As discussed in previous emails, today is the anticipated launch day for the mobile app, mobile deposit, and bill pay!

Mobile App - You will receive a notification when logging into the current app when the new app is available for download. You will then need to go to the app store (Apple and Android) and download the new app. Log in to the new app using your online baking username and password. If you need these credentials, please call our electronic banking support team at 715-289-4253.

Mobile Deposit will be live with the new app.

Bill Pay is estimated to be live late afternoon after 2 PM today. 

We appreciate your partnership and patience as these products go live today. We look forward to providing these enhanced options for you. Should you have any questions or need support, please call our electronic banking support team at 715-289-4253.

To help you prepare for the launch, we have compiled pertinent information about the transition of each product:​

Bill Pay: There will be a blackout period from the evening of the 19th until launch on the 24th at 2 PM CST. After the blackout period and initial login, you can access bill pay through online banking and the mobile app. To prepare, please review scheduled payments during the blackout period and adjust them to occur before or after. Normal payees and scheduled payments will transfer into the new platform without your action. If you would like to retain bill pay history, you will need to save this before the blackout period. Bill pay history will not transfer over with detail. You will still see the transactions on the statement.

Mobile App: The mobile app will be available for download on the 24th.You will search CSBank Cadott to locate the app. You will utilize your online banking username and password for initial login. The new app will create ease of use with login (not having to access the online banking platform as frequently for mobile app functionality), and you will be able to view images and statements from the app. To prepare,​ please ensure you have your online banking username and password ready for login to the mobile app on the 24th.

Mobile Deposit: The mobile deposit feature within the mobile app will be enhanced to provide ease of use and processing.​We look forward to the launch of these products on the 24th!

Leading up to the Bill Pay blackout period and the launch date, if you need support, please get in touch with us at (715) 289-4253 and ask for the Electronic Banking Support Team!

Citizens State Bank is committed to our customer's experience and will upgrade our electronic banking options this month. These online-based services allow you, our valued customer, access to your money when and how you want it.

For consumers, the mobile application, mobile deposit feature, and bill pay feature will upgrade and be ready for use on July 24!

For business customers, a new online platform is now available that allows customers enhanced options to manage their business needs. These options include user management, sending ACHs, sending wires, bill pay, and more. There will also be a business banking mobile application, mobile deposit feature, and bill pay feature for businesses! These additional options will be available and ready for use on July 24th. 

The bill pay feature will be unavailable for all customers from 3 PM on July 19 until July 24 to accommodate the transition to the new bill pay product. 

There will be continued communication on these enhancements over the next couple of weeks from our dedicated customer support team through email and phone to help current users with the upgrades. More information will follow about electronic banking services in general for those interested in expanding their electronic banking options. Look for our next communication on July 14 with more details and how to prepare for the new applications.

Citizens State Bank's holding company has purchased Community Financial Bank and will merge the two institutions under the Citizens State Bank name in early May. The merger will increase Citizens State Bank's assets to approximately $220 million and bring their branch locations to seven.

"Both the Citizens State Bank and Community Financial Bank teams have worked diligently through the approval process and in preparation for the consummation of merging the data and systems in May," said Tim Cruciani, President and CEO of Citizens State Bank. "The teams have worked through these processes with a shared goal of continuing to serve all customers well through our relationship approach. Both Banks share a passion for our customers, communities, and team members."

Chartered in 1902, Citizens State Bank has been a staple in the Chippewa Valley. Citizens State Bank is headquartered in Cadott with Chippewa Falls, Lake Wissota, Cornell, and Stanley branch locations. With this purchase, these locations will include the current Prentice and Stratford locations of Community Financial Bank after the merger.

Tim Pritzl, President and CEO of Community Financial Bank, says, "The Community Financial Bank Team looks forward to becoming Citizens State Bank and remaining a community bank.  This purchase and merger will enhance our ability to serve our customers with a more robust reach, quality products, and people-focused service models. Our team members are excited about joining Citizens State Bank and the opportunity it presents to them as employees to grow their careers!"

The transaction has been approved by the Board of Directors of both banks and by state and federal regulators as required.

The new year brings enhancements to our online banking and associated online products.  To create ease for our customers in accessing and using online banking, we have realigned how access is granted in the system - by your tax identification number!

By aligning access with your tax identification number, you will no longer need multiple logins to see all accounts online. The online banking system will still allow you to customize what accounts you see when logging in by hiding accounts.

Here is what to expect:

• You will have ease of access to all your accounts with one login.
• This change will occur on February 12th.
• When you login after the change, you will see all accounts associated with a tax identification number on your online banking. This may be more accounts than you currently see when you log in.  If you have questions about the additional accounts or would like them removed from view, please contact us.

