Seven Tips to Protect Yourself Online with Better Passwords

The good news? Creating strong passwords doesn’t require advanced technical skills. With a few smart habits, you can dramatically reduce your risk of fraud, identity theft, and account takeovers. Below are seven proven best practices to help you create stronger passwords and remember them without frustration.

1. Use Long Passwords or Passphrases

• Aim for 12–16 characters or more.
• Consider a passphrase made of several unrelated words.
  • Example: RiverSunsetCoffeeBike!

2. Never Reuse Passwords Across Accounts

• Use a unique password for every important account, especially:
  • Online banking
  • Email
  • Payment apps
  • Retail and subscription services

3. Avoid Personal or Predictable Information

• Names of family members or pets
• Birthdays or anniversaries
• Phone numbers or addresses
• Common substitutions like P@ssw0rd

4. Mix in Capital Letters and Symbols to Make Passwords Stronger

• Capitalize letters in uncommon places (not just the first letter)
• Add symbols like ! @ # $ % where they feel natural
• Replace spaces in passphrases using symbols.
  • Example: River!Sunset#Coffee$Bike

5. Use a Password Manager (and Let It Do the Heavy Lifting)

• Use a reputable password manager to:
  • Generate strong passwords automatically.
  • Store them securely
  • Autofill logins safely

6. Add Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Wherever Possible

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on important accounts.
• This may include:
  • A one-time code sent to your phone
  • A biometric login (fingerprint or face ID)
  • An authenticator app

7. Change Passwords When There’s a Reason — Not Just a Notice

• A company reports a data breach.
• You receive an alert that your credentials were exposed.
• You notice suspicious account activity.

Final Thought: Strong Passwords Are All About Peace of Mind

Looking for more resources for preventing fraud and avoiding scams, check out our Fraud Prevention page.

Coming Feb. 24 – Password Security Check

Why Is This Important?

How Does Password Security Check Work?

What’s the Benefit To Me?

Who at the Bank Can Access my Password?

When Will Password Security Check Be Active?

Want to Know More about Creating and Using Stronger Passwords?

Source:
¹https://cybernews.com/security/password-leak-study-unveils-2025-trends-reused-and-lazy/

Tax Documents and Other Notices are Available Online!

App screenshot

Just in time for tax season, we have expanded our electronic documents to include tax docs, loan statements, and NSF notices. It’s easy to set up. Go to the Documents tab on the left side and follow the prompts.

Or, use the Digital Banking Guide for step-by-step instructions to set up your electronic documents so you can access items when needed!
My Digital Documents

When you first click on the Documents tab, you’ll be prompted to accept updated terms and conditions. This includes permissions for all electronic notices and statements, whereas the previous version only included electronic account statements.

Download the app for banking when and where you need it!

Financial Fraud Attempts Growing

Data breaches, unfortuanately, have become a common occurance in this modern world.  High-severity breaches include sensitive data such as social security numbers and passwords. With so many of these instances, it is essential to review your statements and monitor your accounts regularly. 

At the Bank, we continue to see the number of attempts by fraudsters to gain access to client accounts grow. They use the information found on the dark web from the hundreds of data breaches to impersonate the customer on the phone. (This is why we go to such lengths to accurately identify you when you call into our Customer Care Team.) Or with that info, fraudsters can sometimes guess the client’s ID and password for online banking, which they will then use to transfer funds or send payments to fake businesses.

How can you best protect yourself from these scenarios?

• Check your statements routinely and call the Bank if you see any irregularities.
• Use long passwords with at least ten characters and a mix of alphanumeric characters (A, b, 1, 9) using upper and lower case and symbols (@, $, %, *).
• Never use the same passwords on multiple sites.
• Speak to a banker to set up a security challenge pass-phrase that must be shared before making any changes to account(s).
• Never use your mother’s maiden name or other easily obtained information for passwords or security phrases. These can be found on genealogy sites or learned from your social media. 
• Update the Bank with your current contact info, particularly your cell phone number.  This helps us contact you faster if we notice something odd with your account.
• Those fun quizzes on social media about “have you ever” or trivia contests – don’t do it. Those are often collection points for hackers to gain extra info about you. 

 Other tips and resources for protecting against financial fraud are available here.
Fraud Protection Tips

If you ever notice something odd or feel your account may have been compromised, please always contact the Bank immediately. 

 Ashland: 573-657-0849  |  Columbia: 573-447-1771  |  Fulton: 573-642-3322  |  Mokane: 573-676-5711
Or Reach Any Locations Using: 800-446-2265

Imagine starting the new year with the unexpected news that your homeowner’s insurance premium has gone up. This scenario is all too common and can prompt homeowners to search for more affordable options. While finding a cheaper policy may seem like a relief to your budget, it’s a decision that shouldn’t be made hastily.  

