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As your trusted financial partner, Community First Bank believes that open conversations about financial security are essential for keeping our Wisconsin friends and neighbors safe. Today, we’d like to share some important tips about protecting yourself from common phone and text scams that could put your financial well-being at risk.

Beware of Unexpected "Official" Calls

Have you ever received a call that appears to be from a bank, law enforcement, or another official organization? While it might look legitimate on your caller ID, scammers are increasingly using sophisticated technology to "spoof" phone numbers, making them appear to come from trusted sources.

Here's what you need to know:

• If you weren't expecting the call, don't feel pressured to answer

• Legitimate organizations like Community First Bank will typically contact you through official channels first, such as mail or a scheduled call

• Never provide sensitive information like your Social Security number or account details over the phone unless you initiated the call

Unknown Numbers? Let Them Leave a Message

In our digital age, it's tempting to answer every call, but sometimes the best defense is simply not picking up.

If an unknown number calls:

• Let it go to voicemail

• If it's important, they'll leave a message

• Remember that even saying a simple "hello" could give scammers a voice sample they might misuse

Text Message Safety

We're seeing an increase in scam text messages, often appearing quite innocent at first. Messages like "Hi, got a new phone, who's this?" or "When are we meeting for lunch?" might seem harmless, but they're often the first step in a scammer's playbook.

Our advice:

• Don't respond to texts from numbers you don't recognize

• Never click on unexpected links, even if they seem interesting

• If you're unsure about a text claiming to be from Community First Bank, call us directly using our official number

Taking Action Against Scammers If you encounter a suspected scam:

1. Report it as spam on your device

2. Block the number

3. Delete the contact to prevent accidental callbacks

4. For text scams, forward them to 7726 (this helps carriers block similar messages)

At Community First Bank, your financial security is our top priority. We're here to help if you ever have questions about suspicious communications like the ones mentioned above. Remember, it's better to take an extra moment to verify than to become a victim of fraud. If you're ever unsure about a call or text claiming to be from us, please visit your local branch or contact us,, and we’ll be happy to help. Our team is always here to help keep your hard-earned money safe.