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Online relationships can feel exciting and genuine—but scammers often use emotional connection as a tool to steal money and personal information. Knowing the warning signs and what to do if something feels “off” can help protect you and your loved ones.

Common Red Flags to Watch For

1. The relationship moves unusually fast

Scammers often express strong feelings quickly—sometimes within days. They may call you their soulmate or talk about your future together before you’ve even met.

2. They avoid meeting in person or video chatting

They always have an excuse: broken camera, sudden travel, overseas work, a sick relative, or unreliable internet. If someone refuses to show their face, it’s a major warning sign.

3. They ask for money—directly or indirectly

Common stories include:

  • Emergency medical bills
  • Sudden travel issues
  • Customs or legal fees
  • A “can’t‑miss” investment opportunity (often crypto)

4. They isolate you from friends and family

They may discourage you from talking to others or say “no one will understand” your relationship.

5. They tell you to lie to your bank

Scammers often coach victims on exactly what to say if a banker asks questions—such as claiming the money is for a “friend,” “investment,” or “personal emergency.” Any time someone encourages you to hide the truth from your bank, it’s a major sign of fraud.

6. Their story doesn’t add up

Look for inconsistent details, vague answers, reused phrases, or images that appear suspiciously professional or edited.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Slow down and verify

Take time before responding emotionally or financially. Talk through the situation with someone you trust.

2. Never send money, crypto, gift cards, or account information

Legitimate romantic partners won’t ask for financial help from someone they’ve never met in person.

3. Keep your personal data private

Don’t share your address, banking information, ID photos, or login credentials with online acquaintances.

4. Do a reverse image search

Profile photos used by scammers are often stolen from social media or modeling sites.

5. Trust your instincts

If something feels wrong, it usually is. Emotional manipulation is a key tactic in romance scams.

What To Do If You Think You’re a Victim

1. Stop all contact immediately

Do not respond further—scammers often escalate when they sense hesitation.

2. Notify your bank right away

If you sent money or shared account details, contact us immediately so we can help secure your accounts and guide you on next steps.

3. Report the incident

Use the following official reporting channels:

  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov
  • Federal Trade Commission (ReportFraud): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
  • Your dating platform or social media site

4. Save all messages and evidence

Screenshots, emails, receipts, and usernames can help investigators.

5. Talk to someone you trust

Victims often feel embarrassed, but you are not alone—and early action helps prevent further harm.

Additional Resources for Learning More

Share these with friends or family members who may be more vulnerable to online scams:

  • FTC Scam Guidance: https://www.ftc.gov/scams
  • FBI Romance Scam Information: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/romance-scams
  • AARP Fraud Watch Network: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/

 

Important Update: New Device Approval Required Starting June 1, 2025

To help protect your accounts from recent smishing (SMS phishing) attacks targeting banks across the country, we’re strengthening our online and mobile banking security.

 

What’s Changing?
Beginning June 1, 2025, any time you log in from a new device—like a phone, tablet, or computer—you’ll need to get that device approved by the bank before full access is granted.

 

How It Works:

  1. Log in to your online or mobile banking as usual from the new device.
  2. Call us at 260-356-8900 (Toll Free 1(877)653-8900) to verify your identity and approve the device.
 

This added step ensures that only you can access your accounts from unfamiliar devices. While this will introduce an additional step during your initial login, it’s a powerful way to keep your information safe.

If you have any questions or need help, our team here at Bippus State Bank is ready to assist.

Bippus State Bank Announces Promotions

Bippus State Bank is delighted to announce the promotion of three distinguished leaders to the title of Vice President and one to Assistant Vice President. These promotions underscore their exceptional contributions, leadership, and dedication to the company's continued success.

"We are honored to recognize the outstanding contributions of our team members with these well-deserved officer designations to Vice President and Assistant Vice President. Their leadership and dedication have been pivotal to our success, and we are excited to see the continued impact they will make," said Eric Fawcett, President & CEO of The Bippus State Bank.

The new title changes are as follows:

  • Kassy Taylor has been promoted to Vice President.
  • Haley Carroll has been promoted to Vice President.
  • Jana Gass has been promoted to Assistant Vice President.

