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Scammers are getting more convincing. And lately, they’re not just pretending to be your financial institution — they’re pretending to be the fraud department.

Here’s how it usually happens:

You get a call saying there’s suspicious activity on your account. The caller sounds professional, urgent, and helpful. Then they ask you to log into your account, move your money, or follow steps while they “assist” you.

Sometimes they’ll even ask you to share your screen or download an app so they can “help secure your account.”

That’s when the scam begins.

Let’s Be Clear: 316 Financial Will Never Ask You To:

• Move your money to another account for “protection”
• Share your online banking username or password
• Accept a screen-sharing request
• Download remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer

If someone is asking you to do any of those things, it is not 316 Financial.

Why These Scams Work

These scams are designed to create panic and urgency.

Scammers want you to act quickly before you have time to stop and think. By pretending to represent a trusted financial institution or fraud department, they try to gain your confidence fast.

Once they gain access to your device or online banking information, they can move quickly to steal funds or personal information.

What To Do If You Receive One of These Calls

If something feels off, trust your instincts and take these steps:

• Hang up immediately
• Do not click links or share your screen
• Do not provide login credentials or verification codes
• Contact 316 Financial directly using a phone number you know and trust

That one step can stop the scam in its tracks.

How We’re Working To Protect You

At 316 Financial, protecting our customers is a top priority. We continue to strengthen fraud prevention efforts by:

• Monitoring for suspicious account activity
• Enhancing fraud detection and security tools
• Educating customers about emerging scams and threats
• Providing support when something doesn’t seem right

Bottom Line

If someone contacts you and pressures you to act quickly regarding your money or account, pause before responding.

The safest thing you can do is simple:

Hang up and contact 316 Financial directly at 833-316-3167.

A new year is a natural time to reset your financial habits. Tracking your spending doesn’t have to be complicated—or time-consuming. With the right tools and a little intention, you can gain clarity, reduce stress, and steward your money with confidence in 2026.

Here are three simple ways to get started.

1. Use Your Banking App to Categorize Purchases

Your banking app is one of the most powerful budgeting tools you already have. By reviewing categorized transactions—like groceries, dining, or subscriptions—you can quickly see where your money is going each month.

This visibility helps you identify patterns, spot unnecessary spending, and make adjustments that align with your goals and values. A few minutes of review each week can make a big difference over time.

2. Set Weekly Spending Limits and Alerts

Instead of tracking every dollar, try setting weekly spending limits for key categories. Many banking apps allow you to create alerts when you’re approaching a limit, helping you stay on track without feeling restricted.

Weekly check-ins keep your finances manageable and prevent small overspending from turning into bigger issues—giving you peace of mind and greater control.

3. Automate Your Savings for Small, Consistent Growth

One of the easiest ways to build healthy financial habits is to automate them. Setting up automatic transfers—even small amounts—helps you save consistently without having to think about it.

At 316 Financial, we believe managing money is about stewardship and generosity. Just as we commit to tithing 10% of our profits, automating your savings can help you intentionally set aside resources for future needs, giving opportunities, and long-term goals—faithfully and consistently.

Ready to start saving with purpose?
Open a 316 Financial Savings Account today and take the first step toward smarter spending and intentional stewardship in 2026.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a reminder that protecting your finances goes beyond your bank account—it also includes how and where you give. At 316 Financial, we believe generosity should always be a blessing, not an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of your good heart. Sadly, charitable giving scams are on the rise, especially online. Here’s how to keep your giving safe and impactful.

1. Understand How Scammers Operate

Fraudsters often pose as legitimate charities, using emotional stories, fake websites, or even text messages to trick people into giving. They know that generous givers act quickly and trust deeply.

Red flags to watch for:

• Urgent pressure to give right now
• Requests for donations via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• Misspelled websites or unusual email addresses
• No clear information about how donations will be used

2. Verify Before You Give

Take a few extra minutes to confirm that an organization is legitimate. Trusted tools like Charity Navigator, the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, or GuideStar can help. If you’re unsure, contact the organization directly using a verified phone number or website.

3. Give Through Secure Channels

Always donate through a secure website (look for “https://” and the padlock symbol). Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or social media messages, no matter how convincing they look.

4. Keep Records of Your Giving

Document your donations and keep receipts. Not only does this help with tax reporting, but it also ensures you can quickly identify if something doesn’t look right.

5. Trust, but Be Wise

As believers, we’re called to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), but we’re also called to be wise stewards. Protecting your resources allows you to bless real ministries and causes that are truly making a difference.

