Reliance State Bank - Information Center

Scam of the Week: A Vote You'll Regret

riley.nelson@amesnational.com (Reliance State Bank) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:02:11 +0000

Scam of the Week: A Vote You'll Regret

Imagine you open WhatsApp, a popular messaging app, and see a message from someone you know. They send you a link and ask you to vote in an online contest—for example, for their niece in a dance recital or their pet in a costume contest. The message feels casual, but a little urgent, like something a friend would send in a rush. Since the message comes from someone you trust, you don’t feel worried about clicking the link.

But think twice before clicking. This is actually a scam to take over your WhatsApp account! Selecting the "vote" link opens a page that appears to be part of WhatsApp, asking you to verify or connect. This may seem like a harmless step, but if you do so, cybercriminals will connect to your account. Then, they can access your messages and contacts to learn your personal information. They can even forward the same scam to everyone in your contacts!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this WhatsApp scam:

Be cautious of unexpected messages containing links, even if they appear to come from a real friend or family member.
Never link a new device to your account unless you're the one who initiated the connection. If you receive a message asking you to connect a new device, that’s a red flag for a scam.
Regularly check the devices linked to your WhatsApp account in your WhatsApp settings. If there are any devices you don’t recognize, unlink them.

Stop, Look, and Think. Don't be fooled.

Article provided by KnowBe4.com

Scam of the Week: One Letter Away from a Scam

riley.nelson@amesnational.com (Reliance State Bank) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:48:23 +0000

Scam of the Week: One Letter Away from a Scam

A message pops up in your Facebook Messenger inbox from what appears to be an official Facebook account, “Meta Verified.” Unusually, the account name is misspelled as "Verrified," with an extra “r.” But what catches your attention is that the message says your Facebook account shows unusual activity. It includes a PDF attachment and warns that your account will be permanently deleted if you don't respond within 24 hours. The message includes the official Meta logo and states that it is encrypted, so at a glance, it seems real.

But this message is actually a phishing scam! Cybercriminals hope that you’ll be alarmed by the urgent warning about account deletion and act without thinking. If you open the PDF file, it could contain malicious links or direct you to a fake website that is designed to steal your personal data!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this Facebook phishing scam:

If you receive an account warning through Facebook Messenger, don't open any attachments. Go directly to the Facebook app or website yourself to check your account status.
Use caution any time you receive an unexpected message that seems urgent. Cybercriminals often try to trick you by rushing you into acting before you’ve had a chance to think.
In this particular scam, the message you receive is from an account with a misspelled name. Unusual account names or grammatical errors in “official” messages should always be treated as a red flag.

Stop, Look, and Think. Don't be fooled.

Article provided by KnowBe4.com

Scam of the Week: Cloud-y with a Chance of Fraud

riley.nelson@amesnational.com (Reliance State Bank) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:12:22 +0000

Scam of the Week: Cloud-y with a Chance of Fraud

You open your inbox and are startled to see what looks like an official email from Apple that says your iCloud storage is full. It says that if you do not upgrade your storage plan within the next two days, your photographs and files will be permanently deleted. Luckily, the cost to upgrade is very low, but you’ll need to act quickly to save your data.

But this email is actually a phishing scam! Cybercriminals send these fake iCloud storage warnings to rush you into making a quick decision before you have time to think. If you select the link, you’ll be taken to a fake webpage and asked to enter your card information to “upgrade your storage.” But if you do, cybercriminals will steal your financial information!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:

Never select links in unexpected emails about your account or storage. Always go directly to your device's settings to check your storage plan.
If an email claims you need to act immediately to protect your account, treat it as a red flag. Cybercriminals often use a sense of urgency to trick you into making quick decisions.
If you receive a suspicious email, be sure to follow your organization’s policies for reporting it!

Stop, Look, and Think. Don't be fooled.

Article provided by KnowBe4.com

Scam of the Week: No Call? Good Call

riley.nelson@amesnational.com (Reliance State Bank) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:05:34 +0000

Scam of the Week: No Call? Good Call

Imagine seeing an email appear in your inbox that looks like a PayPal receipt. It claims you just sent a large payment for a subscription renewal, but you don’t recall ever signing up. The email includes a phone number and states that if you didn’t make the purchase, you must call within the next 12 hours to dispute the charge. It looks like a real PayPal invoice, and you might be tempted to call the number right away.

But this email is a trick to get you to dial the “support” number. It’s actually a phishing scam! If you call, a cybercriminal will answer and pretend to help you. They’ll request your personal and financial information to “process the refund,” or they might ask you to install software on your device to “fix” the issue. No matter what they ask you, their goal is to steal your money or data!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:

If you receive an unexpected PayPal invoice or renewal notice, don't call the phone number listed in the email. Instead, verify if the charge is real by logging in to your PayPal account on the official website or mobile app.
Urgency is a red flag. By pressuring you to respond within 12 hours, cybercriminals are hoping to trick you into acting without thinking.
Even though this particular email doesn’t contain any suspicious links or attachments, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. In this case, the phone number in the email is the trap!

Stop, Look, and Think. Don't be fooled.

