Finding the right rental can already be stressful, especially in a competitive housing market. Unfortunately, scammers are making it even harder by targeting people searching for apartments and homes online. According to new data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), rental scams have resulted in about $65 million in reported losses since 2020, and the […]
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Financial scams are becoming more sophisticated, more frequent, and closer to home. From phishing emails and fraudulent phone calls to payment scams and identity theft, fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to target individuals, families, and businesses. These threats don’t just exist online or in far‑off places, they are impacting communities like ours every day. […]
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Murphy-Wall State Bank and Trust Company is proud to recognize Margo Dudek and Mandy Partin as its Students of the Month for their academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in school and community activities. Margo Dudek Margo plans to further her education in Cyber Security and Network Management at Murray State University. She also has aspirations […]
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This scam targets people who are working on home construction projects. You receive an email that claims you must pay a permit fee immediately to avoid delays with your project. This email looks real and may even include a case number or your home address. It instructs you to pay the permit fee immediately via […]
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As more homeowners explore solar and clean energy options, scammers are finding new ways to take advantage of rising interest. Many fraudsters use misleading promises to push people into expensive contracts or upfront payments for solar installations that are not legitimate. One common tactic involves salespeople who knock on your door and claim you can […]
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Oakdale Lending Officer Jonathan Wilson Pictured with Debbie from Washington County Animal Control Giving Back Through Our Jeans Day Fund At Murphy‑Wall State Bank and Trust Company, giving back to our communities is important to us, especially when it’s driven by our employees. Through our employee‑funded Jeans Day program, staff members have the option every […]
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Scammers often make up stories to steal personal information or money, and one of the ways they do this is by pretending to offer free government grant money for personal expenses. Many of these schemes begin with unexpected contact, such as a phone call, email, text message, or social media message, telling you that you […]
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Paying for college is one of the biggest financial decisions many families will ever face. Tuition, fees, housing, books, and living expenses can add up quickly, leaving students and parents unsure where to start. The good news is that there are multiple ways to pay for college, including scholarships, federal financial aid, work‑study programs, and […]
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Online shopping makes it easy to browse used cars from the comfort of your home, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers increasingly use online platforms to advertise cars they don’t actually own. According to the FTC, criminals post fake listings on auction and sales sites like eBay Motors, Facebook Marketplace, and other […]
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Credit plays a major role in many financial decisions, yet it is often misunderstood. When people don’t fully understand how credit works, they can make choices that lead to long‑term debt and financial stress. This article explains what credit is, how to manage it responsibly, and how to build or improve credit, using guidance […]
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