The allure of lower premiums can often overshadow the critical evaluation of what the new policy actually covers compared to your existing one. It’s essential to scrutinize the details of the new policy to ensure that in the pursuit of saving money now, you’re not setting yourself up for unwelcome surprises later. This article will guide you through the importance of comparing new policy coverage with your current one, emphasizing why cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to protecting your home. 

Homeowner Considerations: Low Premiums vs. Adequate Coverage 

A low premium is often the result of reduced coverage limits, higher deductibles, or exclusions of certain types of damage. While the initial savings can be appealing, it’s crucial to assess whether the policy fully meets your needs. 

Consider a scenario where a homeowner chooses a homeowner’s insurance policy with a significantly lower premium, attracted by the immediate savings. The lower premium, however, is the result of a much higher deductible – the amount the homeowner must pay out of pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. 

For instance, if the policy has a $5,000 deductible instead of a more typical $1,000 to $1,500 deductible, it means that in the event of a claim, such as storm damage to the roof, the homeowner is responsible for the first $5,000 of repair costs. This can be a substantial financial burden, especially if the homeowner is not prepared for such out-of-pocket expenses. 

In this case, the initial savings on the premium could be quickly offset by just a single incident, making the policy less beneficial in the long run.  While having a higher deductible could be a good option for lowering the premium, it only works if the homeowner has enough emergency funds to cover the deductible.  Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the trade-off between lower premiums and higher deductibles when choosing homeowner’s insurance. 

Key Coverage to Consider

When evaluating a homeowner’s insurance policy, there are several key coverages that are essential to ensure comprehensive protection for your property and financial security. Below are five important coverages to consider. 

Dwelling Coverage

This is the cornerstone of a homeowner’s insurance policy, providing protection for the physical structure of your home against damage from covered perils such as fire, windstorms, hail, and other natural disasters. It’s crucial to ensure the coverage amount accurately reflects the cost of rebuilding your home, not just its market value. 

Personal Property Coverage

This coverage protects the contents of your home, including furniture, electronics, and personal belongings, against theft, loss, or damage. It’s important to understand whether your policy offers actual cash value (the item’s depreciated value) or replacement cost coverage (the cost to replace the item without deduction for depreciation).

Liability Protection

Liability coverage is essential for protecting yourself financially if someone is injured on your property or if you’re responsible for damage to someone else’s property. It covers legal fees, medical bills, and damages, providing a critical safety net against claims that could otherwise be financially devastating.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

Also known as Loss of Use coverage, ALE pays for your temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. This can include hotel bills, meals, and other living expenses while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.

Medical Payments Coverage

This coverage pays for medical expenses if someone gets injured on your property, regardless of fault. It’s designed to cover smaller claims and can help prevent larger liability claims. 

Making an Informed Decision: 5 Tips for Choosing Homeowner’s Insurance 

When comparing policies, consider the long-term implications of your coverage choices. It’s advisable to work with an insurance agent who can clarify the nuances of different policies and help you make an informed decision. 

1. Assess Your Needs: Consider the specific risks your home faces, such as natural disasters, and ensure your policy addresses those risks. 
2. Understand Policy Details: Know the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value coverage, and choose what’s best for your situation. 
3. Look for Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for home security systems, smoke detectors, and more. These can lower your premium without compromising coverage.
4. Read Reviews and Ratings: Research potential insurers’ customer service and claims response records to choose a company that stands by its policyholders.
5. Consult with an Insurance Agent: A professional can help navigate the complexities of homeowner’s insurance, ensuring you get the best coverage for your needs.

The temptation to cut costs with lower premiums is understandable, yet the true value of a homeowner’s insurance policy lies beyond just the price tag. It’s crucial to delve into the specifics of what each policy covers and, perhaps more importantly, what it doesn’t. A comprehensive approach to selecting your homeowner’s insurance—factoring in your unique coverage needs alongside policy details—enables you to secure not just a cost-effective option, but one that genuinely safeguards your home. This thorough comparison ensures that you’re investing in robust protection for your property, offering not only financial savings but also invaluable peace of mind. 

At The Callaway Bank, we understand the challenges of being a homeowner. From buying a property to refinancing, our knowledgable bankers and lenders are here to simplify the process. Reach out today for personalized assistance!

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As a Missouri business owner, navigating the complexities of business regulations is challenging. Now, there’s a new law in effect that every owner needs to know about: the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). While the thought of tackling another requirement may feel daunting, rest assured that The Callaway Bank’s Business Banking Team is here to guide you through the process.  

