Skip to main content
Account Access
Choose Login
Enroll in Digital Banking
Stay Safe from Fraud and Scams

Security Center

Protect yourself from fraud and exploitation.

Please Read!

Please note: Better Banks will never ask you for your personal information over the phone, by text, or by email. Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments, and make sure you are using strong passwords or, better yet, two-factor authentication.

If at any time, if you have concerns about the activity on your debit or credit card, please contact the bank.

Better Banks is proud to announce that we have earned the AARP BankSafe Trained Seal for 2024! This honor recognizes our training and policies to protect older Americans' assets better. Financial exploitation hurts us all. Better Banks is proud to be a part of this effort to protect our customers, especially now when scam activity in the US is at an all-time high and the need for a meaningful, broad-based response has never been more urgent.

 This is the fifth year Better Banks has been recognized for this achievement! At Better Banks, we will continue to take meaningful steps to ensure our staff has the tools, skills, and confidence to spot and stop financial exploitation before money ever leaves an account.

When you bank at Better Banks, you know your money is in good hands. We know how to identify fraud and exploitation to keep you safe.

Your security is our top priority.

We work tirelessly to protect your money and personal information. As a locally owned community bank, we are committed to providing the highest level of customer service and innovative banking products and to your privacy and security.

In our rapidly changing world of technology, fraud attempts are constant; by educating yourself on how to stop and prevent fraud, you’ll stay safer online.

We understand that when you bank with us, you trust us with your money. We take that responsibility to heart. We have safeguards to help keep your bank accounts and personal information secure. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft, fraud, and online scams.

We understand that fraud and identity theft can be very disruptive, if we identify potential fraudulent activity on any of your accounts, we will contact you immediately.

If you suspect you may be the victim of fraud or identity theft or notice suspicious activity on your account, please contact us immediately.

Text Fraud

What is Smishing?

Posted

Fraudsters continue to adjust their strategies to fraud people out of money. In this fictitious example, the scammer sends thousands of text messages to random people in Peoria hoping that the text message reaches at least one Better Banks customer. If the text message reaches a Better Banks customer and they respond back by answering ‘NO,’ the fraudster promptly calls the unsuspecting person and impersonates a Better Banks fraud specialist. Not only does the fraudster say they are from Better Banks, caller-ID also reports that the call is coming from Better Banks. They then ask for confidential information to confirm that the person is authorized on the account.

Text message reads - Free msg - Better Banks Bank alert - Did you attempt a Venmo payment for the amount of $500? Reply YES or NO or 1 to decline fraud alerts

If you receive a text like this, here are a few things to consider:

  • If a link is included in the text message, do NOT click on the link.
  • Have you used your debit or credit card recently AND does the information on the text message match your recent purchase. If so, respond with ‘YES’ to confirm the purchase.
  • If you haven’t used your card recently and you don’t recognize the transaction, respond with ‘NO.’
    • If the text message is legitimate, the bank will respond with another text message that thanks you for confirming the activity.
    • If the text message is NOT legitimate, the fraudster will call your cell phone and attempt to collect private information about you and your account. Hang up and call the bank immediately.

At any time, if you have concerns about the activity on your debit or credit card, please call the bank at 309.272.1000.

What are you looking for today?

Common Searches:

Better Banks personal banking menu
Open An Account
Ready for a Change? Stay local with Better Banks.
Open an Account Now
Better Banks Business Menu
Better Business Solutions
Business is competitive, you need a competitive edge!
Business Checking Details
Investment Strategists at Better Banks menu
Investment Strategists
An investment team built for you, from people you trust.
Contact Us
learn more about Better Banks
Your Community Bank

We're only as strong as the communities we serve.

Learn More