Generative AI Being Used to Commit Financial Fraud
On December 3, 2024, the FBI issued a warning on generative artificial intelligence (AI) being used to commit financial fraud. Criminals are using AI-generated text, images, audio, and videos to trick victims into sending money and providing sensitive information. The FBI shared the following tips to help protect yourself from AI-generated fraud: Create a secret […]
Get Ready for 2025 with 5 Online Safety Tips
With the new year right around the corner, you can start 2025 on the right foot by protecting your accounts and personal information with these five key online safety tips. 1. Use Multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA is an electronic security process that requires more than one method of identity verification to gain access […]
Debit Card Safety This Holiday Season
For a payment method that has been around since the late 1960s, debit cards have remained a trustworthy form of transacting for American consumers. According to the J.D. Power 2024 Debit Card Satisfaction Survey, 72% of customers say they use a debit card at the point of sale, as compared to cash, credit cards, and […]
Jon Hummel Honored by American Bankers Association with 2024 Emerging Leader Award
Jon Hummel, Vice President, Commercial Banker at West Bank was honored by the American Bankers Association as a recipient of the 2024 ABA Emerging Leaders Award. This award recognizes the next generation of bank leaders who are committed to the highest standards of achievement and service to both their industry and their local communities. Hummel […]
Has Elderly Financial Exploitation Taken Place?
Has financial elder abuse taken place? Elderly financial exploitation (EFE) occurs when someone in a position of trust knowingly influences, deceives, coerces, frauds, or extorts control over an elderly individual. To figure out if elderly financial exploitation has occurred, Iowa Legal Aid suggests answering the following questions. 1. Does the exploiter have a position of […]
Barry Cropp and Al Petersen Recognized by Iowa Bankers Association for 50 Years of Service
On September 16, 2024, the Iowa Bankers Association honored Barry Cropp and Al Petersen for their remarkable 50-year careers in banking. Barry currently serves as a front desk receptionist at West Bank’s Headquarters in West Des Moines. Al retired in December 2023 as a Commercial Banker. Throughout both of their long careers in banking, Barry […]
Small Business Cyber Safety
When small businesses fall victim to a cybersecurity attack, the fallout can be devastating. While some small business owners may argue that cyber criminals have bigger fish to fry, they forget that their business can be easier to infiltrate and steal customer data than a larger business with a specific IT department. With fewer resources […]
Account Takeover Fraud
According to SEON’s Global Statistics in Account Takeover Fraud for 2023, 22% of US adults have fallen victim to account takeover fraud. As the population’s digital presence and online transactions continue to grow, the ways for criminals to find to hack into devices also continue to increase. What is account takeover fraud? As defined by […]
How to Redefine Retirement in Your 50s
Age 50 is a major milestone. Not only does it mean you’ve lived for half a century, but it also comes with some key advantages that can ensure you are saving enough for retirement. If you want to retire at 65, you only have 15 years left at age 50 to make sure you have […]
Elder Fraud Continues to Rise
Elder fraud abuse is increasingly prevalent, often more so than people realize. According to Nasdaq’s 2024 Global Financial Crime Report, one in 10 elderly Americans are victims of financial abuse. Of all global fraud in 2023, $77.7 billion was linked to elderly financial exploitation. In the United States alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center […]