Helpful CTA Links for Missouri Business Owners

• BOI Overview   
• Where to File: BOIR E-Filing System Site 
• BOI Small Business Resources Page 
• BOI FAQs Page 
• Small Entity Compliance Guide  
• CTA Bill  
• Exempted Entities List 

What Is the Corporate Transparency Act?  

Effective January 1, 2024, the CTA is designed to increase corporate accountability. The law introduces a critical requirement that many businesses must comply with — the Beneficial Owner Information Report (BOIR). The goal is to boost transparency in business operations to prevent fraud and illegal activities like money laundering. 

Review CTA Reporting Requirements  

What Is the Beneficial Owner Information Report?  

As the key component of CTA, BOIR involves providing important details about the company’s beneficial owners. While the specifics vary based on the type of ownership, it typically includes names, addresses, and other identifying and trackable details. The report must be filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by the specified submission date.  

View All BOIR Submission Deadlines

How Does It Impact Your Missouri Business?  

The CTA has far-reaching implications for a wide range of Missouri businesses. Understanding how it impacts your organization is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding potential legal and financial consequences. Here are a few key points:  

• Who Must File: Most entities registered with the state are required to file a BOIR.  
• Filing Deadlines: These vary based on when the business was officially established.   
• Exemptions: There are exemptions, including 23 types of entities.  

For qualifying businesses, compliance is crucial. Failing to meet the CTA reporting requirements can result in legal and financial repercussions.   

Learn More About CTA Exemptions  

How Fraudsters Are Leveraging It  

With new regulations come new opportunities for fraudsters. There are reports of spammers exploiting the CTA by posing as regulatory bodies or legal entities to extract sensitive information from unknowing businesses. They might trick business owners using emails, phone calls, or fake websites. It’s vital to verify the legitimacy of any request for company information and be cautious of unsolicited communication related to the CTA.  

Contact The Business Banking Team

In a world where fraud can target anyone, even the most informed and discerning individuals can become victims of cunning schemes. The following incident from a Callaway Bank client is a stark reminder of this unsettling reality and the importance of fraud prevention.

How Fraudsters Target Locals in Boone & Callaway Counties

Mary Quartermont, Assistant Vice President and Deposit Operations Manager at The Callaway Bank, has seen many unfortunate instances of good people conned out of their life savings. She shares a true story of an intelligent individual who fell into the clutches of a fraudulent scheme orchestrated through social media.

This victim was a widower who had recently lost his spouse and encountered a fraudster on Facebook posing as an investment agent with an impressive reputation. The scammer recognized that the victim was likely lonely. Over several months, they deftly built a bond with the gentleman, using shared interests and friendly conversations to establish trust.

As the relationship grew, the fraudster skillfully persuaded the victim to invest funds under the pretense of lucrative opportunities. They even produced a fake account that showed they were making money for their clients. These con artists often create fake websites and social media personas to help convince their victims that everything they say is legitimate.

How Bankers Identify Potential Fraud

The scammer gave detailed instructions on wiring the funds to be invested. Knowing that the bank would ask about details of the wire, the victim was coached on what to say to help navigate the bank’s scrutiny and evade detection. “Tell them you’re helping a family member out, or it’s going to one of your kids, etc. That will steer the bank from suspicion of fraud,” the fraudster explained.

However, the keen-eyed team at The Callaway Bank detected inconsistencies in the transaction, prompting a thorough investigation. At first, the client was insistent that he knew this individual and that they would not scam him or cause him financial harm. Despite initial reluctance from the targeted gentlemen, the evidence revealed the scheme’s true nature. The victim had unwittingly fallen for a clever ploy, capitalizing on their emotional vulnerability and desire for a good investment.

It is vital to understand that falling prey to such deceit does not reflect the victim’s shortcomings. These con artists employ sophisticated tactics that can ensnare individuals from all walks of life, all ages, and all levels of education, regardless of their technological expertise.

How to Protect Yourself From Fraudsters

The Callaway Bank urges customers to remain vigilant and seek support if they encounter suspicious situations. Seeking advice from trusted family members, bankers, or close friends can act as a defense against these insidious practices and ensure fraud prevention.

This cautionary tale reminds us that fraudsters are adept at manipulating situations and emotions, making it essential for individuals to remain cautious and informed to protect themselves from potential scams. No one is exempt from the risk, and staying alert is the first defense against these cunning perpetrators.

If you experience a suspicious interaction, don’t hesitate to contact us for further review.