Should you need any help after this change, we have a team ready to support you. Simply call the ONLINE ACCESS TEAM at 715-289-4253 ext. 1185 or send a message to info@csbankcadott.com. We are here for you!

Exciting enhancements are coming throughout 2023 to our online banking offerings!

Citizens State Bank is committed to our customer's experience and will be upgrading our online banking platform and enhancing online options. These online-based services allow you, our valued customer, access to your money when and how you want it.

Here is what's to come:

• Enhanced online banking platform
• New platforms for mobile banking, bill pay, and mobile deposit
• Addition of new online products like business online banking and more! 

The Bank will continue to share communication with you as these options roll out. Our dedicated team members will be ready to help you take advantage of these offerings as soon as they are available. Look for more communication as 2023 unfolds!

This time of year, we all hear the carolers proclaiming, "There is no place like home for the holidays!" Well at Citizens State Bank, our Mortgage Lenders want you to Make it Home. For the Holidays!

No, we don't mean head to Pennsylvania for some home-made pumpkin pie, we mean if you've been considering that next step to a new home, our Mortgage Team is here to help you make it happen!

Interest rates are stabilizing, home costs are starting to come down, and inventory is starting to increase, making it the perfect time to consider jumping into the housing market. Whether you are a first-time home buyer, looking to up or downsize, want to purchase a vacation home, or get started on that new construction… No matter your dream home, you dream the dream and let Citizens State Bank help make it come true!

Our Mortgage Team can provide you with:

• Free and Easy Prequalification
• First Home, Vacation Home, and Refinancing Options
• Fixed and Adjustable Rate Mortgages
• Construction and Land Loans
• Home Equity Lines of Credit
• Easy Online Application

No matter how far you roam, you can't beat the home sweet home Mortgage Team at Citizens StateBank. Reach out to Carrie, Bre, or Alicia today and Make it Happen. Make it Home.

Learn More

Here at Citizens State Bank, we have been receiving phone calls about text messages stating your debit card is locked and your financial institution needs your card number. This is fraudulent. Do not reply. Do not enter your card number.

As cash registers ring and online shopping carts get checked out… Scammers are checking out just how aware you are of fraud attempts, as they try to cash in on you, this holiday season. Whether it be through the internet, email, text message, social media, or a home phone call, fraudulent actors are just as active as the stores this time of year. That means we must be ready, willing, and able to identify fraud and react to it in an appropriate manner.

The best way to avoid fraud is to not act upon it at all. Just because Santa may be up-on-your-roof-top, does mean you should be willing to let him slide down the chimney with a click-click-click. If you do not recognize an email, simply delete it. No matter what the text message says, ensure it's from an institution you work with before replying, even if that means skirting the text and reaching out to your financial institution. If someone calls saying they are from your financial institution asking for personal or account information, hang up and call your institution via a number you know is theirs, like from your statement or the institutions' official website. And yes, if you get a pop-up present on your web browser, DO NOT OPEN IT… Close it, close your browser session, and reach out to your financial institution or company that claims to need your attention.

You are the first line of defense when it comes to fraud. If it makes you eager, makes you question the possibility, requires immediate action, requires personal information… Stop, take a breath, and reach out to your bank or credit union via appropriate communication lines… Do not give the gift of fraud to scammers this holiday season.

Citizens State Bank and Community Financial Bank have reached an agreement that would merge the two institutions under the Citizens State Bank name. The deal will increase Citizens State Bank's assets to approximately $220 million and bring their branch locations total to seven.

"We are very excited about our expansion into these new markets. Our team is ready to welcome our new customers and team members to Citizens State Bank," said Tim Cruciani, President, and CEO of Citizens State Bank. "We were founded on and remain rooted in people. Community Financial Bank embraces similar values, and we look forward to sharing our customer/team-centric approach to banking with them and the communities they serve."

Chartered in 1902, Citizens State Bank has been a staple in the Chippewa Valley, which makes Tim Pritzl, President of Community Financial Bank, excited about the merger.

"I have spent my tenure at Community Financial focused on our people, our customers, and the community. It's clear that Citizens State Bank has been doing the same for over 100 years, and we look forward to being a part of that legacy and continued growth moving forward."

The transaction has been approved by the Board of Directors of both banks and requires approval by state and federal regulators. Citizens State Bank expects to close the deal in the first quarter of 2023.

Learn more about the merger.

When a financial institution left their building standing empty in historic downtown Stanley, WI; Citizens State Bank knew they had much more than a business opportunity in front of them, they had the opportunity to become part of the Stanley community! And they have done just that.

This October marked Citizens State Bank's first anniversary at their Stanley branch. It also marked the creation of local jobs in Stanley. Partnerships with the Stanley-Boyd school district and countless community organizations… Surely you visited the "Haunted Teller Window" at the annual Trunk R Treat?

