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Don't Click those links in text messages

Posted On: August 5, 2026 by Austin Bank in: fraud, Fraud Alert

What does it mean when I receive a link in a text message, email, or instant message from someone that I may or may not know? Phishing is a type of cyberattack that uses fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls or websites to trick people into sharing sensitive data, downloading malware or otherwise exposing themselves to cybercrime. Some examples: Toll Bill Scams, Tracking Package Scam, Law Enforcement Scams, “You’ve Won a Prize Scam”, Verify Your Purchase Scam, Confirm your identity scam, etc. These messages may contain a link for you to click that will take you to an illegitimate website where fraudsters can collect your private information. What if I get a text message from Austin Bank? Call the bank if you receive any messages involving links.  You can reach our Customer Care Team at 800-644-9275. Austin Bank will never initiate contact with you and then ask for sensitive or personal information including PINs, social security numbers,
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Recent Blog Posts

Don't Click those links in text messages

Posted On: August 5, 2026 by Austin Bank in: fraud, Fraud Alert

What does it mean when I receive a link in a text message, email, or instant message from someone that I may or may not know?

Phishing is a type of cyberattack that uses fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls or websites to trick people into sharing sensitive data, downloading malware or otherwise exposing themselves to cybercrime.

Some examples: Toll Bill Scams, Tracking Package Scam, Law Enforcement Scams, “You’ve Won a Prize Scam”, Verify Your Purchase...

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Shamel Shipman

July 2026 - Star of the Month - Shamel Shipman

Posted On: July 13, 2026 by Austin Bank in: Star of the Month

At Austin Bank, our greatest strength has always been our people.  Their commitment to our core values and the people we serve is what sets us apart. This month, we are proud to recognize a long-time member of that team as our July Star of the Month.  Please join us in congratulating Shamel Shipman, Assistant Vice President and Relationship Manager in our Big Sandy office, on this honor.

As Shamel approaches her 38th anniversary with the bank, her knowledge and experience,...

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Traveling this Summer? Be aware of travel scams.

Posted On: July 2, 2026 by Austin Bank in: fraud, General

Are you traveling this summer?  Let us know the dates and location(s) you will be traveling to so we may enhance debit card monitoring and ensure your debit card will work while you are there.  You may update this information in your mobile app by clicking on Cards and then Manage Travel Plans.  Or, you can give us a call at 800.644.9275 and speak to a customer service representative.

This is also a good time to verify your contact information to assist...

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June 2026 - Star of the Month - Daniel Torres

Posted On: June 9, 2026 by Austin Bank in: Star of the Month

While some technical aspects of customer service can be trained, there is more often than not a set of soft skills and behavior traits that allow some employees to excel in this area. This month’s Star possesses those essential qualities – empathy, patience, professionalism, and a genuine desire to help others - which have earned him the respect of his coworkers, and their nominations for Star of the Month.  We are excited to introduce you to Daniel Torres, Universal Banker in...

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Melanie Valdez - May Star of the Month

May 2026 - Star of the Month - Melanie Valdez

Posted On: May 12, 2026 by Austin Bank in: Star of the Month

One of the core values held by Austin Bank is that of nurturing.  By definition, nurturing is the process of caring for, supporting, and encouraging the growth, development, or success of someone or something.  This month’s Star has been the very picture of this definition since she came to work in our Marshall office.  Her employees made sure to note it in their nominations, and we are excited to honor this trait as we recognize Melanie Valdez, Retail Office Manager, as our...

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e-Currency - What is it?

Posted On: May 5, 2026 by Austin Bank in: Fraud Alert, General

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a virtual or digital currency that uses cryptography to secure transactions. It is decentralized, meaning it does not have a central authority that regulates or taxes it.

Crypto is based on blockchain technology, which is a distributed ledger that records transactions and is enforced by a network of computers. No participant can change or tamper with a transaction after it’s been recorded to the shared ledger. Each block is connected...

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Crystal Bateman

April 2026 - Star of the Month - Crystal Bateman

Posted On: April 14, 2026 by Austin Bank in: Star of the Month

In an organization the size of our bank, it truly takes efforts from everyone on the team to ensure positive customer interactions, increased productivity, and a supportive workplace culture. As John Nash said in the movie A Beautiful Mind – “. . . the best result would come from everyone in the group doing what is best for himself and the group.” This month’s Star personifies the term ‘team player’ and is praised by those around her for the job she is doing....

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Fraud Update - Most Recent Fraud Attempts 3-26

Posted On: March 26, 2026 by Austin Bank in: fraud, Fraud Alert


We have become aware of fraud attempts against some of our customers in which fraudsters are impersonating officers of the bank, going so far as to spoof bank phone numbers in an attempt to appear legitimate.

In these attempts, customers have been asked for online banking credentials, or sent a link to online banking which is actually a fraud site designed to collect your credentials. Fraudsters may even go so far as to attempt to collect answers for security questions or security...

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March 2026 - Star of the Month - Brenda McMichael

March 2026 - Star of the Month - Brenda McMichael

Posted On: March 10, 2026 by Austin Bank in: Star of the Month

When customers enter the Austin Bank office in Frankston, they are consistently greeted with a smiling face and a positive, friendly attitude.  This helps set the stage for the rest of the customer’s experience and provides a great foundation for the team to build upon.  We are honored to introduce our March Star of the Month, and the first contact you’ll meet upon entry into Frankston, Brenda McMichael.

Brenda currently serves as a customer service representative,...

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Flowers aren't the only things growing in Spring - be aware of growing scams!

Posted On: March 2, 2026 by Austin Bank in: fraud

How Scammers Operate on Social Media 

Fraudsters use various tactics to lure unsuspecting users into their schemes, including: 

Fake Profiles: Scammers create bogus accounts, sometimes impersonating real people, to build trust.  Malicious Links: They send messages containing harmful links that install malware or steal data.  Emotional Manipulation: Playing on fear, love, or urgency, they convince victims to act without thinking.  Bogus...
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