Imposter Scams Targeting Veterans: What You Need to Know
Casie Otte | Retail Banking Manager | Lincoln Pioneer Branch
At Midwest Bank, we proudly serve veterans, servicemembers, and their families. We’re deeply concerned about a growing threat: imposter scams targeting our military community.
Scammers are posing as trusted financial institutions like USAA Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, and even Midwest Bank itself. Their goal? To trick you into giving up sensitive personal and financial information.
How These Scams Work
These imposters often contact you by phone, text, or email, pretending to be from your bank. They may claim:
- Your debit card has been blocked
- They’ve detected fraudulent activity on your account
- You need to verify your identity urgently
They’ll ask for information like:
- Your Social Security number
- Bank account or credit/debit card numbers
- Your online banking password
Let’s be clear: these are lies. Midwest Bank will never ask for sensitive information like your password or full Social Security number via unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
How to Spot a Scam
Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Urgency or threats: Scammers want you to panic and act fast.
- Unusual requests: Asking for login credentials or full account numbers.
- Spoofed caller IDs: The number may look familiar, but it’s fake.
- Poor grammar or odd phrasing: Especially in emails or texts.
If something feels off, trust your instincts and contact us directly.
“Our veterans and military families are the heart of our communities, and at Midwest Bank, we’re committed to standing beside them, not just in service, but in protection. By raising awareness about imposter scams, we’re working together to build a safer, more informed community where everyone can feel secure.”
How Midwest Bank Is Protecting You
We take your security seriously. Here’s how we’re fighting back:
1. Employee Training: Our staff undergoes regular training to recognize and respond to fraud attempts. This includes identifying suspicious activity and helping customers navigate potential scams.
2. Customer Education: We share educational content and provide in-branch resources to help you stay informed. Our goal is to empower you to spot scams before they happen.
3. Secure Technology: Midwest Bank protects your accounts with advanced fraud detection systems and multi-factor authentication. We monitor for unusual activity 24/7.
4. Fraud Alerts: If we detect suspicious activity, we’ll notify you through secure channels.
What You Can Do
- Never share your password or PIN with anyone.
- Verify any suspicious communication by calling us directly at our official number.
- Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Enroll in account alerts to monitor your transactions in real time.
If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, contact Midwest Bank immediately. We’re here to help you secure your accounts and guide you through the next steps.