Tips for Holiday Shopping to Protect Yourself Against Fraud

Watch out for these holiday attacks:

GIFT CARD PEEK SCAM

Scammers will take gift cards off the rack, scratch off the silver coating that protects the PIN code, record the code, then carefully apply a new coating in a way that leaves buyers none the wiser.

The perpetrator waits a day or two for the card to be purchased and activated, and the card number and PIN are ready for the scammer to use. The disappointed gift card recipient is left with a dud.

Solution: Carefully...

This month’s Star may be new to supervisory roles, but she has come in and made her team’s well-being, growth, and success a priority.  With a focus on open communication, empowerment, and creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued, she leads her team well and is committed to their success.  We are excited to introduce you to Odulia Ramirez, Teller Operations Supervisor in our Marshall location, and our November Star of the Month.

Odulia joined...

To our valued customers:

We want to inform you about an important change affecting coin transactions at Austin Bank. 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced the end of penny production, and the Federal Reserve has stopped fulfilling penny orders at several of their locations, including the two locations in Texas.  As a result, our ability to provide pennies for coin orders and transactions is limited and will diminish over time. 

Here are...

Our Star for October has been a member of the Austin Bank team since 2009.  For the last sixteen years, he has brought his unique charisma and genuine enthusiasm into the bank, brightening the days of those he works with along with the customers he helps.  We are honored to introduce Ramon Merkley, Loan Assistant in our Longview Pine Tree office, as our October Star of the Month.

Ramon began his banking career as a teller in the bank’s Kilgore location.  He moved...

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence “AI” is the development of computer systems able to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech, and translation.

Fraudsters are now using AI to target individuals and give the illusion they are speaking to someone they may know. Fraudsters can now manipulate voice cloning, phishing schemes, and deep fake scams.

What is Voice Cloning?

Voice cloning is taking...

This month’s Star is a proactive, self-sufficient problem-solver.  She has a positive, friendly, outgoing demeanor which sets the tone for those around her.  We are excited to introduce you to Tammy Davidson, a Real Estate Specialist working from our Whitehouse annex.

Though Tammy exhibits each of these characteristics in the general performance of her day-to-day tasks, she specifically garnered the attention of coworkers during a recent implementation of the Empower...

Jeff Austin III, Chairman of the Board, announced the opening of Austin Bank’s 41st location in Willis under the direction of Weldon Whitt and Meredith Todd. Scheduled to open in the 4th quarter of 2025, Willis will further expand the bank’s Southeast Texas service area.

“Expanding into Willis is a natural progression for Austin Bank,” stated Mr. Austin, “and we are pleased to have Weldon and Mere join our team to lead in the opening of our newest location.”

With...

As a new generation is entering into the workforce or continuing their education, stay up to date on ways to keep your financial and personal information safe and secure as well as avoiding common scams targeting the Gen Z generation. 

How to keep your financial and personal information safe and secure:

We have been made aware of scam attempts being perpetrated against businesses that obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the COVID epidemic.  Five years ago, these loans helped to cover critical expenses like payroll, rent, and utilities.  At that time, banks warned Federal officials that publicly releasing the lists of PPP recipients (which included bank names, borrower details, and loan amounts) could be a treasure trove of data for criminals.

Now, that...

"Fully engaged and motivated employees are more likely to go above and beyond to provide exceptional service, which translates into better customer outcomes,” states a recent blog post authored by Louis Carter from Best Practice Institute.  A more succinct description of this month’s Star could not be found.  Over and over in the notes collected regarding this employee, these were the attributes described.  We are happy to introduce you to Adrian Aguirre, Assistant Telephone...