Article provided by KnowBe4.com

Scam of the Week: A File From a "Friend"

riley.nelson@amesnational.com (Reliance State Bank) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:54:29 +0000

Scam of the Week: A File From a "Friend"

You receive a message on WhatsApp, a popular app for sending instant messages. It’s from someone you know, such as a colleague, a friend, or even a family member. They've sent over an attachment that appears to be a business document, like a billing statement, payment record, or an account notice. It's unusual for them to send you something like this, but since it's from someone you trust, you might think it’s safe to open it.

Even though the message you received came from someone in your contacts list, it’s actually a phishing scam! Your contact may not even be aware that it was sent. If cybercriminals are able to gain control of someone else’s WhatsApp account, they can use it to send you messages, like this one. If you open the file, malware will be installed that gives cybercriminals full remote access to your device. They can view your screen and control your computer as if they were sitting right in front of it!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:

Be cautious of any unexpected files sent via WhatsApp or other messaging apps, even if they appear to come from someone you know. If a contact sends you a file out of the blue, reach out to them through a separate channel, such as a phone call or another app, to verify it.
Remember that files can be disguised to look like ordinary documents. If you receive something that feels out of place for the person who sent it, like a billing statement from a personal contact, trust your instincts and don't open it.
Always stop and think before you act! Cybercriminals can sometimes gain access to the accounts of trusted contacts and make phishing attacks seem more believable.

Stop, Look, and Think. Don't be fooled.

Article provided by KnowBe4.com

Small Business Spotlight: Story City Physical Therapy

riley.nelson@amesnational.com (Reliance State Bank) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:51:16 +0000

Since opening its doors in October 2025, Story City Physical Therapy has been committed to helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and confidence so they can get back to doing what they love. Owned and operated by Jake Stotts, DPT, the clinic offers personalized care for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, TMJ disorders, acute and sports-related injuries, back pain, balance and gait issues, vertigo, headaches, post-surgical rehabilitation, dry needling, fitness training, and speed and agility development.

With 17 years of experience in physical therapy, Jake has dedicated his career to helping people navigate injuries, recover from setbacks, and improve their overall quality of life. His passion for serving others is what inspired him to bring his expertise to the community he now calls home.

"At Story City Physical Therapy, our goal is to get you back on your right path. I have been fortunate to work in this profession for the past 17 years and have had a variety of patients. Being able to work with individuals has always been reciprocative to me. I am truly blessed to be able to treat the people in this community."

A few years ago, Jake and his family made the decision to move to Story City because of the opportunities it offered their children and the strong relationships they already had with families in the area through their church community. Those connections, combined with a desire to serve the community where his family lives and grows, made Story City the perfect place to establish his practice.

For Jake, the most rewarding part of owning a business isn't just providing treatment - it's building relationships and walking alongside patients throughout their recovery journey. "Having the privilege to work with people through their pathology and impairment has been one of the greatest blessings of my career. There is something truly rewarding about helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals."

Being able to work in the same community where he lives has also provided valuable opportunities to spend more time with his family and be actively involved in their daily lives. "I enjoy working where I live because it allows me to be more present for my kids—to attend their sporting events, school activities, and the moments that matter most."

Jake has been a customer of Reliance State Bank since the summer of 2025, when his son opened his first bank account. As a small business owner, he appreciates having a local banking partner that makes day-to-day operations simple and convenient. "Reliance State Bank has helped my business thrive by making deposits and managing the movement of money easy and accessible."

Through his commitment to exceptional patient care and his investment in the community, Jake is helping Story City residents move better, feel better, and live healthier lives. Story City Physical Therapy has quickly become a trusted resource for individuals and families throughout the area, and Jake looks forward to continuing to serve the community for years to come.

Small Business Spotlight: Floatation Innovation

info@rsbiowa.com (Reliance State Bank) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Pictured is Joe, Jade, Justin (RSB) and Jase.

Floatation Innovation, founded by Jace, Joe, and the Pringnitz family, is making waves with its focus on creating innovative products designed for life on the water. Officially opening on May 15, 2025, the business was born out of a simple idea - taking a frustrating experience with a water mat and turning it into an opportunity to create something better.

Driven by a desire to improve both functionality and enjoyment on the water, the team set out to design products that enhance the overall experience for customers. What they enjoy most about running their business is the constant opportunity to learn and grow, along with the challenges that come with building something from the ground up.

Choosing Garner as the home base for Floatation Innovation was an easy decision. With deep roots in the community, the owners value the strong sense of connection and support that comes with a close-knit town. That local foundation has played an important role in helping them launch and grow their business.

The Pringnitz family has also maintained a long-standing relationship with Reliance State Bank, built on trust, support, and shared commitment to the community. Reliance State Bank has been instrumental in helping Floatation Innovation grow - assisting with financing a livestock facility, supporting the purchase of EZ Roll Marine Mats, and providing the capital needed to expand their operations.

As Floatation Innovation continues to develop new products and push boundaries, they remain focused on delivering better solutions for customers while staying grounded in the community that helped them get started.

