Fraud and Security

At Heartland Bank and Trust Company, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting our customers from fraud. We dedicate ourselves to vigilant customer service, ongoing education and immediate action when suspicious activity is detected. Our priority is to ensure that every customer feels safe, supported and empowered to recognize and resist scams. Your security …

When a longtime customer rushed in to withdraw $25,000 in cash after a supposed PayPal alert, a vigilant Heartland Bank teller noticed red flags, asked additional questions and uncovered an active scam in progress. Thanks to her quick action and care, the customer was protected from losing $25,000 to fraud. One morning John Doe was …

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 digital 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: …