Fraud

Fraudsters often pose as trusted individuals or organizations—such as government agencies, family members, charities, or businesses you know. Never send money or share personal information in response to unexpected communications via text, phone call, or email.
Putnam County State Bank will never contact you to request your online banking credentials or debit card PIN.

Use search engines to investigate companies, products, or suspicious messages. Include terms like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” You can also search phone numbers or phrases like “IRS call” to see if others have reported similar scams.

Scammers can manipulate caller ID to display false names and numbers. If someone calls requesting money or sensitive information, hang up. If you believe the call may be legitimate, verify by calling a known, official number.
You can reach Putnam County State Bank at:

• Unionville: (660) 947-2477
• Milan: (660) 265-4034

Be cautious of anyone asking for payment in advance for services like debt relief, loans, job offers, or prize winnings. Legitimate organizations will not require payment before delivering services or rewards.

Credit cards offer strong fraud protection. Avoid wiring money or using reloadable cards (e.g., MoneyPak, Reloadit, Vanilla), as these methods are difficult to trace and recover.
Government agencies and reputable businesses will never demand these forms of payment.

Before sharing personal information or making payments, speak with a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor. Scammers often pressure victims to act quickly or use threats.
Slow down, verify the story, and feel free to call Barb or Sara at Putnam County State Bank in Unionville at (660) 947-2477.

If you receive a recorded sales pitch, hang up immediately. These calls are illegal and often promote fraudulent products. Do not press any buttons—doing so may lead to more calls.

Some companies use free trials to enroll you in recurring billing. Always research the company, read the cancellation policy, and monitor your statements for unauthorized charges.

Banks may make deposited funds available quickly, but detecting fraudulent checks can take weeks. If a check is fake, you are responsible for repaying the bank.

Sign up for free scam alerts from the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/scams. You’ll receive timely updates and tips directly to your inbox.

If you encounter a scam, report it at ftc.gov/complaint. Your reports help law enforcement investigate and stop fraudulent activity.