Fraud can happen to anyone—and it’s more common than you might think. At Marion County Bank, we deal with fraud cases every day, and we want to help you stay informed and protected. 

Fraud vs. Scam: What’s the Difference?

Fraud occurs when your information is used without your consent—like someone stealing your debit card details or intercepting a check.
A scam, on the other hand, happens when you share information willingly, but under false pretenses—such as giving personal details to someone pretending to be your bank or entering your details for an offer that is too good to be true.

Both are serious, but today we’re focusing on fraud.

Two Common Types of Fraud

  • Debit Card Fraud: This happens when stolen card information is used without your permission. It often stems from data breaches, skimmers, or other unauthorized access.
  • Check Fraud: Legitimate checks are intercepted in the mail and altered so the money goes to someone else. Check fraud can also happen when falsely created checks are sent through to a legitimate account number.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are simple steps you can take:

  • Set up alerts on your accounts. It’s the best way to catch something early. Online banking is a great tool.
  • Stop, Look, Think before acting on any text, email message, or phone call.  Also, if a transaction is not a typical purchase, do some research before choosing whether to give your card information or not.
  • Check your accounts daily to catch issues early.

And most importantly—call your bank immediately if you suspect fraud.
Carolyn Harthoorn is part of team that helps customers through fraud on a daily basis. She reminds us to contact the bank right away:

“Don’t be ashamed to call because fraud can happen to anyone. The sooner you reach out, the more we can do to protect your accounts.”

Why Acting Fast Matters

When you call, we can take immediate steps like changing passwords, restricting your card, and investigating suspicious transactions. Every minute counts—delays can give fraudsters more time to move your money or open new accounts in your name. Acting quickly often means the difference between recovering funds and losing them permanently.

Fraud Can Happen to Anyone

Fraud doesn’t discriminate. It affects people of all ages, genders, and financial backgrounds. We see cases every single day—sometimes involving people who thought they were too careful to ever be a victim.

Carolyn reminds us:

“Stay alert and talk about it with family—especially older relatives. Sharing this information helps protect the people we love.”

Why Sharing Matters

Fraudsters often target those who may be less familiar with technology or banking security—like seniors or young adults just starting out. A quick conversation about common fraud tactics can prevent someone you care about from losing thousands of dollars. Encourage family members to set up account alerts, monitor their transactions, and know what to do if something seems off.

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