"It's been great!" Said Customer Service Representative Maggie Keeku. "I'm from Stanley. I get to work in Stanley… I know our customers, and they know me. And CSB can give back, not just to the community, but by employing local people."

Another such employee would be Stanley resident Tina Dahm, CSB's new Consumer Lender - Retail; "Since I began my career with Citizens State Bank, I have enjoyed getting to know our customers and helping them with their banking needs. I look forward to continuing these relationships, and I'm excited to be part of a company that is focused on making a difference in our community!"

Wondering what kind of difference Citizens State Bank is making? Stop in the Stanley branch today to meet your local bankers and take part in the One Year in Stanley Celebration!

The CSB Stanley Branch is located at 118 N Broadway St, Stanley, WI 54768. Tina Dahm can be reached via email at kdahm@csbcadott.com or call the office at 715-709-0122.

Buying a new home can be a daunting task. Do I qualify for a loan? What paperwork do I need? Is insurance required before I own the home? How much of a down payment do I need? What will my monthly payment be? With current interest rates, is this the best time to buy?

If you are looking to buy a new home and have asked yourself these questions, come get the answers you need at the Home Buyer Seminar hosted by Citizens State Bank and Coldwell Banker Brenizer, Realtor;
Thursday, December 8, 2022, 6pm-7pm at Bye the Willow in Chippewa Falls.

Mortgage Lender Bre Starken (NMLS# 154771) and Realtor Royce Roberts will be available to answer all your home buying questions and provide guidance on the steps you should take to help reach your goal of home ownership.

Whether you are a first-time home buyer, transitioning to retirement, looking at new construction, or wondering if you can afford a cabin in the woods…Bre and Royce have the expertise to guide you through the process!

Event is free and open to the public. Light appetizers will be served.

Please RSVP to Bre Starken at 715-978-0123 or email bstar@csbankcadott.com

Bye the Willow is located at 501 N. High St. Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Citizens State Bank is proud to announce the third annual award of six college scholarships for high school seniors attending local schools in the communities the Bank serves. The Bank will offer a $500 scholarship to one student from each of the following schools: Cadott, Cornell, Holcombe, Chippewa Falls (Chippewa Falls High School and McDonell Central Catholic High School), and Stanley-Boyd. The scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award to a person who meets the scholarship guidelines.

Citizens State Bank values our community, our customer's dreams, and our interactions. We are proud of our unwavering commitment and want to celebrate the citizens of our great communities! The Citizens State Bank College Scholarship Program aims to celebrate students who share the value and dedication to their communities through involvement and impact.

Applicants must:

1. Be a high school senior (set to graduate in the spring/summer of 2022).

2. Be enrolled and attending school at one of the following schools: Cadott, Cornell, Holcombe, Chippewa Falls (Chippewa Falls High School and McDonell Central Catholic High School), or Stanley-Boyd.

3. Plan to attend college in the Fall of 2021 (technical, community, four-year, etc.)

Print the application

Please send the completed application and resume to:

Citizens State Bank
c/o Nicole Kauphusman, VP - HR and Marketing
304 N Main Street
Cadott, WI 54727

NKaup@CSBankCadott.com

Applications must be received or postmarked by April 22, 2021. Scholarship winners to be selected by May 4, 2022 and awarded as appropriate. Scholarship winners will be decided at the discretion of the Bank's Public Relations Team and Management. Awards will be paid to the higher education institution for the recipients' benefit at the completion of the first semester.

When it happens, you know. Talk about a feeling of security.

New SecureAlerts from Citizens State Bank let you know the moment something important happens in your account by instantly sending a message via text*, email, or to your online banking message center. With SecureAlerts you'll always know exactly what's happening with your money, and you can watch for suspicious activity. It's a free service for our customers/members.

Choose from dozens of SecureAlerts. Monitor your account activity such as:

• A purchase using your debit card was just processed. You instantly know.
• An ATM withdrawal is made. You instantly know.
• A check clears that exceeds the amount you set. You instantly know.

Delivered the way you want. Messages are sent instantly using any of the delivery channels you choose:

• Text Messages - One of the easiest ways to receive SecureAlerts is through text messages on your smartphone*, or wearable devices.
• Email - Receive email messages about your account activity.
• Online Banking Message Center - View your SecureAlerts every time you log on to online banking.

Set up your real-time SecureAlerts:

1. Log on to online banking. Select Alerts.
2. Click each category in Alert Options to view the list of available alerts.
3. Select the alerts you want to receive for each account. Then check how you would like to receive and save them.

You'll now receive a message the moment any of your alerts are triggered. It's that simple. With SecureAlerts you'll always know exactly what's happening with your money, and you can watch for suspicious activity.

We invite you to set up your SecureAlerts on June 28, 2021.

