Protect Yourself: Latest Scam Alerts
This page highlights the latest scam alerts and fraud warnings to help you stay informed and protect your financial well‑being. We regularly update this information as new scams emerge.
3/17/2026 - Check Washing Scam Alert
It's making a comeback. Check washing is a form of fraud where criminals steal mail to find envelopes containing checks. Once the checks are intercepted, the payee and amount fields are washed or digitally removed, leaving behind the signatures. Scammers then rewrite the checks to themselves—or to an accomplice—for thousands of dollars more than the original amount.
Be cautious when writing out checks to be mailed and use a black gel pen only. This makes it difficult for scammers to "wash" the permanent gel from the check. Even better, pass on the pre-printed return envelopes. Choose to pay bills electronically and monitor accounts promptly through online banking and the First State Bank - WI mobile banking app which offers integrated payment solutions, like bill pay and Zelle®.
As a customer, it's important to watch for check payments that were mailed and never received by the payees. If you notice checks that were cashed but don't recognize the payee and/or amount, contact First State Bank immediately at (800) 994-2500.
2/9/2026 - Tap-2-Pay Scam Alert
Scammers are approaching individuals in public locations requesting small donations for gunshot victims or funeral expenses using PayPal, Square, or tap‑to‑pay devices. While requesting small amounts, they instead enter a larger amount on their device.
Protect yourself by never allowing strangers to handle your phone or cards, avoiding tap‑to‑pay with unknown individuals, and verifying legitimate solicitations through official websites.
If you believe you were affected, contact First State Bank immediately at (800) 994-2500 and report the incident to local law enforcement.
2/3/2026 - Nacha Spoofing Call (Business customers only)
Fraudulent phone calls have been reported from individuals falsely claiming to represent Nacha. These scammers are targeting organizations that originate ACH payments, stating they need to review your current ACH files and may offer to send you a website link to collect information.
Please remember Nacha will never contact you directly to ask to review ACH files in this manner. Follow your organization’s data and cybersecurity policies regarding sharing sensitive information or credentials and clicking on links provided by unknown callers or emailers.
For questions or concerns, please contact Anna Flahaut at (715) 303-1042 or email treasurymanagement@bankfirststate.com.