A compilation of tips and recommendations from Planters First Bank and its partners on ways to stay safe online, as well as how to avoid cyber threats and scams during this pandemic.
Avoiding Cyber Threats and Scams:
- FTC: Coronavirus: Scammers follow the headlines
- FTC & FDA: Tips for Avoiding Coronavirus Scams
- FTC & FDA: Coronavirus Scams, Part 2
- FTC: Beware of Census 2020 Scams!
- ESET: Beware Scams Exploiting Coronavirus Fears
Security Tips for Remote Workers: NCSA’s Security Tips for Remote Workers
Government Assistance and Resources:
- CDC: What You Need to Know About COVID-19
- IRS: Coronavirus Tax Relief
- SBA: SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to Coronavirus
- WHO: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak
Always beware of scams using fear/intimidation, trickery, urgency, or disinformation related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to attempt to steal your sensitive, personal, or account information. Watch out for strange calls, emails, texts or websites that look like they are coming from legitimate businesses or government agencies asking for information like SSN, usernames/passwords (login info), account numbers, credit or debit card numbers, PINs, etc. Planters First Bank will never request such information through email/text/outbound calls. Always check your account statements for official websites and customer service numbers and call those numbers directly rather than giving out information over the phone/email/text.
Please be reassured that Planters First Bank is taking the necessary steps to avoid potential disruptions of service to our customers. Planters First Bank continues to monitor the situation using information from trusted sources, including the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organizations (WHO), banking agencies/regulators, and state/local health agencies. While it is impossible for anyone to predict the spread of the Coronavirus and fully understand its impact, it does not alter our focus on continuing to serve you.