AmeriServ Presents: Bank Chats

Comment via Text Message On this episode of 2 Cents, Drew and Jeff break down a real-world bank scam where a spoofed caller ID, a fake “fraud department,” and a scripted sense of urgency convince a young woman to withdraw cash and hand it directly to the scammer. We focus on the social engineering behind the story and the simple habits that can keep a panic moment from becoming a life-changing loss. Please check out our full library of episodes, which can be found on the ameriserv.com ...

Comment via Text Message The calendar flipped to 2026, but those holiday charges didn’t disappear. We unpack how financial stress shows up in your body—lost sleep, headaches, tight chest—and why naming the exact trigger is the fastest way to shrink fear and regain control. From rent and utilities to weddings, new babies, and college bills, we map the common pressure points and show how a simple plan can help steady your mind. You’re not alone—many people feel this squeeze after the holidays. ...

Comment via Text Message Holiday spending doesn’t have to wreck your January. We take a clear, no-jargon look at the 50/30/20 budgeting framework and show how to make it work when life gets messy, prices rise, and traditions add extra costs. From right-sizing housing to rethinking commutes, we map out practical ways to protect the essentials while still enjoying the season. Be sure to follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a budget reset, and leave a quick review to help others fi...

Comment via Text Message Side hustles promise freedom and extra cash, but the real story lives in the details: taxes, time, wear and tear, and the quiet risk of burnout. From delivery apps and service work to rentals, flips, and reselling, we unpack what “profit” looks like after you count everything that doesn’t show up in the app’s payout screen. Throughout, we come back to one test: calculate your true hourly earnings after taxes, expenses, and energy. Pick gigs that build skills, fit you...

Comment via Text Message Think playing solitaire can pay the rent? We take a look at the booming world of “get-paid-to-play” mobile apps—reward platforms, “skill-based” tournaments, and lottery-style games—and ask the only question that matters: how much can you actually earn? Drew and Jeff share firsthand experiences; unpack how early milestones hook you with small wins; and explain why minimum cashouts, token expirations, and transfer fees quietly shrink your payout. Be sure to follow the ...

Comment via Text Message Think you're too tech-savvy to fall for a scam? Think again. Young adults between 20-29 are now losing money to fraud more frequently than seniors—a startling reversal of what many assume about scam victims. As students flood back to campuses nationwide, they're walking into a minefield of sophisticated schemes designed specifically to exploit their unique vulnerabilities. In this eye-opening episode of 2 Cents, we dive deep into the alarming world of student-targete...