Avoid This Common Mortgage Postcard Scam

As a homeowner, you'll receive a lot of mail, some of which may be deceptive. It's important to be cautious about mailers claiming to be from FSB, as they could be scams.

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Key Takeaways

Personal Details Exposed: FSB mail never exposes personal information like Mortgage ID, account numbers, or Social Security numbers on the outside of the envelope.

Verify Contact Information: Always check the contact information that appears on the mailer at FSB's official website.

Be Cautious of Urgent Messages: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency - FSB will contact you directly for urgent matters.

Authentic FSB Branding: Look for the official logo and consistent branding

Look for Disclaimers: Legitimate FSB mail will not contain disclaimers stating no affiliation with the bank.

What To Look For: Personal Details Exposed

What To Look For: Incorrect Contact Details

What To Look For: Sense of Urgency

What To Look For: Lack of FSB Branding

Signs of Fraudulent Mortgage Postcards

Recognizing the signs of fraudulent mailers can protect you from scams. Here's what to watch out for:

Personal Details Exposed

Mail from FSB will never expose personal information, such as your Mortgage ID, account number, or Social Security number, on the outside of the envelope. If you see these details exposed, it's a red flag that the mail might be fraudulent.

A deceptive postcard example 1, designed to look like an urgent notice from Farmers State Bank. The message urges the recipient to call regarding a mortgage, using a "Mortgage Authentication Phrase" and a fake mortgage ID. It states, "All information provided by National Info Center. Not affiliated with, nor endorsed by FARMERS STATE BANK."

Incorrect Contact Details

Always confirm the contact information on suspicious mailers to FSB's contact information. Fraudulent mailers often use fake contact information to mislead you. If the numbers do not match, it's probably a scam.

A deceptive postcard example 2, designed to look like an urgent notice from Farmers State Bank. The message urges the recipient to call regarding a mortgage, using a "Mortgage Authentication Phrase" and a fake mortgage ID. It states, "All information provided by National Info Center. Not affiliated with, nor endorsed by FARMERS STATE BANK."

Sense of Urgency

Be wary of urgent messaging. Scammers use urgency to prompt quick action and make you panic into responding without thinking. Remember, FSB will contact you directly for any urgent matters and will not try to pressure you through the mail.

A deceptive postcard example 3, designed to look like an urgent notice from Farmers State Bank. The message urges the recipient to call regarding a mortgage, using a "Mortgage Authentication Phrase" and a fake mortgage ID. It states, "All information provided by National Info Center. Not affiliated with, nor endorsed by FARMERS STATE BANK."

FSB Branding

If the mailer lacks FSB branding or includes disclaimers stating no affiliation with FSB, it's likely a scam. Authentic FSB communication will always display FSB branding.

The official logo is displayed, color schemes from other communications, and the language is professional.

Look for disclaimers such as "All information provided by National Info Center, Not associated with, nor supported by Farmers State Bank."

A deceptive postcard example 4, designed to look like an urgent notice from Farmers State Bank. The message urges the recipient to call regarding a mortgage, using a "Mortgage Authentication Phrase" and a fake mortgage ID. It states, "All information provided by National Info Center. Not affiliated with, nor endorsed by FARMERS STATE BANK."

Verify Your Mortgage Mailers

If you ever have any doubts about the legitimacy of any mortgage-related mailers, feel free to contact FSB's Mortgage Team directly at 319-730-6990.

Contact FSB's Mortgage Team

Written by

Tammy Yamilkoski

With over 25 years in mortgage lending, Tammy has helped thousands achieve their American Dream. As Vice President of Mortgage at the Hiawatha Branch, she’s known for lasting client relationships and finding the best loan options for a smooth, on-time closing. Reach out to Tammy for expert advice today!

Call: 319-730-6992
Email: TammyYamilkoski@fsbmail.net