These officer designations reflect Bippus State Bank's commitment to promoting a culture of continuous growth and excellence.

Bippus State Bank is excited to announce the groundbreaking of its new branch in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This new location marks a significant milestone in our commitment to expanding our services and enhancing our presence in the community.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 18, 2025, with key members of the Bippus State Bank team. The event was a celebration of our continued growth and dedication to providing exceptional banking services to the residents and businesses of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

"We are thrilled to break ground on our new Fort Wayne branch," said Eric Fawcett, President & CEO of Bippus State Bank. "This new location will allow us to better serve our customers and meet the growing demand for our services in the area. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Fort Wayne community."

The new branch will feature a modern facility and a team of experienced professionals ready to assist with all banking needs. From personal banking to business services, Bippus State Bank is committed to offering a comprehensive range of financial solutions.

Huntington, Indiana – Bippus State Bank is excited to announce the groundbreaking of its new Operations Center located at 2871 NorthPark Avenue, Huntington, IN. The state-of-the-art facility groundbreaking took place on July 29th, 2024, attended by the bank’s board members, upper management, and key contributors who have supported the bank’s vision for the Operation Center.

The new 15,000 square foot facility, which will span two stories, enhances the bank’s operational efficiency to better serve customers. The building will also include a spacious community hub, multiple conference and meeting rooms, dedicated workspaces, and outdoor seating space. “This new Operations Center represents our commitment to investing in Huntington and ensures our employees have the resources they need to excel,” said Eric Fawcett, President and CEO of Bippus State Bank. “We are proud to create a workspace, designed by Design Collaborative, which reflects the bank’s innovative spirit and supports our goal of continued growth in Huntington and our surrounding communities.” Bippus State Bank has chosen FCI as the general contractor for this project with an estimated completion set for August 2025.

About Bippus State Bank: Bippus State Bank is a leading financial institution dedicated to providing personalized banking solutions to individuals, businesses, and communities. With a strong commitment to customer service and community development, Bippus State bank strives to be a trusted partner in achieving financial goals. Banking with Bippus is Banking with Confidence.

April 20,2024 – Bippus State Bank today announced the retirement of Matt Wilcox from its Board of Directors. Concurrently, the bank is pleased to welcome James Khan as the newest addition to its Board of Directors.

Having served on the Board of Directors since May 2011, Chairman of the Board, Ryan Warner stated, “Matt has played an instrumental role in guiding Bippus State Bank through the fluctuations of the banking industry.” The bank extends its heartfelt gratitude to Matt for his dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the institution.

Commenting on the retirement of Matt Wilcox, President and CEO, Eric Fawcett said, "Matt’s wisdom, insight, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in shaping our institution's success. We are deeply grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

Chairman Warner is also announcing that James Khan has been elected to the Board of Directors of Bippus State Corporation and The Bippus State Bank. James is a highly regarded businessperson and entrepreneur in the Fort Wayne business community. With experience and expertise in the business sector. Serving as the President and proprietor of BakerStreet Steakhouse, Proximo, and The Hoppy Gnome, alongside his involvement in business consulting, planning, sales, management, and development, Khan brings a diverse skill set and a proven record of accomplishment. His appointment to the Board of Directors at Bippus State Corporation underscores a strategic decision to capitalize on his insights and abilities as the bank continues to navigate and thrive in the dynamic financial services landscape.

“We're thrilled to welcome James Khan to our board! With his wealth of experience and visionary leadership, we are excited for even greater achievements ahead,” said Eric Fawcett, President, and CEO of Bippus State Bank.

James Khan joins an esteemed group of industry leaders and professionals on the Bippus State Bank Board of Directors, each dedicated to upholding the bank's mission of

“Bippus State Bank is a community bank that creates meaningful customer relationships, fosters employee development and maintains shareholder confidence by providing premium financial products and services.”

About Bippus State Bank: Bippus State Bank opened for business on July 22, 1911, in the heart of the small rural community of Bippus in Huntington County, Indiana. The bank currently has five locations in Huntington and Wabash Counties.

