Be on the Lookout for Utility-Related Scams

In response to the recent winter storms that have caused utility outages in the United States, the FTC is warning people to be aware of utility and weather-related scams.

If a scammer knows that electricity has been shut off in an area, they might call and offer you reimbursement for the time you were without power. However, they’ll claim to need your bank account number or other personal information in order to get you the money. Likewise, if your utility is still currently off, a scammer might claim to be able to restore service, but only if you send them money immediately.

If you are contacted by a suspected scammer, the FTC recommends:

  • Never call a number left in a voicemail, text or email. Instead, call the utility company directly using the number on the company’s website or your bill and verify if the message came from them.
  • Never give your banking information over the phone on an unknown number. Only pay your bills over the phone when you initiated the call to a number you know is legitimate.
  • If a caller insists that you pay with a gift card, cash reload card, money transfer, or cryptocurrency, it’s a scam.

Always be aware that scammers are continually looking to exploit any current situation in order to get your money, and bad weather is no exception. To report any scams you see, visit reportfraud.ftc.gov.

American Federal Employees Earn ‘Sales Star’ Recognition

Nineteen American Federal Bankers and employees have earned ‘Sales Star’ recognition from American Federal Bank for outstanding sales and sales referral performance in 2020.

A “Sales Star” is the highest honor of recognition an employee can earn at American Federal. American Federal’s 2020 Sales Stars are:

  • Cindy Ackley, Senior Associate, Moorhead
  • Betty Amundson, Associate, East Grand Forks
  • Adam Braunberger, Business Banker, Fargo Downtown
  • Ryan Bohnsack, Ag/Business Banker, Fargo South
  • Mark Eifert, Market President, Fergus Falls
  • Chris Grettum, Personal Banker, Fargo Downtown
  • Brooke Hassel, Associate Banker, Crookston
  • Nikki Hatzenbeller, Loan Origination Service Manager, Fargo Home Office
  • Jason Jaeger, Business Banker, Fargo Downtown
  • Justin Marquis, Ag/Business Banker, Fosston
  • Pat McShane, Market President, Fargo Downtown
  • Dustin Morris, Ag/Business Banker, Fergus Falls
  • Becky Myhra, Senior Associate, Wahpeton
  • Tiffany Ness, Loan Processor, Fargo Home Office
  • Brian Olson, Ag/Business Banker, Moorhead
  • Ryan Paulson, Ag/Business Banker, Fosston
  • Dan Paulson, Market President, Fosston
  • Alison Perez, Personal Banker, Grand Forks
  • Patrick Stadum, Associate Banker, Fargo Downtown

In recognition of their achievement, American Federal “Sales Star” employees and their families are traditionally invited to attend a weekend Sales Star Retreat, training seminar and awards banquet in their honor. However, due to the COVID-19 situation, this year a virtual event was held on Friday, January 29 to honor their accomplishments.