* Message and data rates may apply. Availability may be affected by your mobile device's coverage area.

Citizens State Bank has installed a 24-hour, fee-free ATM and another drive-up lane at the Cornell branch located at 221 Bridge Street. Citizens State Bank joined the Cornell market in 2019 and has since added an ATM, another drive-up lane, and expanded the team. The Bank is committed to serving the community of Cornell.

Region Manager, Hannah Cowan, says, "Since September of 2019 (when Citizens State Bank integrated into the Cornell and Lake Holcombe communities), we have felt the support and excitement of a strong, cohesive community. With this foundation, we have been able to grow and impact more lives than ever. We are so pleased to announce the recent addition of a 24-hour, fee-free ATM at Cornell which will allow us to better serve our community and show our commitment to Cornell, Lake Holcombe, and the surrounding areas."

Brendan Haney comes to Citizens State Bank with previous lending and banking experience as well as previous business sales experience. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Brendan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.

As a Commercial Lender, Brendan will partner with clients to understand their needs and create a unique solution centered on helping the client achieve their financial dreams. At Citizens State Bank, decisions are made locally. Brendan will serve the Cadott, Cornell, and surrounding markets.

Citizens State Bank takes fraud seriously, and we strive to help protect our customers against attacks and scams. Recently, there has been an uptick in mail fraud requesting customer enrollments in insurance products and issuing final notices. These mailings contain Citizens State Bank's name even though they are not associated with our organization. The notices often contain a disclaimer in small print that states that they are not associated with your lender.

Please remember, Citizens State Bank will not request enrollment or personal details through mailing.  Should you ever be concerned or have a question about a mailing piece, please call a team member at the Bank. Thank you for your continued business and partnership.  

Citizens State Bank lobbies to open to the public on May 3, 2021. All lobby locations will be open to serve customers and guests. Masks and social distancing are encouraged. Masks will be required for any face-to-face meetings such as account openings and loan closings. The Bank has shields up at each teller station as well as internal policies on masks, social distancing, and sanitation to keep staff and customers safe. We welcome you back to the lobbies!

Our Eagle Point location (15036 Cty Hwy S, Chippewa Falls) will see a change in hours on Friday evenings. This branch will close at 5 p.m. on Fridays starting May 3, 2021. Night drop and electronic and mobile banking are still available for your banking needs.

Citizens State Bank is proud to announce the second annual award of five college scholarships for high school seniors attending local schools in the communities the Bank serves. The Bank will offer a $500 scholarship to one student from each of the following schools: Cadott, Cornell, Holcombe, Chippewa Falls (Chippewa Falls High School and McDonell Central Catholic High School). The scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award to a person who meets the scholarship guidelines.

Citizens State Bank values our community, our customer's dreams, and our interactions. We are proud of our unwavering commitment and want to celebrate the citizens of our great communities! The Citizens State Bank College Scholarship Program aims to celebrate students who share the value and dedication to their communities through involvement and impact.

Applicants must:

1. Be a high school senior (set to graduate in the spring/summer of 2021).

2. Be enrolled and attending school at one of the following schools: Cadott, Cornell, Holcombe, Chippewa Falls (Chippewa Falls High School and McDonell Central Catholic High School).

3. Plan to attend college in the Fall of 2021 (technical, community, four-year, etc.)

Print the application

Please send the completed application and resume to:

Citizens State Bank
c/o Nicole Kauphusman, VP - HR and Marketing
304 N Main Street
Cadott, WI 54727

NKaup@CSBankCadott.com

Applications must be received or postmarked by May 18, 2021. Scholarship winners to be selected by June 4, 2021 and awarded as appropriate.

Tokenization is the process of protecting a person's sensitive data (like credit card number, address, account number, etc.) by replacing it with a series of algorithmically generated numbers and letters called a token.

Tokenization is ideal for consumer-initiated online and mobile payments. The token is worthless if stolen, hacked, or intercepted. This number is unique to the individual card and to the actual phone. It cannot be used with any other phone or device.

Article by Bernard Brode

We've seen more (and more dangerous) ransomware attacks in the last 12 months than in any comparable period.

Ransomware had a very good 2020. With millions of people working from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the opportunities for infection and exploitation were higher than ever. As a result, we've seen more (and more dangerous) ransomware attacks in the last 12 months than in any comparable period. In 2020, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, a company was attacked every 11 seconds. The costs from these attacks will reach around $20 billion by 2021.

It seems that even the big names weren't safe, either. As we've reported, Tyler Technologies was hit by ransomware attack, and so was Tesla. Looking at the extensive list of ransomware attacks in 2020, and you'd be forgiven for getting a little worried. With so many companies under assault each week, how does the average firm stand a chance?

