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Articles & Resources
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Resources for Helpful Financial Information
We’ve compiled a list of helpful articles and resources for financial information:
Help Your Kids Be Scam Savvy
The “Money Cents” series is a monthly initiative designed to educate and empower consumers to protect themselves from financial fraud. The “Money Cents” campaign from the Iowa Bankers Association shares resources on their website and social media.
Protecting Iowans from Crypto Scams
What You Need to Know About the New Law
As of July 1, 2025, a new Iowa law is in effect to help protect residents from scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs. Spearheaded by Iowa Attorney General, Brenna Bird, this legislation is a major step forward in consumer protection, especially as digital currencies become more common.
Why This Law Matters
Cryptocurrency ATMs—machines that allow users to buy digital currencies like Bitcoin using cash or cards—have increasingly been exploited by scammers. These scams often involve misleading and manipulating individuals into depositing money into crypto ATMs under false pretenses, which can result in significant financial losses.
Recognizing the growing threat, the Iowa Legislature passed a new state law, which introduces several key protections:
- Refunds for Scam Victims: New users of a crypto ATM operator can receive a full refund if they report a fraudulent transaction within 90 days.
- Transaction Limits: Daily transactions are capped at $1,000, with a $10,000 limit over the first 30 days of use with particular operator.
- Fee Restrictions: Operators cannot charge more than $5 or 15% of the transaction value - whichever is greater.
- Enhanced Warnings: ATMs must now display clearer scam warnings and disclosures.
- Improved Customer Service: Operators are required to implement better scam prevention procedures and report more detailed information to consumer protection agencies.
What You Can Do
If you or someone you know has been affected by a cryptocurrency ATM scam, help is available:
- Report the Scam: Contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 1-888-777-4590 or email cryptoscam@ag.iowa.gov.
- File a Complaint Online: Visit the Consumer Protection Division’s complaint portal.
- Learn More: Read the full Crypto ATM Law FAQ to understand your rights and how to seek a refund
Learn More About the Latest Scams and Fraud Warnings
Scammers Pretending to be the FDIC | FDIC.gov
How To Spot, Avoid and Report Tech Support Scams | Consumer Advice
Crypto* investment scams, commonly referred to as "pig butchering" by scammers, cost consumers billions of dollars. Criminals befriend people to entice them to make crypto investments through phony apps and websites. The investments may start out slowly with small sums of money, but it's a scam aimed at stealing tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Learn more.
Safeguard Your Finances Against Text/Email Fraud
Protect yourself against fraud on your phone and through email. Here are helpful tips from the FTC regarding "smishing and phishing." When in doubt, call our team for assistance.
The American Bankers Association and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service today announced a new joint effort to combat the rapid rise in check fraud, which has increased nationwide by 385% since the pandemic, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. Check fraud schemes commonly target the U.S. mail to steal checks, alter or wash them to change the payee and dollar amount, and ultimately steal money from victims’ accounts. Learn More!
Avoiding Real Estate Fraud - Best Practices
With the recent increase in real estate fraud, in central Iowa, it is important that realtors help protect customers from falling victim to a real estate scam. Learn more about best practices for real estate transactions.
How to Spot IRS Scams – Don’t Take the Bait!
It is tax season! IRS impersonators are at it again and scammers are looking to take advantage of the many taxpayers who are preparing their taxes and expecting returns. Scammers are sending messages about your “tax refund” and it may look legitimate, but it is indeed a scam. The best way to prevent falling victim is to be familiar with the red flags. Please see the attached information on red flags to identify IRS Scams.
Student Loan Options for Your College Student
South Story Bank & Trust has partnered with ISL Education Lending to help customers with college expenses. Through this partnership, we are able to offer three types of loans for college financing. There are no origination or late fees associated with any of these loans.
Don’t fall victim to phishing.
In 2022, scammers stole over $8.8 billion from their victims. Every day, people lose their hard-earned money to online phishing scams. Don’t fall for shady texts, emails, and phone calls. Learn the things your bank would never ask.