Fraud Security Hub

Central Bank’s Shane Ensminger details how fraudsters target the homeless

In this insightful episode of The Protecters Podcast, Shane talks about the methods  used by fraudsters to involve the homeless in scamming both our banks and you. Listen – and learn.

Protecting You and Earning Your Trust – Every Day.

Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence & Security Unit (FISU) has 10 expert staff members with more than 100 years of combined banking experience and over 50 years of prior law enforcement experience, all with a shared goal of prioritizing the privacy and security of our customers. They continually work to protect your information and help ensure your accounts are secure largely through real-time fraud monitoring. Using this monitoring, The FISU may contact you via phone or two-way text alert if a debit card transaction is out of character for your normal spending habits.

Of course, in addition to offering you our fraud protection services, Central Bank wants every customer to know how they can protect themselves and detect unusual activity on their own. So, we’ve included some important tools on recognizing types of scams, avoiding those scams and reporting any scam attempts.

There are many types of scams and frauds. But they’re all designed to take your money.

From phishing to employment scams to IRS/Warrant scams and more, financial frauds are ever-evolving and deceptively clever in the attempt to unlawfully take your money and compromise your banking accounts.

In addition to the scams themselves, it's also important to note scammers conduct scams using various platforms. Use of digital payments is on the rise, and as a result, many scammers request money via digital payment. Be sure you only use platforms like Zelle® to send money to those you know and trust - treat it just as you would cash.

Fraudsters also use varying forms of communication to carry out fraud, including text messages, phone calls, emails and social media messages. Be skeptical of any request for funds, and also be sure to reach out to your financial institution using a verified phone number when you are suspicious of any communication you receive.

Below, we’ve included some very helpful and important information on how to identify the most prevalent types of scams.

Recent Scams to Watch For

• 2024 Check Washing and Check Theft Scams

• Do you use payment apps like Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle? Read this | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov)

• Caller ID Spoofing