Security Notices
We often see a rise in scamming practices during times like these, and as your friendly hometown bank, we wanted to remind you that:
- Home State Bank will never ask you to install or update your banking app via text or e-mail. Always update your app through the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) – never via a 3rd party website or app store.
- Home State Bank will never ask for your login information via phone text, or email. We recommend that you always sign into your online banking via https://www.homestbk.com/.
We encourage you to read this article regarding one of the latest trends concerning mobile apps.
Lost/Stolen Card
What should I do if I lose my card or it is stolen?
Call us immediately during regular banking hours at (815) 459-2000 and ask for Customer Service. After hours, call (800) 472-3272. By reporting a lost or stolen card to us immediately, you will limit your liability due to unauthorized use of your card. Once the status has been changed to "lost" you will need a new card since it cannot be changed back to active. Please refer to your endorsed Agreement for complete details.
Within our new mobile app, there are many new enhanced debit card tools to help you effectively manage its security from the convenience of your mobile phone. Users can turn their debit card "on" or "off" anytime (see Mobile Banking Video Tutorial below). When they're "off" .... no one can use your cards. Turn them "on" when you're ready to use them:
- Helps safeguard your cards from fraud
- Lets you define areas where your card can be used
- Limit purchase by the type of merchant
- Set limits on the dollar amount
- Instantly change your settings, giving you complete control over your debit card
*Message and data rates may apply.
Learn more about security breaches by clicking here.
Identity Theft Hotline (866) 999-5630 or click here for more information.
* Important Notice *
Whether you are vacationing or heading out of town on a business trip, please be sure to let us know so that we may flag your Debit Card to reflect your travel destination and avoid potential service interruptions. You may contact our Customer Service Department at 815-459-2000 or login to online banking and send us a secure message.
Safeguarding Your Personal Information
- Never reply to emails, phone calls, or text messages that request your personal information.
Home State Bank will never contact you by phone or email to ask for your account numbers, PIN numbers, or any other confidential information. LINK TO LATEST FRAUD SCHEMES: https://www.ftc.gov. - Make a list of the contents of your wallet.
Make a list of every ATM or debit card, credit card, driver’s license number and other forms of ID you carry in your wallet or purse. Keep the list in a safe place at home and update it regularly. You will need this list if your wallet or purse is ever lost or stolen. Never carry your Social Security Number in your wallet or purse. Also, never carry in your wallet any paper onto which you’ve jotted down PINs, passwords, or login information. - Sign up for Online Security Alerts
Account Alerts inform you about transfers, payments and other transactions. They can tell you when a payment is due or an account balance reaches a certain level. Transactions, such as wire transmissions, ACH Transactions, and ACH batch initiations or transfers can be watched. Alert notifications can be setup as Login alerts, Emails, or Text message options to your cell phone. - What should I do if I lose my card or it is stolen?
Call us immediately during regular banking hours at (815) 459-2000 and ask for Customer Service. After hours, call (800) 472-3272. By reporting a lost or stolen card to us immediately, you will limit your liability due to unauthorized use of your card. Refer to the Endorsed Agreement for complete details.
Users may report their ATM/Debit card as lost or stolen through their Online Banking under "Settings". *Important: Once completed, this change cannot be reversed and you will need to request a new Debit/ATM card.
Learn more about security breaches by clicking here.
Identity Theft Hotline (866) 999-5630 or click here for more information. - Monitor your statements, bills, and online accounts
Check the transactions listed on your bank statements, credit card bills, utility bills, and online accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions. If you spot something suspicious, report it immediately. - Only do business with companies you know and trust
When making online transactions, be sure the website is secure. - Protect your PC with up-to-date anti-virus software
- Be cautious when sharing a computer
If you use a shared computer - such as a library or lab computer – or share a computer with roommates, log out and clear cookies after every computer session. - Password protect your electronics
Enable the password feature on your cellphone, laptop, Kindle, iPad, or any other electronic devices that contain personal information about you – including, phone numbers, banking information – anything you don’t want in the hands of strangers. If your password-protected device is lost or stolen, your personal information is not immediately accessible to others.
Additionally, most devices have “remote wipe” capability that allows you to erase addresses, phone numbers, emails, photos and other sensitive content on a lost or stolen phone. Wiping a lost or stolen phone restores the device it to its factory settings. Refer to the manufacturer’s website to learn specifics for your device. - Watch your U.S. Postal mail
Missing bills or statements may indicate someone is tampering with your mail or your identity.
We recommend you consider going paperless (E-Statements) for your banking needs. If you will be away from home for 3 - 30 days, sign up for “Hold Mail Service.” The Post Office has a forwarding service if you will be gone more than 30 days. For more information please call the U.S. Postal Service at (800) 275-8777.