Fraud Prevention Starts with Awareness: A Central Illinois Banker’s Perspective
Fraud Prevention Starts with Awareness: A Central Illinois Banker’s Perspective
A Central Illinois banker’s perspective on helping customers stay protected and confident
By Rachel Costello, Vice President, Banking Centers, Hickory Point Bank & Trust
Across Central Illinois, I have had the opportunity to work closely with customers in Decatur, Springfield, Champaign, Forsyth, and Mt. Zion, helping them navigate everyday financial decisions.
In recent years, one shift has become clear. Fraud has become more advanced and, in many cases, more difficult to recognize at first glance.
What I hear most often is not about obvious scams, but about situations that feel legitimate. A phone call may appear to come from a bank, a message may ask to verify a transaction, or an email may reference real business activity.
That is because many of today’s tactics are designed to blend in with normal, everyday banking interactions.
Recognizing How Fraud Has Evolved
In working with customers and businesses across Central Illinois, I have seen a few consistent patterns emerge.
Today’s fraud attempts often include:
- Phone calls that appear to come directly from your bank, using spoofed numbers
- Requests to verify transactions, such as wires or ACH activity
- Messages that include links to log in or take action, but lead to fraudulent sites
- Impersonation of bank employees, sometimes using familiar titles or terminology
- Use of publicly available information, such as PPP loan data, to make outreach feel credible
These situations are often well-crafted and may sound routine, which is why taking a moment to verify is so important.
Practical Habits That Make a Difference
Over time, I have found that fraud prevention is less about complex systems and more about consistent habits.
For customers across Decatur, Springfield, Champaign, Forsyth, and Mt. Zion, these are a few of the practices I recommend most often:
- Take a Moment Before Acting
If something feels unexpected or urgent, giving yourself time to review it can provide clarity. - Verify Through a Trusted Source
Caller ID and emails can be misleading. Reaching out using a known phone number or contact is one of the most effective ways to confirm a request. - Be Cautious with Links and Login Requests
Rather than clicking links in emails or texts, it is best to go directly to your bank’s official website or app. - Never Share Secure Credentials
Banks will not ask for passwords, one-time passcodes, or login credentials as part of routine communication. - Confirm Changes to Payment Instructions
For businesses, verifying updated wiring or payment instructions directly with a trusted contact can help avoid unnecessary risk. - Stay Familiar with Your Accounts
Regularly reviewing account activity helps you recognize what is normal and quickly identify anything that needs attention. - Ask Questions When Something Feels Unclear
Often, a quick conversation is all it takes to resolve uncertainty and move forward with confidence.
Why Local Relationships Matter
One of the most consistent observations I have made throughout my career is that relationships play an important role in financial decision-making.
At Hickory Point Bank & Trust, we serve customers throughout Central Illinois, including Decatur, Springfield, Champaign, Forsyth, and Mt. Zion. That local presence allows us to understand not just accounts, but the people and businesses behind them.
In practice, that means being able to recognize when something looks out of the ordinary and being available to talk through it.
It also means customers have a direct connection to a local team. When questions come up, they are able to reach out to someone who understands their typical activity and can provide guidance in real time.
A Simple Approach Moving Forward
For many customers, the most valuable takeaway is that fraud prevention does not need to feel complicated.
Even as tactics continue to evolve, simple steps such as pausing, verifying, and asking questions remain some of the most effective ways to stay ahead.
Across Central Illinois, from Decatur to Springfield to Champaign, Forsyth, and Mt. Zion, those habits continue to make a meaningful difference.
For customers and businesses looking to take an additional step, having a conversation about fraud prevention tools, account safeguards, and internal processes can provide added confidence. Our team at Hickory Point Bank & Trust is always available to talk through options and help identify approaches that fit your specific needs.
Continuing the Conversation
Customers and business owners who have questions about account activity or financial best practices are always encouraged to reach out.
At Hickory Point Bank & Trust, our role is not only to provide banking services, but to serve as a resource and partner for the communities we support.
Rachel Costello
Vice President, Banking Centers
Hickory Point Bank & Trust