One important way to protect yourself, staff, organization, and data is to stay vigilant. If you are aware of the most popular ransomware attacks at any given moment, you at least know what to look for and what to defend against.

With that being said, here are the five most significant ransomware attacks that have taken place thus far in 2020 and could have lingering implications in the new year:

1. Maze

The story of Maze ransomware in 2020 is a strange one. The malware itself is a variant of the ChaCha ransomware, which was discovered back in May 2019. In the intervening period, a now-infamous gang of hackers picked up the malware, adapted it and started a destructive campaign of their own.

While the attack methods of the group is standard - the malware is delivered via a phishing scam, encrypts victims' files, and then demands money for their return - the way in which they talk about themselves is unusual. They claim to be in the business of helping companies learn (albeit the hard way) about data security, with the method of "education" being high-profile releases of highly sensitive data.

Or at least it was. In November, the gang announced that they would be "retiring," and that "All the links to ou[r] project, using of our brand [sic], our work methods should be considered a scam." Unfortunately, their malware is still out there and remains one the biggest threats of 2021.

2. REvil

REvil became the most famous computer virus of 2020 - and arguably of all time - when it was used to attack the systems of media and entertainment lawyers Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks. The group behind the attack then began to post the personal and professional details of celebrity clients online, including tour contracts for Madonna and the personal information of Robert De Niro, Drake, Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart, Elton John, and many more.

What surprised many in the cybersecurity community about the hack, though, was that it was relatively unsophisticated, and that repeat attacks continued for a number of weeks. It seems, in other words, that the hackers were exploiting the fact that the lawyers didn't know how to get rid of a virus that was already in their system, and were so scared of losing face that they didn't admit this fact for weeks.

3. Ryuk

Ryuk is a rare breed of ransomware, but that doesn't make it any less dangerous for the average firm: quite the opposite. From 2018, Russian-based group Wizard Spider has been using Ryuk to specifically target enterprise environments of the biggest firms out there. In the first year of operation, this group has netted over 705.80 BTC across 52 transactions for a total current value of $3,701,893.98.

Since then, the number of attacks that use the ransomware appear to have gone down significantly, but there is good reason to be skeptical about this apparent drop. The type of victim targeted by Ryuk - large companies with shareholders and millions of dollars of market capitalization - tend to be extremely reticent to share the news that they have been hacked. 

For this reason, it's difficult to estimate how prevalent Ryuk still is at the end of 2020. Given the capabilities of the ransomware, this means it remains a huge threat for all businesses - but especially growing ones - into the coming year.

4. Tycoon

Tycoon is also a strange bird in the malware field. This is not because of the type of company it is deployed against, but rather the language it is written in: Java. This relatively new piece of malware was discovered by security researchers analyzing the servers of mega accountancy firm KPMG, but since then it has been discovered in other company's systems.

There are two further curiosities about Tycoon. One is that, at least to date, it appears to be relatively benign. Despite a wide infection base, and code that seems to be geared towards stealing intellectual property from entertainment and software firms, it has not been used to its full "potential" yet. 

It's natural to assume that when Tycoon was discovered, the group behind it was in the process of planning a delayed-action attack, waiting for a certain number of computers to be infected before the attack is triggered. When this will happen is anyone's guess, so check your systems for this malware now.

5. NetWalker

NetWalker is perhaps the "most 2020" of the ransomware on this list, because it appears to have been designed to take advantage of the biggest crisis of this year: Covid-19. 

This may be a coincidence, of course. Ransomware that specifically targets healthcare providers - like the Mailto malware that NetWalker was derived from - has been around for a while, and is growing in "popularity." It seems that hackers have realized how much valuable data healthcare providers hold and how (often) unprotected it is. 

Whether a coincidence or not, NetWalker still ranks as among the most dangerous ransomware of 2020.

The Future

So, there you have it. Five emerging threats that caused havoc in 2020 and will likely continue to do so into next year as well. Check your systems for these pieces of ransomware now and keep checking back. Every passing year brings new forms of attacks. Stay vigilant, keep your fingers crossed, and train everyone in your organization how to avoid the kind of phishing scams that often lead to a ransomware infection. 

Citizens State Bank is offering SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans*. Let us be your partner. The PPP loan program is open to any person or entity in Wisconsin for the new round beginning on Friday, January 15, 2021.

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was created to help small businesses pay their employees and certain other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, the new legislation made more funds available for businesses that haven't yet borrowed them (First Draw PPP Loans), provides additional PPP funds for businesses who already have PPP loans (Second Draw PPP Loans), and streamlines the PPP loan forgiveness for eligible borrowers. View complete details on the Small Business Administration website.

View the First Draw PPP Loan Rules

View the Second Draw PPP Loan Rules

Apply Now

*Apply online link no longer supports Internet Explorer. Please update your browser. Loans are subject to credit approval. Physical signatures will be required. Loans are available for anyone in the state of Wisconsin.