April is Financial Literacy Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of understanding finances and making informed financial decisions. While financial literacy is crucial for individuals of all ages, instilling these principles in children is especially impactful. As parents and educators, we can shape the financial habits of future generations, setting them on the path towards a secure and prosperous future.

Why Does Teaching Kids to Save Matter?

1. Building Financial Habits: Saving is a cornerstone of financial stability. By introducing the concept of saving early on, children learn to prioritize their spending, distinguish between needs and wants, and cultivate disciplined saving habits that will serve them well into adulthood.

2. Understanding Delayed Gratification: Saving teaches children the concept of delayed gratification – the idea that they can wait and accumulate resources to achieve their goals. This essential skill empowers them to resist impulse purchases and make thoughtful decisions about how to allocate their money.

3. Preventing Debt: In today's consumer-driven society, easy access to credit can lead to debt problems later in life. Teaching kids to save instills a mindset of spending within one's means, reducing the likelihood of falling into debt traps as adults.

4. Building Financial Confidence: As children see their savings grow over time, they develop confidence in their ability to manage money effectively. This confidence lays the foundation for more complex financial decisions they'll face as they grow older.

Tips for Teaching Kids to Save

1. Lead by Example: Children often emulate the behavior of their parents and caregivers. Demonstrating responsible financial habits, such as budgeting, saving, and avoiding unnecessary debt, sets a powerful example for kids to follow.

2. Set Savings Goals: Help children set realistic savings goals based on their interests and aspirations. Whether it's saving for a toy, a bike, or a college fund, having tangible goals motivates them to save consistently.

3. Provide Opportunities for Earning: Encourage children to earn money through age-appropriate tasks or chores. By earning their own money, they develop a sense of ownership and are more likely to value the importance of saving.

4. Teach the Value of Comparison Shopping: Teach children to compare prices and look for deals before making a purchase. This teaches them to be savvy consumers and stretch their savings further.

Financial literacy is a gift that keeps on giving, and there's no better time to start imparting these invaluable lessons than during Financial Literacy Month. By teaching kids to save, we empower them to take control of their financial futures, make informed decisions, and ultimately achieve their goals. Let's commit to equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex financial landscape.

As the snow melts away and we begin to thaw, March brings with it a sense of renewal and possibility. Here are some valuable tips and strategies to navigate your financial journey. We can embrace the month of March with open arms as we delve into some key topics and considerations to help you stay on track towards your financial goals.

1. Tax Prep and Planning:

With tax season upon us, it’s essential to ensure you’re prepared and organized. Take the time to gather all necessary documents, such as W-2 forms, investment statements, and receipts for deductible expenses. Consider consulting with a tax professional to maximize your deductions and minimize your tax liability. Additionally, explore tax-advantaged retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, to optimize your long-term financial planning.

2. Review and Rebalance Your Investment Portfolio:

Now is an excellent time to review your investment portfolio and make any necessary adjustments. Assess your asset allocation, risk tolerance, and investment performance to ensure they align with your financial goals. Consider rebalancing your portfolio to maintain diversification and manage risk effectively. Stay informed about market trends and economic indicators that may impact your investment decisions.

3. Emergency Fund Preparation

Building and maintaining an emergency fund is crucial for financial security and peace of mind. Evaluate your current emergency fund balance and aim to have at least three to six months' worth of living expenses saved. If you haven't already done so, set up automatic contributions to your emergency fund to ensure consistent savings over time. Remember, unexpected expenses can arise at any moment, so being prepared is key to weathering financial storms.

4. Spring Cleaning Your Finances

Just as you declutter your home during spring cleaning, take the opportunity to declutter your finances as well. Review your recurring expenses and identify any unnecessary subscriptions or services that you can cancel or renegotiate. Consolidate accounts and streamline your financial paperwork for greater efficiency and organization. By simplifying your financial life, you'll have more clarity and control over your money.

This March, remember that every step you take toward financial wellness brings you closer to achieving your dreams and goals. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and stay committed to your goals. We’ll continue to provide you with valuable insights and guidance to support you along the way!

Starting a small business is exciting, but it comes with a unique share of financial challenges. From cash flow issues to funding growth, small business owners often find themselves navigating a complex financial landscape. In this blog post we have compiled practical tips and strategies to help small business owners overcome common financial challenges and build a strong foundation for their business.

