The Built for Better Banking Newsletter - June 2026

Union State Bank News & Events

USB Expands Mortgage Team

Union State Bank has expanded its mortgage team with the addition of two new Mortgage Loan Officers, strengthening the bank’s ability to serve homebuyers and homeowners across South Central Kansas.

Tracy Ryan, based at USB’s Wichita East location, and Stephen M. Woodburn, Ph.D., based at the Winfield South location, bring unique professional backgrounds, deep community ties and a shared commitment to helping customers navigate one of life’s most important financial decisions.

Together, Ryan and Woodburn add both experience and approachability to Union State Bank’s mortgage team. Ryan said guiding customers through the homebuying process is “very rewarding and humbling,” especially because reaching the closing table takes teamwork. Woodburn also values the community aspect of the work, noting that he has enjoyed meeting his new coworkers and looks forward to knowing them better.

With Ryan serving Wichita customers and Woodburn serving the Cowley County area, USB’s expanded mortgage team is positioned to provide local, responsive service to more families pursuing homeownership. Ryan summed up her approach simply, “I am excited to meet everyone, and my door is always open. I’m here for you and will help in any way I can.”

Behind Better Banking USB Phone Etiquette

At Union State Bank, providing exceptional customer service is more than a goal, it is an ongoing commitment. That commitment recently took center stage through a companywide focus on phone etiquette training, designed to strengthen customer interactions and ensure a consistently high level of service across all locations.

"In many ways, banks offer similar products," said Tara Woods, Corporate Trainer for Union State Bank. "What truly sets us apart is the experience we create. It's the personalized service, the relationships we build, and the expertise our team brings to each interaction that keeps our customers coming back and trusting us with their financial needs."

The initiative began during an all-employee celebration and training event held on April 29, where staff worked together to develop service standards that reflect the bank's values and commitment to customer care.

"We made a focused effort to enhance and bring consistency to the level of service our customers receive over the phone," Woods explained. "These standards weren't just handed down, they were thoughtfully developed by our staff. From there, we implemented the standards, supported our team with coaching and practice, and added a fun layer of accountability through testing and incentives."

June Is Elder Abuse Awareness Month

Each June communities around the world recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation experienced by older adults. While elder abuse can take many forms, financial exploitation remains one of the fastest-growing threats facing seniors today. According to the World Health Organization, approximately one in six adults age 60 and older experiences some form of abuse each year. Financial exploitation often leaves victims not only with significant monetary losses, but also emotional distress, embarrassment, and a loss of trust.

The growing sophistication of fraud schemes has made older adults particularly attractive targets for criminals. According to a 2025 report from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), complaints from victims over 60 exceeded 201,000 and reported losses were more than $7.7 billion. Complaints increased by 37% and losses by 59% compared to 2024.

At Union State Bank, staff regularly work with customers who have encountered fraud attempts or financial exploitation. According to Stephanie Quiggle, Union State Bank’s Fraud Financial Crimes Manager, some of the most common schemes targeting seniors today include investment scams, impersonation scams, and romance scams.

Visit www.MyUnionState.Bank to learn more.

Summer Scams Are Heating Up

Summer is a season for vacations, home improvement projects and outdoor adventures. Unfortunately, it's also a busy season for scammers looking to take advantage of people who are making travel plans, shopping online, or hiring seasonal services. A little awareness can go a long way toward protecting your money and personal information.

Vacation Rental Scams

Your Dream Getaway Could Be a Scam!

One of the most common summer scams involves vacation rentals. Fraudsters create fake listings for cabins, beach houses, or vacation homes using stolen photos and prices that seem too good to be true. They often pressure travelers to pay quickly through wire transfers, peer-to-peer payment apps, or cryptocurrency before someone else "books" the property. Before sending money, verify that the property exists, research the owner, and whenever possible, book through reputable rental platforms that offer payment protections.

Home Improvement Scams

Don't Let a "Great Deal" Cost You More.

As temperatures rise, so does the number of home improvement scams. Individuals may go door-to-door offering discounted roofing, paving, tree trimming, or driveway repairs after storms or simply because they're "working in the neighborhood." Some request large upfront payments and disappear before completing the work, while others perform poor-quality repairs and demand additional money. Always obtain multiple estimates, verify references, and avoid paying the full amount before work is completed.

Phishing Scams

Think Before You Click.

Summer also brings an increase in travel-related phishing scams. Criminals send emails or text messages claiming there is an issue with your airline reservation, hotel booking, toll payment, or vacation package. These messages often include links designed to steal usernames, passwords, or payment information. Instead of clicking links in unsolicited messages, visit the company's website directly or call the business using a phone number you know is legitimate.

Summer Activities Scams

Families with children should also be cautious when registering for summer camps, sports programs, or seasonal activities. Fake registration websites and fraudulent social media advertisements may collect payment for events that don't actually exist. Before registering, confirm that you're working with the official organization and research any unfamiliar businesses.

Marketplace Scams

That Bargain may Have Hidden Costs

Online marketplaces become especially active during the summer as people buy bicycles, grills, campers, lawn equipment, and recreational vehicles. Be wary of sellers who insist on payment before you've seen the item or who refuse to meet in person. If a deal seems unusually inexpensive, it may be a warning sign that the listing is fraudulent.

Public Wi-Fi Risks

Free Wi-Fi Doesn't Mean Risk-Free

Scammers know that many people spend more time outdoors and away from home during the summer months. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, campgrounds, or coffee shops. Avoid logging into financial accounts or making purchases unless you're using a secure connection or a trusted virtual private network (VPN).

Simple Ways to Stay Safe

The good news is that protecting yourself doesn't require complicated technology. A few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk:

Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
Verify businesses, rental properties, and contractors before making payments.
Never send money because someone pressures you to act immediately.
Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails or text messages.
Monitor your bank accounts regularly and report suspicious activity promptly.

With a little caution and awareness, you can spend less time worrying about fraud and more time enjoying everything summer has to offer.

For additional information about financial topics visit our website: https://www.myunionstate.bank/finance-blog

Disclaimer: The advice provided in these articles are for informational purposes only. It is recommended that individuals consult with financial professionals for personalized guidance.