Five Ways to Spot a Suspicious Link or Message

Pause Before You Click

A text says your package could not be delivered. An email warns that your bank account will be locked. Both ask you to click a link to fix the problem. Before you do, take a moment to check the message. It could be an attempt to steal your information.

Check who sent it

Look beyond the name displayed on an email. Check the full email address for misspellings or an unfamiliar ending. A familiar name or phone number does not prove a message is real, so consider what the sender is asking you to do.

Notice pressure to act

A threat to close your account or a demand to respond immediately should give you reason to pause. If the message concerns an account, check through the official app or website rather than responding to the warning.

Check links and QR codes

On a computer, hover over a link without clicking to preview the destination. If your phone shows a web address after scanning a QR code, review it before opening the page. Watch for changed letters or misspellings. Avoid links and QR codes in unexpected messages, even when the design looks familiar.

Confirm unexpected attachments

An attachment labeled as an invoice or receipt may seem routine. If you were not expecting it, contact the sender through a phone number or email address you already know before opening it. This applies even when the message appears to come from someone you know.

Go to the source yourself

Open the official app or type a website address you know into your browser. For Iowa State Savings Bank, visit ISSBBank.com directly. This lets you check on your account without relying on a link in an unexpected message.

If you entered banking information on a suspicious website, contact Iowa State Savings Bank as soon as possible. We can help you determine the next steps.