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How to Protect Yourself From Encrypted Email Fraud

Modern email services offer valuable anti-fraudulent features, like identifying and removing spam. Yet, as the software has evolved, so have the threats. Today’s fraudsters are taking advantage of the peace of mind provided by state-of-the-art security techniques, like encrypted email messages, to steal your information, such as credit card log-ins and banking credentials. 

Thankfully, learning about their latest deceptive tactics can help you stay protected. 

[Read More: How Much is Your Information Worth?]

Why Encrypted Emails Still Pose Risks

Encryption is a digital process that shields information from non-intended parties. In the case of email, it scrambles the details in the message to prevent scammers from accessing the data as it travels from the sender to the recipient — and all the servers in-between. 

While encryption is effective at blocking outside spectators, fraudsters have learned how to get an insider’s view. The thieves gain access to a compromised email — either by tricking the user to click an unsafe link or downloading a nefarious file. They may also purchase their details from other spammers if it is already jeopardized. 

Once inside the account, they send encrypted messages to contacts in their address book. Typically, the email requests the recipient to follow a link. Since the message is from a known user and is encrypted, readers often feel comfortable enough to interact. The resulting landing page appears normal and asks them to log-in, which then allows the fraudsters to gain access to their credentials without them ever knowing. 

How to Protect Yourself From Email Scams

After getting into your email, spammers can reuse the trick on your address book, putting all of your contacts at risk for fraud. They can also use the access to request or alter log-in credentials for other accounts, like changing your banking password. As such, it’s essential to take additional steps to keep your details safe. 

Multi-Factor Authentication

This email scam relies on a single access point to your email account. For that reason, adding an additional layer of proof to log-in can block their movements. Multi-factor authentication requires providing an access code or other acknowledgement sent to a separate device or tool, like a text message, before you can log in. Enabling it on your email accounts — as well as banking accounts — can prevent fraudulent access. 

Contact the Sender

Not opening links or media from unknown sources has become common knowledge. However, since the latest fraud efforts rely on known contacts, it’s important to now use the same level of apprehension when receiving emails from people in your address book. If the message is unexpected, reach out to the contact using another form of communication to verify that they actually sent it before interacting with the email. 

Staying Fraud Free With The Callaway Bank

We understand just how quickly fraud can happen. That’s why we’ve implemented a variety of enhanced security features for our banking accounts, including encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication. We also have a comprehensive list of resources in our Fraud Prevention Center. 

Additionally, our customer care team is available to answer your questions and provide guidance. 

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Knowledge of the many benefits provided by shopping locally has become widespread. Yet, one piece of the sentiment that’s often overlooked is local banking. As with other types of businesses, choosing to work with independent institutions within the community can provide far-reaching rewards for both businesses and individuals alike. If you’re still relying on national chains, here’s a closer look at why it’s time to make the switch.

Why to Choose Local Banking

Keep Funds Local

When you invest money locally, those dollars don’t just evaporate to some corporate headquarters across the country or around the world. Instead, they stay in the community, where they’re reinvested between three and six more times. For instance, research shows when consumers spend $100 at a chain store, only $13 stays in the local community, on average. However, when depositing that same amount at a local business like The Callaway Bank, the number rises to a healthier $48.

Build a Stronger Local Economy

These additional funds may go on to help grow small businesses, which increases job opportunities and brings even more money into the community. They can also attract desirable residents and assist with improvement projects, like sidewalk maintenance and park updates. As a result, keeping your hard-earned cash local can end up helping provide a higher quality of life for your family.

Keep Your Money Safe

Banking local also provides peace of mind. A community bank’s focus is entirely local, which often results in taking fewer financial risks and maintaining higher standards. In fact, while big banks across the U.S. were failing during the financial crisis, research shows that local banks were not only surviving but thriving. For that reason, you can bank with the knowledge that your funds are secured.

How to Bank Local With the For Your Community CD

Investing money locally has many clear benefits, and at The Callaway Bank, we don’t just do business in the community; we live in it. As an independent community bank, our neighborhoods are more than just our livelihood; all our decisions center around giving back. That’s why we do all we can to support our local community, including the push to get more individuals to shop local, ourselves as well.

For that reason, we created a unique banking offer for our customers across Callaway, Boone, and the surrounding counties. The “For Your Community CD” is an exceptional investment opportunity that provides a premium rate and supports your community by keeping your dollars local.  Reach out to find which option is right for you!

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What Homeowners Need to Know About Reducing Mortgage Mail Fraud

Whether you’re closing on a home or purchased it decades ago, receiving regular updates from your lender is expected throughout the duration of the mortgage. Unfortunately, third-party companies have begun targeting this relationship and sending out large amounts of home loan-based junk mail. These postcards and letters often appear to be from your mortgage lender or another official organization, which can cause confusion and even put you at risk for fraud. Here’s a closer look at who’s sending these documents and how to stop it.

