At Stone Bank, we believe in standing strong together—not just as a financial institution, but as part of the communities we serve. One of the best ways we can protect our neighbors is by sharing information that helps safeguard against fraud and scams.
We’re grateful to the Harrison Police Department for providing valuable guidance on how to recognize and prevent phone scams. These scams are designed to create fear and urgency, but with awareness and caution, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
Tips to Stay Safe from Phone Scams
- Trust your instincts. If you don’t recognize the number, you do not have to answer the phone.
- Practice hanging up. It may feel abrupt, but ending the call is often the safest step.
- Block unwanted calls and texts. Most smartphones make this easy to do.
- Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can “spoof” numbers to make them appear local or official.
- Protect your information. Never share personal or financial details over the phone with unknown callers.
- Verify family emergencies. If someone calls claiming to be your relative in distress, hang up and call them back directly using the number you already know.
- Know your bank’s promise. Stone Bank—or any legitimate financial institution—will never ask you to transfer money into a gift card, Bitcoin, or a wire service like Western Union.
- Beware of urgent demands. Government agencies, insurance companies, and banks will not demand immediate payment over the phone.
- Pause before acting. If someone insists there’s a virus on your computer or pressure to transfer funds quickly, stop and check with a trusted family member first.
- Never pay to receive money. Legitimate prizes or inheritances don’t require upfront payment.
- Never deposit suspicious checks. If someone asks you to deposit a check and send money back, it’s a scam.
Local Resources
If you ever feel unsure, it’s always better to ask for help. You can reach out to:
Harrison Police Department: 870-741-5463
Boone County Sheriff’s Office: 870-741-8404
Standing Strong Together
At Stone Bank, our mission is to be rock solid for our customers. Protecting your financial security is part of that promise. We encourage everyone to share these tips with friends, family, and neighbors—because when we stand strong together, we make our community safer.