Fraud can happen to anyone, and recognizing the warning signs early is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your finances. As a local community bank, we are committed to helping our customers stay informed and vigilant. Fraudulent behavior can take many forms, from phishing emails to unauthorized account activity, but there are common red flags that everyone should know. 1. Unusual Account Activity One of the most obvious signs of fraud is unfamiliar or suspicious activity in your...

Scams and cybercrime are on the rise, costing Americans nearly $21 billion in 2026 alone, according to the FBI’s annual crime report. Knowing what steps to take if you’ve been targeted by a scammer can make all the difference in protecting your finances and personal information. If you think you’ve encountered a scam or accidentally shared sensitive information, here’s what you should do right away: 1. Stop All Contact Cease all communication with the scammer immediately. Do not respond to...

Just like a computer our cell phones are at risk of being compromised by malware, viruses and fraudsters. If you think your phone has been compromised or if you are just looking for tips about keeping it secure, we have some tips and resources below. If a fraudster has gained access to your phone through malware, an app you downloaded, or other means, you have a few options: Turn your phone off: This will prevent fraudsters and malware from accessing anything on the device. Turn Airplane mode...

Elder Financial Exploitation is defined as: the improper use of an adult’s funds, property, or resources by another individual including, but not limited to fraud, false pretenses, embezzlement, conspiracy, forgery, falsifying records, coercion, property transfers, or denying them access to their wealth by the U.S. Department of Justice. Under this definition, the exploitation can be broken down into two types. Elder Financial Fraud: Occurs when an older adult is deceived and exploited for...

As Things Heat Up, Place a Credit Freeze to Stop Fraud in Its Tracks With summer in full swing and activity picking up everywhere, it’s the perfect time to make sure your personal information is protected. Just as you take steps to stay cool and safe in the summer heat, you can also take proactive steps to keep your finances secure—starting with a credit freeze. Let’s take a closer look at how placing a credit freeze can stop fraud in its tracks—and why it could be the smartest step you take...

Tax season is here and fraudsters are using tax returns and taxes owed to scam consumers. What are Common Tax Scams Tax Refund Scams These scams occur when fraudsters contact you by phone, email, or text, claiming you are owed a refund. Their goal is to trick you into providing personal information—such as your bank account number or Social Security number—which they can then use to steal your money or identity. Tax Credit Scams Fraudsters sometimes use social media to promote credits, such...

With technology evolving, scammers are upping their game. Here are some standout fraud trends for 2026. Impersonation Scams Romance, Affinity, or ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams These scams share one thing: someone posing as a friend or romantic interest online. Over time, they build trust before urging you to invest in a fake opportunity or rush into sending funds for a supposed emergency. Deep Fake Impersonations Advances in AI now let scammers create convincing fake audio and video of celebrities,...

It’s not especially romantic to think about romance scams, but February is the perfect time for a refresher on how scammers want to use your heart to steal your money. You might think that these scams will only happen on online dating sites, but they occur on social media sites, online games, chat rooms, and more so it’s important to recognize the warning signs of romance scams. The FTC, Federal Trade Commission, has a list of things to watch for when interacting with new friends online....

It’s a new year and if one of your resolutions is to avoid fraud and scams in 2026, we have 7 tips to help you! Tip 1: When in Doubt Hang Up or Delete This can help you avoid scammers who may contact you by phone, text, email, or social media. If you are unsure whether a call, text, or email is legitimate, you should hang up or stop responding. Then, contact the organization directly using their official phone number. For example, if someone claims to be from the D.L. Evans Bank fraud...

This Season, Make Sure Your Generosity Reaches Those in Need The holidays inspire giving—but unfortunately, scammers take advantage of generosity by posing as fake charities. Protect your donations with these tips: Know the Warning Signs: High-pressure tactics urging you to “donate now.” Requests for donations via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or other non-traditional payment methods. Unfamiliar organizations or names that sound similar to real charities. How to Give Safely:...

Fraud is evolving, and scammers are finding new ways to trick consumers into giving away their money or information. At D.L. Evans Bank, our Digital Banking team is seeing several common scams targeting both individuals and businesses. Zelle Fraud Alert Scammers are targeting customers through fake online purchases, often for goods or pets. Sending money through Zelle is like handing over cash as it can’t be reversed. Before sending funds, ask yourself: Do I personally know this person?...

Scammers Often pretend to be real companies, but it’s a trick. Treat yourself by learning how to spot them! Don’t Let Online Costume Scams Haunt Your Halloween: Tips from the FTC Halloween is just around the corner, and while you might be worried about finding the perfect costume, there’s something even scarier lurking online… scams. How about ordering a costume online and never getting what you paid for? Scammers are making this season extra spooky by pretending to be real companies like...