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Security

Take control of your account security.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, 2.6 million consumers reported $10 billion+ in losses to fraud in 2023. Typically, these scams come in the form of emails, text messages, voice calls, and mailed letters. Take these simple steps to protect yourself.

  1. Update your contact information so we can contact you if we suspect fraud. Here’s how: Log into your digital banking account, click on your account name in the top right corner, select “Contact Information” from the drop-down menu, and update missing or outdated information.
  2. Enable account alerts so we can notify you when a transaction occurs or if it fits certain criteria that you’ve determined. Make sure to review your alerts as close to real-time as possible to validate the transactions. Use the “Watch Video” button below to view a quick video to walk you through the process.
  3. Enroll in Positive Pay if you have a business checking account to receive alerts of potential ACH and check fraud. Set up a list of verified payees to receive daily email alerts prompting you to confirm if transactions match those records. Positive Pay also reports inconsistencies in check numbers, dollar amounts, and payees. Call our product support team at (636) 940-5555 to enroll.
  4. Stay aware of common scamming methods to spot and report potential fraud immediately.

Cybersecurity is more crucial than ever.

Like so much of daily life, our personal and business banking relies increasingly on technology. First State Bank of St. Charles uses fraud text alerts, multi-factor authentication, and other measures to protect customer accounts and information. Take these steps to heighten your data security:

  • Do your research before purchasing a device or online product.
  • Create strong passwords and use multi-factor authentication.
  • Check your security and privacy settings and update default passwords when you set up a new device or app.
  • Think before you click on suspicious emails, links, or attachments. Report suspicious emails to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
  • Update your computer or mobile device software regularly to keep hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities or bugs from outdated software.

Check out these resources from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for additional information on ensuring your personal cybersecurity:

Lost or Stolen Debit Cards.

Is your card lost or stolen? Please contact us as soon as possible.

During normal business hours, call (636) 940-5555.

After regular business hours, call our Debit Card Hotline at 1 (800) 472-3272 to cancel your current debit card. Please call the bank on the next business day to order a replacement card.

Common Scamming Methods

Common Scamming Methods

Method
Emails
Tips to Avoid
Fraudsters will send legitimate-looking emails to trick you into calling, visiting a fake website, or downloading malware. Never click a link or download an attachment from someone you don’t know.
Method
Phone Calls
Tips to Avoid
Scammers will try to pressure you into sending money or revealing personal information. Be wary of unexpected phone calls or texts.
Method
Checks
Tips to Avoid
Someone may ask you to cash a check as a favor. Never cash a check for someone you don’t know.
Method
Online Payments
Tips to Avoid
Someone may ask you to pay debts with cryptocurrency, gift cards, or prepaid debit cards. It’s safe to assume that it’s fraud.
Method
Cash Transfers
Tips to Avoid
Review online banking accounts like CashApp, PayPal, or Zelle® on a regular basis. Report transactions you don’t recognize immediately. Scammers may skim a few cents to test the account before taking a large sum of money.
Common Scamming Methods
MethodTips to Avoid
EmailsFraudsters will send legitimate-looking emails to trick you into calling, visiting a fake website, or downloading malware. Never click a link or download an attachment from someone you don’t know.
Phone CallsScammers will try to pressure you into sending money or revealing personal information. Be wary of unexpected phone calls or texts.
ChecksSomeone may ask you to cash a check as a favor. Never cash a check for someone you don’t know.
Online PaymentsSomeone may ask you to pay debts with cryptocurrency, gift cards, or prepaid debit cards. It’s safe to assume that it’s fraud.
Cash TransfersReview online banking accounts like CashApp, PayPal, or Zelle® on a regular basis. Report transactions you don’t recognize immediately. Scammers may skim a few cents to test the account before taking a large sum of money.

Choose a checking account from a local bank you know and trust. We offer a range of options from no frills to premium.

Traveling woman on couch holding hat
Mother enjoying her savings and money market accounts from First State Bank while gardening with her daughter

Everyday savings made simple, along with money market and health savings accounts for specific needs. 
Business owner having piece of mind because she uses Positive Pay fraud protection at First State Bank

Prevent check and ACH fraud from spoiling a good day. Access ACH Debit & Credit Positive Pay via digital banking to help combat fraud.

Disclosures

First State Mortgage is a division of First State Bank of St. Charles, MO, NMLS ID: 416668. Authorized to lend in all 50 states. This is not a loan commitment or guarantee. All loans are subject to approval, creditworthiness, and income verification. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions may apply.