Avoiding Scams To Protect Finances
May 25th, 2026 by Submitted
On June 5th from 9 – 2 at the Sadie T. Johnson Community Center (707 US Hwy 278, Monticello), Commercial Bank will join partners, including the Drew County Health Coalition, to provide education and resources to protect Seniors from financial exploitation. In addition, the Drew County Sheriff’s Department will be on site to accept expired or unused prescription medication for safe disposal.
Criminals work day and night to deceive Americans out of their hard-earned money. The problem is getting worse. Our Senior community is especially vulnerable because they generally trust others, display kindness to strangers, and try to help those who report to be in need.
What Can You Do?
Don’t Share Secrets.
Never provide your Social Security Number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or by telephone. Instead, hang up! If someone claims to be your bank, hang up and call us back using our long-standing phone number, or visit us in person.
Protect PINs and passwords and do not reveal them to anyone.
Use a combination of letters and numbers for passwords and change it periodically.
Shred Sensitive Papers.
Never discard financial statements in the trash. Shred or otherwise destroy anything containing account information.
Monitor for Missing Mail.
Consider signing up for Informed Delivery with the USPS to get daily photos of your mail items. It’s free and available at https://reg.usps.com/informeddelivery/welcome
e-Statement notification at Commercial Bank also alerts you when a statement is available. You choose when to log-in and view, download or print such statement.
Monitor your Credit Report.
Order a free copy of your credit report from one of the three credit reporting agencies at www.annualcreditreport.com to make sure creditors reported were authorized by you.
Protect your Computer.
Make sure virus protection software on your computer is active and up to date. When conducting an online transaction, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an “s” after the “http” to be sure the website is secure.
Protect your Mobile Device.
Use the passcode lock on all devices. This makes it more difficult for thieves to access information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade a mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen. Use caution when downloading apps, as they may contain malware. Avoid opening a link or attachment unless you are expecting the message. When in doubt, call the sender to confirm the message and attachments as legitimate.
Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.
If you become a victim:
• Call your bank and credit card issuers immediately to close your accounts.
• Contact the fraud unit of the three credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your credit report and request a credit freeze so criminals can’t open new accounts. Fraud units for each are as follows:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
• Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission @ 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338).
• File a police report.
• Maintain a log of contacts made with authorities regarding the matter. Write down names, titles and phone numbers in case you need to re-contact or refer to later.
The good news is by following these steps, you can decrease your chance of becoming a victim. We will never call you and ask you to provide us information. If this happens, hang up. You can then call us at our published number or stop by in-person. To learn more, stop by our main office lobbies where we have materials to help protect your financial assets.
Proud to be The Community Builder,
Todd D. Smith, President
Commercial Bank
