The Built for Better Banking Newsletter - June 2025

Union State Bank News & Events

Vendor Change Drives Account Enhancement

Union State Bank will end their six-year partnership with checking account provider KASASA next month. Bank officials are using this transition as an opportunity to streamline offerings while enhancing product features.

The transition away from KASASA has placed a new emphasis on USB’s eVantage checking product. KASASA customers were notified in early May that their accounts would be transitioned to eVantage checking in July.

Along with the change in checking products, USB has launched a new savings account. eVantage Save works similarly to eVantage checking by offering a higher interest rate when monthly qualifications are met. However, a customer does not have to have the eVantage checking account to open an eVantage Save account.

Saving The Easy Way With Round Up

Union State Bank customers now have a new way to effortlessly build their savings with Round Up, a convenient feature now available with any USB consumer checking account. The free “add on” feature automatically rounds up each debit card purchase to the nearest dollar and transfers the difference into the checking or savings account of the customer’s choice.

Amanda Conrad, Winfield Retail Coordinator for Union State Bank, likens the feature to a modern twist on a timeless habit. “Think of our Round Up feature as tossing your spare change into your coin jar at the end of the day,” she said. “For instance, you swipe your card for $1.75 and then later in the day for $5.50, you will see one transfer at the end of the day for $0.75.”

Cowley Students Install USB Bench

Cowley College recently installed a new bench in the courtyard of the Tyler Technical Education Center on their Arkansas City campus, a project made possible through the generosity of Union State Bank and the skilled collaboration of Cowley’s faculty and students.

Union State Bank sponsored the courtyard through donations made during the planning and construction of the Tyler Technical Education Center. From the outset, the project was envisioned as a hands-on opportunity for student involvement—aligning with the college’s mission of experiential learning. Though the center officially opened in the fall, the completion of the bench was delayed to ensure students could play an active role in the process.

Visit www.MyUnionState.Bank to learn more.

Overpayment Fraud:

How to Recognize & Respond

Overpayment fraud is a common and deceptive scam that typically targets individuals selling goods or services online, small businesses, or even landlords. The scam involves a fraudster who poses as a legitimate buyer or client and sends a payment, usually via check, money order, or electronic transfer, that exceeds the agreed upon amount. The scammer then asks the victim to refund the excess payment, usually before the original payment clears. When the initial payment eventually bounces or is revealed to be fraudulent, the victim is left out of pocket for the amount they refunded.

One of the most telling signs of overpayment fraud is receiving a payment that is larger than expected, especially from a buyer who is eager or insistent on resolving the discrepancy quickly. Scammers often fabricate a reason for the overpayment, such as covering shipping costs, prepaying for future services, or accidentally inputting the wrong amount.

Another red flag is pressure to return the excess funds urgently, often through wire transfers, gift cards, or other untraceable methods. Poor grammar, a vague backstory, or reluctance to communicate directly can also signal potential fraud.

If you suspect you’re being targeted or realize you’ve already fallen victim to overpayment fraud, act swiftly. Do not send any money back, and when possible avoid depositing or cashing the suspicious check or payment. Contact your bank immediately to report the incident and to help prevent further financial damage. Preserve all communications with the scammer as evidence, and report the scam to appropriate authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission, Internet Crime Complaint Center, or your local law enforcement.

By staying vigilant and recognizing the warning signs of overpayment fraud, individuals and businesses can better protect themselves against financial loss and disruption. When in doubt, always verify transactions and trust your instincts, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

For additional information about online scams and cybersecurity visit our website: https://www.myunionstate.bank/services/mobile-and-online-banking/online-security-tips