Tag: Scams

Smishing Unpaid Toll Scam

Written by CedarStone Bank News on April 22, 2025. Posted in Uncategorized.

Be cautious when sharing your personal information, especially with the rise of “smishing” scams — fraudulent text messages designed to trick you into giving up sensitive data like credit card numbers or personal details.

Even the most tech-savvy individuals can fall for these schemes. A common example: you receive a text claiming you owe money for an unpaid highway or interstate toll. The message may threaten late fees or legal consequences, urging you to act quickly by clicking a link.

Here’s how it typically happens: You’re on the go when a message pops up. It looks official — maybe even branded with a state agency logo — and it says you missed a toll payment. Wanting to avoid penalties, you quickly follow the link and enter your payment info on what appears to be a legitimate site. Only later do you realize it was a scam.

The key takeaway? Don’t click links you can’t verify, and never share personal or payment information in response to unsolicited messages. Scammers send out thousands of these texts hoping just a few people will take the bait — don’t let it be you.

A Message from Melynda Bounds on Romance Scams

Written by CedarStone Bank News on September 23, 2020. Posted in News & Events.

Many people are wiping out their 401Ks and investments sending money to people they’ve met online. These Romance Scammers have many ways of misleading their victims and can be very patient, sometimes spending a year or more getting to know them. Learn more about how to protect yourself from online fraud from Melynda Bounds at our Lebanon, TN Main Office.

SECURITY ALERT

Written by CedarStone Bank News on February 21, 2020. Posted in News & Events.

CedarStone Bank will not call requesting, debit card numbers, debit card pins, three digit CVV, login credentials or account numbers.

✅ If in doubt of the legitimacy of a call, text or email, contact us directly.

✅ Never provide sensitive personal information to an unsolicited call.

✅ Be aware and don’t fall victim to fraud.

cedarstone-bank-online-shopping-security

Shop Safely This Holiday Season

Written by CedarStone Bank on November 26, 2014. Posted in News & Events. No Comments on Shop Safely This Holiday Season

Lots of people will be doing their holiday shopping online, which creates opportunities for phishing, malware, and scams. But there are things you can do to make your online shopping more secure.

Be careful about emails. Some malicious activity comes in the form of holiday greetings. Only open emails from people and companies you know. Even then, it is best not to click on web links inside emails; go out to your browser and access the website there. If an email doesn’t look completely legitimate, even a personal one, check it out with the sender first.

Know your charities. Bad guys will take advantage of your generosity with appeals that pull on the heartstrings. If you see a charity you want to donate to, they will take it if you visit their website directly or send them a check.

Secure your system. Think of your computer, tablet or phone as a house: don’t leave the door unlocked. Here are some security issues you will want to consider:

• Is your wi-fi connection password-protected?
• Do you have a good antivirus program? How about malware detector? Ad and pop-up blockers?
• Is your operating system and all your software updated/patched? This includes your browser, browser plug-ins, and any external programs you may use.
• Did you know that attachments can carry viruses?

Only use secure sites. Even if your system is relatively secure—no system is perfect—websites you visit may not be. Sites whose web addresses begin with https (rather than http) are more secure. Take any warnings about security certificates seriously.

Monitor your accounts. Look at your credit card and checking accounts online very often. If you see suspicious activity, report it immediately.

Security risks may also come to you in the form of fake ads, messages inside of social media programs, and phone calls.

Hackers and online thieves are very good at what they do. A little extra care could save you time, money, and hassle.

More information is at the website for the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team. For users of mobile devices, additional precautions are recommended.

Be aware of phone scams

Written by CedarStone Bank on August 31, 2014. Posted in News & Events. No Comments on Be aware of phone scams

Several of our customers have received phone calls from what appear to be scammers. Please take caution and be aware that CedarStone Bank does not call people to request financial information over the phone.

How to Detect a Phone Scam
Only speak with official representatives of your bank or credit card company in phone calls you initiate. Do not respond to requests for financial information over the phone, by email, or by calling a number sent to you in an email. Do not click on links in emails to financial websites you do not recognize. If any of these situations arise, there is a good chance it is a scam. Read more here.

If you receive a call from someone saying they are from CedarStone Bank, do not give out any financial information; call one of our offices immediately. If you find fraudulent or unauthorized charges on your credit card bill, report them immediately. If you receive a scam call from someone who requests financial information in a way that appears to be a scam, contact the authorities.

Please follow our Facebook page for timely updates.