Call a team member for any questions or help needed:

Bob Binczak, VP - Commercial Lending - 715-978-0122
Dan Lindeman, VP - Agricultural Lending - 715-978-0120
Brent Hodowanic, Junior Ag Lender/Credit Analyst - 715-978-0127
Travis Udelhofen, Chief Credit Officer - 715-978-0130
Nick Hedrington, Credit Analyst - 715-978-0121
Collin Kurcz, Credit Analyst - 715-978-0118

Should you have questions on existing loans or forgiveness, please contact your lender.

Mobile Deposit Scams

While mobile deposits are a convenient way to deposit your payroll or personal checks anytime and from anywhere, there are a few things you should keep in mind to prevent becoming a victim of a mobile deposit scam. Here's a breakdown of what a mobile deposit is, how mobile deposit scams work and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to one.

What is Mobile Deposit?

Mobile banking apps with the mobile deposit feature can save you a trip to the bank and allow you to deposit checks whenever is most convenient for you. Just take a picture of the front and back of the check and upload it!

How does a Mobile Deposit scam work?

Fraudsters contact their victims through email or social media posing as a potential employer, lender, or interested buyer on a marketplace site. The fraudster will often provide the victim an opportunity to earn money quickly by depositing a check to their account or by asking for help in moving money from overseas. The fraudster will further request the victim's bank account information and may even ask for online or mobile banking login credentials.

The fraudster uses the information to deposit a fake check. Once the deposit has been made, the scammer will request funds to be immediately transferred back to them via money order, person to person transfer, wire transfer, reloadable cards, or even gift cards. Once the victim returns the funds, the bank alerts the victim that the check was fictitious and removes the funds from the account, causing a loss to the victim.

How do you protect yourself from a Mobile Deposit scam?

Never give out your personal information to people you don't know, alert your bank of any suspicious activity, and before you deposit a check, look for these red flags:

• Typos in names of the payer, payee, bank, and dollar amounts
• Out of state payers and out of state banks
• Missing or faded bank logos
• Notations in the memo-line suggesting legitimacy (cash, authorization, void after 30 days, payment, etc.)

And remember, even if a check has been "cleared," you may not be in the clear. Under federal law, banks must make deposited funds available quickly, but just because you can withdraw the money doesn't mean the check is valid, even if it's a cashier's check or money order. If you have any questions about whether or not the check is valid, talk to your banker.

Microsoft has warned about a new strain of mobile ransomware that takes advantage of incoming call notifications and Android's Home button to lock the device behind a ransom note.

The findings concern a variant of a known Android ransomware family dubbed "MalLocker.B" which has now resurfaced with new techniques, including a novel means to deliver the ransom demand on infected devices as well as an obfuscation mechanism to evade security solutions.

The development comes amid a huge surge in ransomware attacks against critical infrastructure across sectors, with a 50% increase in the daily average of ransomware attacks in the last three months compared to the first half of the year, and cybercriminals increasingly incorporating double extortion in their playbook.

MalLocker has been known for being hosted on malicious websites and circulated on online forums using various social engineering lures by masquerading as popular apps, cracked games, or video players.

Continuing reading the full article on The Hacker News website.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence today issued a pair of advisories to assist U.S. individuals and businesses in efforts to combat ransomware scams and attacks, which continue to increase in size and scope. Anti-money laundering and sanctions regulations implemented and enforced by Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence may have implications for persons involved in facilitating ransomware payments. Efforts to detect and report ransomware payments are vital to prevent and deter cyber actors from deploying malicious software to extort individuals and businesses, and to hold ransomware attackers accountable for their crimes.

"Cybercriminals have deployed ransomware attacks against our schools, hospitals, and businesses of all sizes," said Deputy Secretary Justin G. Muzinich. "Treasury will continue to use its powerful tools to counter these malicious cyber actors and their facilitators."

Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an advisory, entitled Advisory on Ransomware and the Use of the Financial System to Facilitate Ransom Payments, to provide information on the role of financial intermediaries in payments, ransomware trends and typologies, and related financial red flags. It also provides information on effectively reporting and sharing information related to ransomware attacks.

Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also issued an advisory, entitled Advisory on Potential Sanctions Risks for Facilitating Ransomware Payments, to highlight the sanctions risks associated with facilitating ransomware payments on behalf of victims targeted by malicious cyber-enabled activities.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Additional information and resources on cybersecurity from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cybersecurity Alliance can be found here.

View the ransomware advisories from FinCEN and OFAC.

The first four months of 2020 have gone nothing like envisioned and can be labeled as unprecedented in many ways.  The first four months also have to be labeled as impressive.  The staff at Citizens State Bank have acted with grit and determination to accomplish some amazing feats during pandemic conditions.