Generosity is powerful when it reaches the right hands. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s commit to giving with both open hearts and wise minds. At 316 Financial, we’re here to help you steward your finances—and your giving—with confidence.

Every year, scammers steal millions of dollars from older adults by preying on trust, routine, and the desire to help others. Senior Citizens Day, observed on August 21, is a reminder to honor the wisdom and contributions of older generations—and to protect them from those who would take advantage.

Popular Scams Targeting Seniors Right Now

1. Tech Support Scams
   A caller or pop-up claims your computer has a virus and offers to “fix” it for a fee. In reality, they’re after your credit card number or remote access to your device.
2. Imposter Scams
   Fraudsters pretend to be government officials, bank representatives, or even family members. The message is always urgent: send money now or face serious consequences.
3. Fake Sweepstakes
   Victims are told they’ve won a prize—but must first pay taxes or fees to claim it. The winnings never arrive.
4. Romance Scams
   Online scammers build relationships through dating sites or social media, then ask for money to cover emergencies or travel.
5. Medicare and Health Scams
   Fraudsters pose as Medicare representatives, asking for personal or payment information under the guise of providing benefits.

How to Stay Safe

• Slow down. Scammers thrive on urgency. Pause before giving out information or sending money.
• Verify the source. Call the company, government agency, or family member directly using a number you know is legitimate.
• Guard your information. Never share Social Security, Medicare, or bank account numbers over the phone, email, or text.
• Use strong passwords. Add extra protection with multifactor authentication whenever possible.
• Talk openly. Families can help by discussing common scams and encouraging loved ones to check in before making financial decisions.

Looking Out for Loved Ones

Seniors aren’t alone in facing these threats. Family members, friends, and caregivers all play a role in keeping them safe. Check in often, talk about the latest scams, and make sure they feel comfortable asking questions before taking action.

Summer travel should bring peace, not panic. Whether you're visiting family, heading out on a mission trip, or taking a well-earned break, it's important to safeguard what’s been entrusted to you. 

These simple steps can help you protect your personal info, your accounts, and your peace of mind—so you can stay focused on what matters. 

1. Use Secure Wi-Fi (or skip it).
   Avoid checking your accounts or making purchases over public Wi-Fi, especially in airports or hotels. If needed, use a secure hotspot or VPN.
2. Enable account alerts.
   Turn on transaction alerts and low balance notifications in your banking app so you’re instantly aware of any suspicious activity.
3. Don’t post travel plans publicly.
   Sharing that you're out of town can make you an easy target for scammers or identity theft. Keep details private or wait to share after your trip.
4. Be cautious with ATMs.
   Use only ATMs from trusted banks in well-lit areas. Avoid standalone machines and always check for card skimmers before inserting your card.
5. Carry only what you need.
   Bring just one debit or credit card (plus a backup stored separately). Leave unnecessary cards or documents at home to limit your risk.

Being a good steward includes staying alert. A few quick precautions can help you travel with confidence—knowing your finances and your faith are both covered. 

Summer is a time for travel, rest, and family, but your faith and finances still matter. Whether you’re hitting the road or just slowing down your pace, here are a few ways to stay intentional with your time, money, and mindset this season. 

1. Pack Light, Give Big

Vacation is a great time to declutter, not just your suitcase, but your habits too. What can you simplify? Where can you give more generously, even in small ways? 

🧳 Tip: Use the money you saved by skipping that extra dinner out to bless someone else—whether it’s a tithe, donation, or a kind gesture. 

2. Stewardship Doesn’t Stop at State Lines

Being a good steward doesn’t take a vacation. With tools like mobile banking, budgeting apps, and account alerts, you can keep tabs on your spending and stay intentional no matter where you are. 

📱 Tip: Set up travel notifications or account alerts before you hit the road. 

3. Make Room for Sabbath Moments

True rest is more than just time off. Carving out time to pray, reflect, or simply unplug can restore your spirit and your perspective. 

🌿 Tip: Block out 10 minutes each morning—even on vacation—to start the day with peace, prayer, or reflection. 

4. Spend with Purpose

Summer can be full of impulse buys. Before you swipe your card or click "add to cart," pause and ask: Does this purchase support my values? 

🛍️ Tip: Try journaling one purchase each week that brought true value or meaning. 

5. Faith on the Road

You don’t need to be home, or in church, to feel connected to your faith. Podcasts, Bible apps, and playlists can help you stay grounded on the go. 

🎧 Tip: Download a favorite devotional, sermon or podcast before your next road trip. 

Wherever this summer takes you, stay rooted in what matters most. Faith. Purpose. Stewardship.

Need help setting up alerts or reviewing your accounts? We’re here to help.