Read More: How to Reduce Mortgage Junk Mail

Where Are These Mortgage Postcards & Letters Coming From?

Some of the companies behind the junk mail are legally legitimate businesses, such as financial lenders and warranty companies. However, they often utilize deceptive practices to get the attention of homeowners across Boone and Callaway counties, such as printing the originating bank’s name on the postcard and adding an account number. Fraudsters also follow the same strategy but operate completely illegally. For example, they may pose as the bank itself.

 The goal of these documents is usually always financial, but they go about it in a few different ways.

The goal of these documents is usually always financial, but they go about it in a few different ways. They may suggest important documents need filing or a payment is due or past due, requesting that you call them as soon as possible. Offering help to prevent foreclosure is another common tactic, along with mortgage modifications, like promise of a lower interest rate.

In most cases, they present just enough detail to lure the homeowner into contacting them in order to convince the homeowner to sign up for an unnecessary service or refinance with their company, which is usually accompanied by substantial fees. If there’s not a legitimate business behind it, the fraudsters may request a wire transfer or pre-emptive payment to steal funds directly.

How Do They Get Homeowner Information?

Applying for a mortgage involves providing an incredible amount of personal detail. At The Callaway Bank, we keep all these details private and protected, never sharing or distributing the data to non-affiliates. However, the purchase becomes public record at closing. As a result, elements included in the deed transfer are easily obtainable through the state or local recorder’s office, including name and location of property. Third parties can pull the information and sell it to other companies or use it themselves for mailers.

New loans, like a mortgage, are also reported to the main credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, Equifax, and Innovis. Unfortunately, these credit bureaus often sell personal data to third parties. As such, other companies can pay to access your details, like age, property information, and lender name, and use it for their own gain.

How to Identify Third-Party Loan Mailers in Mid-Missouri

A major challenge with mortgage junk mail is that the third-party companies replicate the look of official documents. Luckily, there are a few common signs that indicate potential spam or fraudulent materials.

Bright Colors

Typically, banking documents are printed on white or neutral backgrounds. Third-party mailers, on the other hand, may utilize bright colors to catch your attention. Approach red, yellow, and other abnormal shades with caution.

Incorrect Account Information

It’s also common for these documents to list an account number, which makes them appear official. However, it’s seldom the same as the actual home loan account. As such, always be sure to check the number before taking any further steps.

 For that reason, prominent words on the postcard or envelope are likely to evoke panic, like “important”, “urgent”, “time sensitive”, and “final notice”.

Alarming Terms

These home loan mailers are designed to prompt the reader to action. For that reason, prominent words on the postcard or envelope are likely to evoke panic, like “important”, “urgent”, “time sensitive”, and “final notice”. Such terms may be bolded and in larger font than the rest of the text to catch the reader’s attention.

Disclaimer

It’s illegal for these non-affiliate companies to pose as the mortgage lender. Yet, they often mention the name of the bank to confuse readers into thinking they’re directly associated with the financial institution. To prevent such tactics from getting them into legal trouble, they may place a disclaimer on the mailer. Typically, it’s in small print and overshadowed by other elements, so complete a thorough document inspection to identify if such a statement is present.

How to Protect Your Information

While it may not be possible to avoid unsolicited mailings altogether, there are a few methods that can reduce unwanted contacts.

Sign Up Online

Consumers have the option to opt-out of pre-screening offers based on credit report information through OptOutPrescreen.com – the official website used by the top four credit bureaus in the U.S. The service allows users to request a temporary five-year ban on data release directly through their website. Simply fill out their online form and provide personal details, like name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. This step can also help reduce unwanted phone calls.

Permanent Removal

The service also offers a permanent removal option. To opt-out out of their pre-screening offers forever, download the paperwork and mail it in. Once completed, it’s possible to go back and opt-in again through the website.

Reduce Junk Mail

The Direct Marketing Association also allows registrants to specify what – if any – types of marketing-based mail they want to receive, including catalogs. While the junk-mail-suppression service promises 10 years of relief, it requires a sign-up fee. It also isn’t likely to impact any fraudulent senders.

How Your Local Bank Can Help

At The Callaway Bank, we take extensive steps to protect our customers’ data. For example, our fraud prevention system monitors and flags unusual banking patterns to stop fraudsters in their tracks. Our local bank’s Digital Banking solutions also add an extra layer of protection by requiring a secure access code when logging in on-top of utilizing unique username and password details.

Additionally, if you do receive any strange or suspected spam mail, our dedicated bankers are available to check the document’s validity to provide you with peace of mind.

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