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If you get a call saying “you’ve won a prize,” you might be thinking, why not claim it? Unfortunately, it’s likely a scam to steal your money — especially if it’s for a contest you didn’t enter. So how can you spot and avoid a prize scam?

Here’s how these scams often go. You get a call out of the blue saying you’ve won something — maybe a new car, a laptop or money. The caller might even claim they’re with a well-known company, hoping to seem legitimate. (They’re not.) Before you can claim your prize, they say you need to pay “taxes,” “shipping and handling charges” or “processing fees.” (You don’t.) 

Bottom line: if they say there’s a charge to get your prize, it’s a scam. If you pay, you’ll end up losing money instead of winning anything.

To help you avoid a prize scam:

1. Slow down. Scammers will say “it’s a limited time offer” to try to pressure you to act quickly. 
2. Know that real prizes are free. 
3. Do research. Search online for the name of the contest or the company with words like “complaint,” “review” or “scam” to see what others are saying.

Bath State Bank is undertaking a web site redesign (to the web site, not the online banking portal), and we want your feedback as a valued customer of the Bank to ensure we make the best version possible. We are starting this project in April, so your input is needed please.

Please use the link below to answer a brief survey that should take less than 2 minutes to complete. Thank you, in advance, for your input.

Bath State Bank Web Site Redesign Survey (click for form)

Go paperless with Bath State Bank and enjoy the convenience of eStatements!

• Save time, reduce clutter & keep your financial info at your fingertips
• View your statements anytime, anywhere
• Fast, secure & eco-friendly 
• Easy access through Bath State Bank's online & mobile banking

Sign up today and simplify the way you bank. Visit our online banking link, visit our lobby or call us (765-732-3022) today to get set-up.

Smishing or SMS phishing is about sending fake text messages claiming that the owner of the phone has won a free product or needs to enter information to correct an account mistake. Within the text message, there is a malicious URL link that lures the person into clicking the link or a fake phone number. After the user has clicked the link, that is when the hacking starts.

They may request:

• Credit card information
• Account passwords
• Account information
• Other valuable information

Tips to Prevent Becoming a Victim:
1: Avoid clicking on any messages with links. 
2: Do not reply to text messages that have asked you about any of your personal finances.
3: Call the business phone number that you know to see if it is a legitimate request before responding.
4: If the text message urges for a quick reply then that is a clear sign of Smishing! Don’t Respond!
5: Never call back a phone number that was associated with the text that concerns you.
6: Delete the fraudulent message.

Use the “cash-only” challenge!

For one week, pay with cash instead of cards. When you physically see the money leaving your wallet or pocketbook, you’ll think twice before spending. It’s a simple way to stay mindful of your purchases — and you may be surprised how much less you spend! 
 
Would you try a cash-only week?

Round down your balance — and save the rest! Each time you check your Bath State Bank Checking account, take whatever amount is over a whole number and move it to your BSB savings account.

For example: If your balance is $826.04, move that $6.04 to savings.

It’s quick, painless and you’ll barely notice it’s gone from your checking account, but over time, those small transfers really add up and grow your savings account. Little by little, you’re building a new habit and a safety net for 2026. 

It's winter. They say the snow is coming this weekend (Jan. 24-25!) According to area reports, we are in the 8-12 inch range of snowfall with gusty winds through Monday. Our areas tend to get many drifts, and electric can be a problem with the high winds and ice on power lines.

Listed below are the inclement weather advisory levels for Indiana which Bath State Bank follows. Watch our FB page for announcements, but in the event there is a power outage or cell tower outage -- we might have an issue posting. Please call before you drive to the Bank, or just stay home.

If you need to be in the roads due to your job -- use caution. Otherwise, pay your bills through our online banking software, break out the board games and enjoy snowmageddon.

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In the event of inclement weather advisories issued by the State of Indiana . . .

+ If Franklin County is on a Level Red advisory – the Bath location will be closed.

+ If Union County is on a Level Red advisory – Liberty and West College Corner locations will be closed.

+ If a level is moved to Orange or Yellow before the Noon hour, Bath State Bank will adjust hours according to the safety of our staff and customers. Simply watch our FB page for announcements that day.

Level Red means that all county roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be using county roadways unless it is absolutely necessary to travel.

For the safety of our employees, Bath State Bank will adhere to the Indiana advisory.

New Regulation for 2026: Effective Jan. 1, 2026, you can use your HSA funds to pay for Direct Primary Care memberships.

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged personal savings account for individuals enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to pay for qualified medical expenses like deductibles, co-pays , prescriptions and such. Funds grow tax-free and withdrawals for eligible medical costs are tax-free -- offering a way to save and pay for healthcare with pre-tax dollars. 

A health savings account is yours, not your employer’s. You control the account. If you switch jobs, no problem as your account remains with you. You operate it with a special HSA debit card/checkbook. BSB offers these accounts. Simply ask about the account today, and how it would benefit you and your family.

An HSA offers a unique blend of tax advantages and flexibility. That’s a game-changer in your financial planning. A few fun facts about its use include:
--The funds are portable and never expire
--You can use it as a retirement fund after age 65
--You can use it for surprisingly common items beyond hospital stays and prescription drugs. Many people are unaware that HSA funds can be used for: Over-the-counter medications, sunscreen, chiropractic care, hygiene products, hearing aids, pill organizer, eyeglasses/contacts, birth control, acupuncture, transportation for medical care, dental services, breast pumps, compression socks, lip balm, air purifiers and more.

New Regulation for 2026: Effective Jan. 1, 2026, you can use your HSA funds to pay for Direct Primary Care memberships.