Identity theft doesn’t always start with a big hack. It can begin with a lost wallet, a quick click on a fake email or a document tossed in the trash instead of shredded. Once criminals have enough pieces of your personal information—like your Social Security number, account numbers or online passwords—they can open accounts in …

Let’s face it, cybercriminals are getting more advanced, and their latest tool — the “Godfather malware” — is a serious threat to mobile banking users. This banking trojan poses as genuine apps to trick people into giving away sensitive financial information. Once installed, it can steal the login, intercept security codes and empty accounts in …

Businesses that received funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) are being targeted by a new wave of scams. Banks nationwide are reporting an increase in attempts where fraudsters use publicly available PPP loan data to impersonate bank employees attempting to obtain online banking credentials. How the Scam Works: Scammers pose as your bank, often …

Imagine this: You’re at home, checking your bank account online. A pop-up message suddenly appears, claiming to be from your bank, Heartland Bank. It asks you to verify your identity by clicking a link or entering your personal information. The message looks so convincing—complete with logos, design and tone—that you act quickly. But by the …

Cryptocurrency is a growing trend, offering investment opportunities but also attracting fraudsters targeting unsuspecting individuals. At Heartland Bank, we want to help you avoid falling victim to fraud and scams. Here’s a look at the risks and how to protect yourself. The growing risk of crypto fraud. Crypto fraud usually begins with an enticing investment …

Every day, people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts, and calls from scammers who impersonate others, such as bank employees. With online banking usage at an all time high, recognizing phishing red flags is more important than ever. The Federal Trade Commission’s report on fraud estimates that American consumers lost over $10 billion to phishing …

Imagine this: You run a small business and have a trusted vendor you’ve worked with for years. One day, you receive an email from them, asking for an urgent payment transfer for a big order. The email looks just like any other—familiar email address, familiar tone, even the payment details seem normal. You don’t think …

Heartland Bank remains committed to keeping your personal and financial information safe. Data released earlier this year shows consumers lost nearly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, an increase of more than 30 percent over the previous year. To help you stay informed, we have compiled the following list of Six Mobile Check Deposit Tips: …

Tax time can be stressful enough without having to worry about scams. Unfortunately, tax season scams have been on the rise in recent years, particularly via phone and email. As a reminder, the IRS will NEVER: The IRS will always send you a bill via mail first. If you have received a bill or think …

In our technology-centered world, keeping your personal information and finances safe can seem impossible. To better protect you, we’ve put together a quick guide with 15 tips to keep your data private and control who sees it. Finally, be sure to share this with family and friends to make sure they are taking the necessary …