This State-of-the-State will recap the Bank's efforts and reactions during COVID-19, the highlights of the Bank's performance from January through April 2020, and the procedural response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 - Customer Focused Response:

1. With the formation of a COVID-19 task force, an emphasis was placed on aiding customers through the pandemic.  The focus was on how to help them achieve their banking needs, providing support through hardship, and helping to quell anxiety and fear through education.

2. Citizens State Bank continued to uphold its mission of developing long-term relationships based on trust by handling customer needs through an individualized approach centered on creating a solution based on the customer's needs.

3. The Bank proceeded with offering Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, a program under the CARES Act.  At the end of April, the Bank had processed 46 PPP loans for just over $1.8 Million with an additional 32 PPP loans in process for an additional $624,000.  That money is infused back in the communities of Cadott, Cornell, and Chippewa Falls to aid businesses and their employees.

Mortgage Lending:

1. During the first four months of 2020, mortgage interest rates have been volatile.  Rates have lowered significantly creating a prime opportunity of refinancing for customers.

2. The Mortgage Banking team held true to the Bank's mission by partnering with clients to help them through this process. 

3. Customer traffic and demand rose significantly and, by the end of April, the Bank had processed 134 mortgage-related loans for just under $14 million.  This equates to helping with 134 transactions in real estate for customers in Cadott, Chippewa Falls, Cornell, and surrounding areas which vitalizes and strengthens our communities.

COVID-19 - Procedural Response:

1. The Bank took quick action in forming a task force to monitor and address the pandemic issue in early March.

2. On March 12, 2020, the Bank published internal communication about the pandemic and heightened precautions to staff to keep the team and customers safe and healthy.

3. Further communication followed on March 16^th and forward.  The communication enacted new sanitation, travel, internal process, and lobby closure procedures and guidelines in efforts to further enhance safety and aid in "stopping the spread".

4. By the last week of March, the Bank had developed a systematic approach to handle potential exposure and diagnosis and created work zones within the Bank as well as created communication channels to keep staff updated on internal responses and COVID-19 happenings. 

5. Throughout April, the Bank has upheld the procedures and guidelines and will do so going forward until recommendations advise otherwise.

6. The continued approach through COVID-19 has been to heed recommendations and make decisions based on the safety of the customers and staff.

Citizens State Bank is pleased to share these happenings with the communities and customers.  The Bank is honored to be able to serve the Cadott, Chippewa Falls, Cornell, and surrounding areas.  This is accomplished through the staff members that uphold the mission of developing relationships through individualized, personal service, and the loyalty of customers who continue to partner with their community Bank.

Thank you for letting us serve you!

Citizens State Bank continues to monitor and pro-actively react to the recommendations concerning COVID-19 to ensure the safety of our customers, employees, and partners.  While the initial reaction to COVID-19 is hygiene and social distancing, the effects have been felt deeper and wider by business owners, workers, and more.  From this pandemic, the Bank has felt and seen the need of our customers.  We are here to help.

Citizens State Bank has been a trusted partner for 118 years and we will continue to be your trusted partner through COVID-19 and after.  We are working individually with our customers and community members to understand your needs and then find a customized solution to aid you through internal and external programs. 

If you are experiencing a hardship due to COVID-19, please contact a Banker today. 

Courtesy of the American Bankers Association, shared by Wisconsin Bankers Association

At times of uncertainty, one thing you can always count on is the safety of your money at a bank.

• When you deposit your money at a bank, you get the comfort of knowing that your funds are secure and insured by the government.
• You don't have the same level of protection when your money is outside the banking system.
• Uncertain times are exactly when you want the certainty and dependability of a bank.

Banks have plans in place to handle a range of emergencies so our customers' funds remain protected and accessible.

• Every bank in the country is required by law to have disaster recovery and business continuity plans in place with multiple backup systems.
• The bank's regulator regularly examines the bank to make sure we have detailed, tested disaster recovery procedures and business resumption plans.
• The safest place for your money is in the bank. It's FDIC-insured and accessible, thanks to bank technology that allows you to pay bills, make deposits, and send payments from anywhere, anytime.

Banks have a proven record of effective emergency preparedness and disaster recovery.

• Throughout history, U.S. banks have been prepared for and responded to recessions, natural disasters-including pandemics-and other business disruptions.
• When faced with natural disasters and unexpected events, banks have a proven record of operating smoothly, protecting consumers' deposits, and providing continued access to their funds.
• Lessons learned from previous health threats-including the avian flu, SARS, and Ebola,-have strengthened the banking industry's ability to prepare for and minimize disruption due to a pandemic.

If you have any questions about FDIC Insurance or the safety of your money, please contact us immediately.