1. Cash Flow Management
 

The importance of cash flow is crucial to the survival and success of a small business. It ensures the funds are available to support operations and enables planning and decision-making. There are some ways you can track your cash flow like, creating a cash flow forecast, monitoring, and tracking your expenses, invoice promptly and follow up on payments, manage inventory effectively, and creating an emergency fund. These tips will be helpful to your small business especially during a slow season, which is important to plan for as well.

2. Funding for Growth
 

Funding your small business can be intimidating. There are many options to consider. Small businesses loans are a common choice where you can borrow a specific amount of money from a bank or financial institution and repay it with interest over a period. Other options for funding include grants, crowdfunding, angel investors, venture capital, business credit cards, and friends and family. Each funding option has its own requirements so it’s important to research which option best suits your business.

3. Managing Debt Effectively
 

One tip to managing debt is to borrow responsibly. Evaluate your needs before you borrow so that you know how the funds will contribute to the success of your business. Having a repayment plan for those borrowed funds is also important. Be sure to set up a payment plan that fits within your budget. Having a good relationship with your lender is always an advantage, especially if you encounter difficulties.

4. Embracing Technology for Financial Management
 

There are many tools for small businesses to utilize when managing money. QuickBooks and Xero are common accounting software that can help manage your businesses financial transactions, invoices, expenses, and generate important financial reports. Budgeting tools like Mint or You Need allow you to create budgets, track spending and plan for future expenses. Invoicing software like FreshBooks and Zoho allow you to create professional invoices and track payments.

5. Bank Local
 

As a small business, you often will find yourself encouraging people to shop locally. Local community banks are often deeply rooted in the community and strongly support new businesses coming to town. Local banks tend to have personable staff, better rates, and products that compete well with bigger banks.

    By proactively addressing financial challenges, small business owners can position themselves for long-term success. Whether it’s optimizing cash flow, securing funding, or embracing technological solutions. The key is to stay informed, adapt to changing circumstances, and build a resilient financial foundation for your small business.

1. In-house service and guidance
 

Whether you’re building or buying a new home, relocating, or refinancing… Applying for a mortgage loan with Bippus State Bank doesn’t just stop with the loan. We’re committed to helping you through every stage of the process so that you understand all the financial details that go into getting your dream home. Your dedicated Bippus Mortgage Loan Officer will get to know you and your financial goals to best guide you through the process from beginning to end.

Using this personalized process, setting up your mortgage is no longer a stress-inducing headache… Instead, it becomes a sigh of relief. Giving you more time to place your attention where it’s most important – your family’s needs for your upcoming transition.

 

2. Flexible terms
 

Our real estate loans and home mortgages are serviced in-house allowing you to receive quick and convenient service. But it also means that Bippus home mortgages can be flexible – we offer terms that will fit your exact needs.

When you apply for a mortgage loan, your Bippus Mortgage Loan Officer will discuss the details with you to come up with a plan that is going to work best for you and your family and offer a flexible plan with the most competitive rates possible. If you’re curious to see what your numbers might look like, check out our Mortgage Calculators for free assessments.

 

3. Get pre-approved
 

In addition to talking through all of your financial goals and setting up flexible terms, Bippus will get you pre-approved (at no cost to you) so that you know before you make an offer that you can purchase that perfect home while staying within your budget. This will save you a lot of valuable time in your home search as well, by helping you filter the options you know will be in your price range.

 
4. Online applications
 

Applying is EASY. You can start with an online application. It’s one less thing to have to worry about scheduling an appointment for, or making a rush stop by the bank to get taken care of.

 

5. Handle all of your banking needs in one place
 

Bippus can help you tackle all of your financial needs. From mortgages to loans to checking accounts to deposit accounts… We have your back with over 100 years of dedicated, personal service. We’re here to make smart banking less confusing, less stressful, and more attainable.

 

Visit the Mortgage Loan Center

Personal Loan Products

 

Our lenders are experiencing a high volume of applications at this time. We appreciate you applying with us, and our officers will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

For further information contact us at 1-877-653-8900.