Small Business Spotlight: Modern Cents Accounting

info@rsbiowa.com (Reliance State Bank) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Pictured is Sandra Swanson, Kim Finley, and Paula Brown

Located in Story City, Modern Cents Accounting, LLC is dedicated to providing professional, high-quality accounting services tailored to the specific needs of both businesses and individuals. Owned by Sandra Swanson and opened in the summer of 2025, the business offers a comprehensive suite of services including individual and business tax preparation, consulting, bookkeeping, and payroll support for small businesses.

For Sandra, opening a business in Story City was a natural fit. She grew up in nearby Stanhope and attended South Hamilton, while her husband is a Roland-Story graduate who grew up in Story City. With deep family roots in the area, building a business in the community they call home was especially meaningful.

One of Sandra’s favorite parts of being a business owner is the opportunity to meet new people and hear their stories. Through Modern Cents Accounting, she hopes to become a trusted resource for local individuals and businesses while also giving back through Chamber involvement and community events.

Story City’s strong sense of community played a major role in Sandra’s decision to establish her business locally. She values the relationships and support that come from being part of a close-knit community and looks forward to helping local businesses succeed for years to come.

When choosing a banking partner, Sandra turned to Reliance State Bank because of its local presence, strong community involvement, and exceptional customer service. Being located right on her block made the partnership even more convenient, but it was the bank’s commitment to supporting the community and providing personalized service that truly stood out.

With a passion for helping others and strong ties to the area, Sandra is building more than an accounting business - she’s creating a trusted local resource for the Story City community.

Small Business Spotlight: Silver Chandelier

info@rsbiowa.com (Reliance State Bank) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:29:00 +0000

Pictured is Kim Finley, Paula Brown, and Connie Phillips

In the heart of Story City, Silver Chandelier has become a vibrant destination for shoppers seeking unique finds and one-of-a-kind treasures. Owned by Connie Phillips, who purchased the business in 2024, the store offers an eclectic mix of home décor, collectibles, and carefully curated items from more than 20 vendors. Each visit provides something new to discover, making it a favorite stop for both locals and visitors.

For Connie, owning Silver Chandelier is the realization of a long-held dream. She always wanted a store of her own, but her vision extended beyond entrepreneurship. She was equally motivated by a desire to contribute to the Story City community and help strengthen Main Street as a thriving destination. That sense of purpose is reflected in the welcoming atmosphere of the store and its role in local events and activities.

One of Connie’s favorite aspects of business ownership is the opportunity to connect with others. She enjoys organizing events and working closely with the Story City Greater Chamber Connection. More than anything, she values the customers who walk through the door, often turning a simple shopping trip into an experience. “They make every day an event,” she shares.

Story City itself plays a central role in the success of Silver Chandelier. For Connie, there was never a question of where to establish her business. “There is no place I would rather be,” she says. “It’s a community - our Main Street thrives, and that makes it special.” That strong sense of community continues to draw people to the area and supports small businesses like hers.

Connie’s relationship with Reliance State Bank spans decades, dating back to the 1980s when she first opened her personal account, as well as accounts for her sons. Banking is part of her family’s history - her mother also worked in the bank’s bookkeeping department. When it came time to open Silver Chandelier, Reliance State Bank was a natural partner.

The bank played an important role in helping Connie get the business up and running, assisting with bookkeeping and navigating the necessary permits. She credits their team with providing excellent customer service and guidance throughout the process. Today, Reliance continues to support her business by handling deposits, answering questions, and offering assistance for both her personal and commercial accounts.

With its unique inventory, strong community ties, and welcoming atmosphere, Silver Chandelier is more than just a store - it’s an experience. Connie Phillips has created a space that reflects both her personal passion and her commitment to Story City, helping ensure that Main Street remains a lively and inviting place for years to come.

Small Business Spotlight: Benjamin Gruwell Photography

info@rsbiowa.com (Reliance State Bank) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:29:00 +0000

Meet Ben Gruwell - or as his little clients affectionately call him, Mr. Ben - the talented owner of Benjamin Gruwell Photography. Ben officially launched his business in 2014 after graduating from DMACC in Ankeny, following in the footsteps of a long line of entrepreneurs.

Photography has been a lifelong passion for Ben. “I’ve always been fascinated by the candid photos my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents captured in their youth,” he shares. “This is my true passion - to capture a moment in life and pass it on to the next generation.”

One of Ben’s favorite parts of running his own business is connecting with people. Over the years, he’s had the joy of photographing families as kids grow up, parents become grandparents, and couples celebrate their weddings.

A Story City native, Ben is deeply rooted in his community. Even during the years he lived out of state, he made weekly trips back to serve his local clients. “There’s something truly magical about Story City and the people who call it home,” he says.

Ben’s connection to the community goes even further back. As a child, he fondly remembers opening his first savings and checking account at Reliance State Bank (then Randall-Story State Bank). Later, when starting his business, RSB supported him with a line of credit to purchase essential equipment. “The team at Reliance has always been some of the kindest people you could ever meet,” Ben reflects.

From capturing life’s special moments to supporting his hometown community, Ben Gruwell Photography is all about preserving memories that last for generations.

To learn more about Ben's services, visit his website!