Citizens State Bank is participating in the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by offering PPP loans to existing borrowers. This loan program is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their employees on the payroll.  The loan is forgivable if certain criteria are met. These loans will be available from April 3, 2020 to June 30, 2020. 

To inquire about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), customers are encouraged to call a Banker.  Citizens State Bank is working with each customer individually to understand their needs and then find an appropriate solution through internal and external programs.

In the everchanging landscape presented with the COVID-19 situation, we wanted to make you aware of some increased precautions, tools available, our commitment to helping our customers, and best practices during this difficult time:

• Lobbies are temporarily closed for the safety of our customers and team members.
• Drive-ups and Cadott main bank walk-up are open to serve you and meet your needs.
• Tools and resources for banking at your convenience: telephone banking, online and mobile banking, mobile deposit capture functions, and e-statements. Our deposit team is ready to assist you with questions or help you utilize these tools. Please call for any help.
• We are here to aid anyone impacted by COVID-19. Our focus is on understanding your needs to be able to create the best solution(s) to aid you. If you are experiencing the difficulty of any kind, please call your loan officer or our deposit team immediately.
• Don't panic. We urge our customers to think about the safety of their money, we recommend:
• Do not withdraw large sums of money. Money left unsecured can be lost, stolen, destroyed, and is not insured. Money in the Bank is covered by FDIC insurance. For specifics on this and to discuss your needs, please call our deposit team today.
• Do not give in to scams. In difficult times, there can be the propensity for unsavory situations to arise. Be mindful of who you are talking with, what is being requested, and if it makes sense.

Our mission at Citizens State Bank is to develop long-term relationships built on trust. We have been your partner since 1902. Taking precautions and acting swiftly in a situation like this is our commitment to you! We greatly appreciate your business, trust, and relationship.

Please feel free to personally reach out at any time:

Tim Cruciani, President/CEO
715-978-0109 
tcruc@csbankcadott.com

Over the last few weeks, intensifying reports about the coronavirus (COVID-19) have emerged. At Citizens State Bank, we are committed to health and safety. The Bank is continually monitoring the situation and has an action team that has and is ready to act as necessary. We would like to make you aware of the following important information:

• Customers: Citizens State Bank is still open for business. You, as our valued customers, are a top priority and we care about your safety and wellbeing. The Bank has tools and resources available to help you conduct the majority of your banking needs from the convenience of your own home. We are asking that whenever possible, you utilize our drive-up facilities, online and mobile banking, and mobile deposit capture functions. Also, please feel free to call our facilities for any help needed. This will help limit face-to-face interactions and keep everyone safe. If you need to come into the Bank for an appointment, rest assured we have precautionary measures in place for increased sanitation before and after your visit.
• Office and Team Members: Up to now, the Citizens State Bank has implemented increased sanitation and precautionary measures. The Bank has also heightened its illness awareness and implemented policies to aid employees during this time. The Bank has regular, professional cleaning that occurs in conjunction with these new measures. You may also see staff utilizing conference rooms and other methods for connecting with customers in efforts to follow social distancing recommendations.

Our mission at Citizens State Bank is to develop long-term relationships built on trust. Taking precautions and acting swiftly in a situation like this is our commitment to you! We greatly appreciate your business, trust, and relationship.

Please feel free to personally reach out at any time:

Tim Cruciani, President/CEO
715-978-0109 
tcruc@csbankcadott.com

Citizens State Bank is set to open a new full-service branch office at 221 Bridge Street, Cornell, WI 54732 on September 4, 2019. The bank is a sound and secure financial institution which has obtained FDIC and Wisconsin DFI approval. Citizens State Bank is a locally owned, independent community bank servicing personal, business, and agricultural needs.

The branch office at 221 Bridge Street in Cornell has been renovated and branded to Citizens State Bank standards. Hannah Cowan, a Chippewa Falls native, will be leading the branch as the Business Development Branch Lead. Katrina Hakes, a Cornell resident, will be operating as a teller in the branch. There will be an additional team member as well.

Citizens State Bank was founded in 1902 in Cadott, Wisconsin. It was created by a group of businessmen, farmers, and workers to not only meet their financial needs but also foster the growth of their small community in Cadott. They are headquartered on North Main Street in Cadott with a drive-up location on South Main Street. In 1985, the company expanded to Chippewa Falls and opened a branch on the corner of Highways 178 and S. In 1995, another branch was opened at highways J and X in Chippewa Falls.

President/CEO, Tim Cruciani, says, "It is with absolute excitement that we pursue expanding into Cornell. We serve a base of customers from the area and our new branch makes us more agile and able to serve those customers with better care, accessibility, and efficiency". He also stated, "Citizens State Bank is on a mission to grow. We care about our customers and work to find the best solution for them by learning about them, their situation, and their needs and dreams. Growth allows us to continue this mission and help more people and communities".