Happy Holi-Fraud

Image of a decorated Christmas tree with the word "Fraud" in capital letters sitting on the branches.
December 9 2024

Toy catalogs, Christmas Cards, Christmas program invites, and, of course, Amazon packages. These are just a few of the reasons I love checking my mail during the Holiday Season! This year, my mail has contained some not so merry news, letters describing data breaches and incidents of potentially compromised information. One letter was from a healthcare provider, that my information may have been compromised in a data breach. News like this tends to bring out my inner Grinch.

While Santa may only make his rounds once a year, cyber criminals are much more active. According to Fobes Advisor, data breaches have increased 72% from 2021 to 2023. What do criminals do when they are able to snag someone’s data? They can open credits cards, steal your identity, open loans, bank accounts or even gain access to these types of assets. 

At Bruning Bank, we are here to help. We want you to have more time for Joy this season and less worry. Here are some helpful hints to help you secure your information:

  1. If you or someone you know has received a letter regarding a data breach: Enroll in the monitoring services recommended.
  2. Monitor Your Credit. Reviewing your credit report annually is a great idea, also enrolling in Savy Money through Bruning Bank’s online banking gives you a quick overview of what is happening
  3. Set up an alert on your Credit Report or Freeze your credit. If you feel you are high risk, or just like extra security, you may want to visit the websites for each of the credit bureaus and use their resources to set up alerts or freeze credit (Equifax.com, Experian.com, transunion.com)
  4. Monitor your accounts. Online Banking is a great place to start!

Finally, like most Christmas sweaters, fraud is ugly and there is no one-size-fits all solution. Visit with a Relationship Specialist at any of our locations if you need additional resources or have other questions. We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season!

-Dani Crackel, Operations Associate-

“We may never understand His wisdom, but we simply have to trust His will.”

Sonny Manley
President
Hebron

“Be kind because everybody is dealing with something you know nothing about.”

Jim Scott
President
Broken Bow

“Part of attaining success is surrounding yourself with people that share the same drive, determination and direction that you want to achieve.  I feel the people we hire at Bruning Bank represent those assets and they strive to help our customers build, grow and thrive in business as well as personal endeavors.” 

Todd Clabaugh
President
Kearney

"You’ve heard this before, '50% of success in your life comes from just showing up, more precisely showing up on time and being there when you are supposed to be.' That does not apply only to financial success it applies to everything. Your persistence in being there and being present and engaged in your family, your church and your work/career, you don’t have to talk a good game to be successful, you need to do. If you show-up, you're half way there.  And when you show-up, help will be available to get you the rest of the way.  Thanks to all of you that show-up!" 

Jerry Catlett
President & COO
Bruning

“At Bruning Bank, we are about building relationships. If you walk through our doors, we want you to feel like family. Whether it is your first time in, or you are a long-established customer, we want your experience to be positive, insightful, and lasting. The people we employ are vital in this role and do an amazing job carrying out the values and mission established by the bank. I truly feel this is what sets Bruning Bank apart from other institutions.“

Luke Thorell
President
Holdrege