DeWitt Savings Bank has noticed a rise in financial scams recently.

Stephanie Runyan of DeWitt Savings says she has noticed a rise in customers depositing fraudulent checks and money orders. These checks are coming in the mail out of the blue and many people don't know what to do with the checks outside of depositing them.

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According to Runyan, these scams are generally targeted at senior citizens.  However, she has noticed a lot of cases with single females who have met someone online.

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Runyan says its not just checks that can trigger financial scams. With the rise of  companies using  phone calls and text messages to get information, Runyan encourages you to not respond to any financial company that claims they need personal information.

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Runyan adds financial scams are becoming more and more common, and the bank doesn't know when they are going to hit. She says the bank often sees fraudulent checks in a cluster, and there is no rhyme or reason as to who or when they send the checks. The origins of the checks are also sporadic, and there is no way to just look at a check and know its fraudulent.

She points out the bank can't stop all of the scams. They are becoming so abundant, police are rarely able to catch the culprit, and the customer becomes liable for the money they lost.

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Runyan encourages anyone who thinks they may have a fraudulent check to call the company or bank the check is from via the number provided in a phone book to make sure it is valid.

Your identification and financial information may two of the most valuable assets you have and keeping them safe now is as important as it has ever been. For tips to keep your financial information safe or more information on financial scam trends, stop in at or call your personal bank.