. Consumers reported losing more money to investment scams—over $4.6 billion—than any other category in 2023, a 21% increase from 2022.
• Romance scams that prey on lonely hearts, especially seniors, to manipulate victims into sending money
• Tech support scams where criminals impersonate IT staff to gain access to your computer or coerce you into making payments

• Guard your personal and financial information carefully. Shred sensitive documents and be cautious about who you share details with, especially unsolicited requests.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and enable two-factor authentication. Keep software on your devices updated.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages and never click on suspicious links. If a message claims to be from a company or government agency, look up their official contact info and reach out directly to verify.
• Monitor your financial accounts and credit report regularly for unauthorized activity. Consider signing up for HomePride Bank's fraud monitoring services.
• Share knowledge with friends and neighbors. Report any suspected scams to HomePride Bank and local authorities so we can alert the community.
  
  

As your trusted hometown financial partner, HomePride Bank is committed to providing the tools, resources and support you need to protect your money from scams and fraud. Here are some of the ways we help safeguard your finances:

Robust Security Measures: We employ state-of-the-art security systems to protect your personal and account information, both online and at our physical branches. Our team is constantly monitoring for suspicious activity.
Secure Debit Cards: HomePride Bank debit cards come with built-in protections like EMV chip technology and customizable alerts. We can quickly cancel and reissue your card if it's ever lost or stolen.
Community Commitment: HomePride Bank is dedicated to the security and prosperity of the communities we serve. We partner with local organizations to spread scam awareness and report suspicious activity to the proper authorities to help prevent fraud.

If you believe you've fallen victim to a scam, contact HomePride Bank immediately. Our staff is here to help protect your financial wellbeing.

Together, through awareness, smart financial habits, and open communication, we can keep our community safe from scammers. HomePride Bank is your committed partner in this effort. Reach out anytime with questions or for more information on fighting fraud.