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Practice Safe Checks

With check fraud more than doubling over the past decade, Kansas Treasurer Steven Johnson shares simple,

effective tips to help protect consumers—from using permanent gel pens to switching to digital payments.

Tips for Financial Caregivers

It's important for caregivers to keep careful records. When acting as a financial agent, proper documentation is not only encouraged, but required. Get more tips for financial caregivers from the '@American Bankers Association' Foundation: https://aba.social/3SeDjKk
#SafeBankingForSeniors

#Older Americans Month

28th Annual Charity Coffee held in Great Bend

Thirty-six local charities received donations during Farmers Bank & Trust's annual charity coffee. This event celebrates the valuable work of local organizations to strengthen our community.

Quishing Scams

Tis the Season for fake QR codes called "Quishing". There has been an uptick in scammers creating fraudulent QR codes, taking unsuspecting people to malicious websites or installing malware/spyware on their device. It is very hard to spot a fake QR Code with the human eye.

How can you tell if a QR code is real?

A legit QR code is never going to take you to a page that tries to scare you into inputting your personal information. If there are any fear tactics or time constraints, it’s a scam.
Make sure that you are getting that code from a trusted source.
If the code doesn’t look like it fits with the background, don’t scan it.
If you’re at a restaurant or store, double-check with an employee to make sure the business is using the QR code.
Most new smartphone and mobile device cameras will show you a preview of a code’s URL as you start to scan it. If the URL looks strange, don’t continue.
Most legit websites URL's start with https://. If it doesn't then don't click on the QR code from the pic on your device.
Make sure the URL doesn't have any spelling errors. For example Gooogle.com or Googgle.com are not the same as Google.com.

To keep you safe for the Holiday Season be wary of any QR codes via emails, flyers, websites, or while your walking about in the shopping malls.

CryptoCurrency Fraud

As reported by the FBI, Cryptocurrency fraud losses were up 45% in 2023 which resulted in more than $5.6 billion dollars in losses. See full Report Here.

The American Bankers Association in working in collaboration with the FBI and other federal agencies, released a new infographic warning consumers about the increasing threat of cryptocurrency investment scams.

Local Preschoolers Visit Kinsley Branch

Local preschoolers learning about community helpers stopped by to learn how banks can keep their money safe until they are ready to use it. According to Branch Manager, Brad Venters, they discussed different sizes and shapes of money and enjoyed cookies because "they’re round like coins but taste better." They also talked about needs vs wants and all left with a 50-cent piece to help them start saving for those bigger items on their wants and needs list. They finished off the visit with pictures of “locking” them in the vault. Not all the kids were willing to get locked in.

Family Code Words

La Crosse School Supply Drive

The LaCrosse Branch would like to thank the community for all of its support during their annual School Supply Drive! With the support of the community and the bank’s match, the USD #395 (LaCrosse) schools received nearly $1,500 worth of supplies to be used by the students during the upcoming school year.