Scammers are getting smarter, and their tactics are becoming harder to spot. From suspicious text messages to AI-generated impersonations, protecting your personal information has never been more important. In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie sits down with John and Jake from First Source to talk about the latest fraud and cybersecurity threats. They share practical advice to help you recognize warning signs before it's too late.

The conversation covers everything from creating stronger passwords and protecting your phone to identifying common scams involving gift cards, fake checks, and fraudulent job offers. John and Jake also explore how artificial intelligence is changing the game for scammers. They share some eye-opening examples of how criminals are using technology and personal information to trick unsuspecting victims.

Whether you're protecting your own accounts or looking out for a loved one, this episode is packed with information worth knowing. The biggest takeaway? Slow down and trust your instincts. Taking a few extra moments to verify something suspicious could save you from a costly mistake.

We Cover:
• Common red flags to watch for in suspicious emails, text messages, and phone calls
• How stronger passwords and multifactor authentication can help protect your accounts
• Why gift card scams and fake checks continue to catch people off guard
• How AI-generated images and impersonation scams are creating new threats
• Simple ways to protect your social media accounts and report suspected fraud

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

What actually makes a credit union different from a bank? In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie goes back to the basics with First Source President and CEO John Calabrese and Chief Human Resources Officer Martina Jory. They explore what it means to be a member owned financial cooperative and why that model still matters today. The conversation also looks back at First Source's beginnings with 11 local teachers in 1938.

The conversation then goes behind the scenes to explore the culture that drives First Source today. Martina and John share why an employee first approach is so important to the organization. They discuss promoting from within and recognizing longtime employees. They also explain how taking care of employees can ultimately create a better experience for members and the communities they serve.

From its roots in education to its focus on community impact, this episode offers a closer look at the ideas behind First Source. It's a conversation about building an organization where employees can grow and members have a voice. Most importantly, it's about how those values can extend far beyond the walls of a credit union.

You Will Learn:
• What makes a credit union different from a traditional bank
• How 11 local teachers started what would become First Source in 1938
• Why First Source puts an employee first culture at the center of its decisions
• How internal growth creates long term career opportunities for employees
• Why investing in employees can create a greater impact for members and the community

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

For Coach Blaise Faggiano, football has always been about more than what happens on the field. In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie sits down with the Utica University head football coach to talk about developing young men who are prepared for life after college. From day one, his program puts faith, family, academics and football at the center of that mission.

Coach Faggiano also shares how deeply the Pioneers have become connected to the Utica community. Players are encouraged to volunteer and support local organizations throughout their time at the university. For some, that commitment continues long after graduation. He also talks about the pride that comes with representing Utica and the special relationship between the university and the Mohawk Valley.

The conversation wraps up with a look at First Source's upcoming Teacher Appreciation Game during Utica University's Homecoming. It's a fitting connection for a coach who began his career as a teacher and still sees coaching as another form of education. As Coach Faggiano puts it, the football field just happens to be his classroom.

We Cover:
• How Coach Faggiano uses football to prepare young men for life
• Why community service is built into the Utica football program
• What it means for players to wear “Utica" across their chest
• How players are inspiring the next generation throughout local schools
• Why teachers hold a special place in Coach Faggiano’s story

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu

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Utica Football Links:
Website - https://uticapioneers.com/sports/football
FB - https://www.facebook.com/UticaFootball
IG - https://www.instagram.com/uticafootball

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315