Skip to main content

Planters First Bank offers free resources and conversation-starters on financial topics such as saving, setting financial goals, prioritizing spending decisions, and staying safe online.

Managing money isn’t easy. Learning about handling money as an adult makes it even more challenging. Teaching kids about money early on will help them to become more financially independent as they get older. At Planters First Bank, one of the ways we choose to give back to our communities is through youth development and financial education.

Slam the Scam: Protecting Yourself from Government Imposter Scams

In the age of digital connectivity, scams have become increasingly sophisticated, preying on unsuspecting individuals through various channels. One of the most prevalent types of scams is government imposter scams, where fraudsters pose as representatives of government agencies to deceive victims into providing personal information or money. To combat this growing threat and raise awareness, the Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General has designated March 7, 2024, as National...



Beware of Tax Scams

It's that time of year again – tax season. As you gear up to tackle your taxes, scammers are gearing up, too, ready to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Here are some unmistakable signs of a tax scam and proactive steps you can take if you encounter one. IRS Impersonator Alert: If the caller is pushy, demanding immediate payment, or threatening legal action, it's likely a scam. The IRS never makes such calls. Hang up and contact the IRS directly to report the scam call. IRS...



Online Romance and Dating Scams

Love is in the air and online, but so are cybercriminals! According to a recent Pew survey, almost a third of Americans said they used an online dating service or app, and 10% of people in a relationship said that they met their partner online. These stats are even higher for younger people. Unfortunately, though, all this online romance creates opportunities for scammers. Ick! WHAT IS A ROMANCE SCAM? Romance scams are also called sweetheart scams, which refer to scams involving...



2024 Identity Theft Awareness Week

What Is Identity Theft? Identity theft is when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. They might steal your name and address, credit card, or bank account numbers, Social Security number, or medical insurance account numbers. And they could use them to buy things with your credit cards get new credit cards in your name open a phone, electricity, or gas account in your name steal your tax refund use your health insurance to get...



2024 Data Privacy Week

Commitment to Respecting Data by Becoming a 2024 Data Privacy Week Champion This year’s initiative emphasizes educating businesses on data collection best practices that respect data privacy and promoting transparency Planters First Bank announced its commitment to Data Privacy Week 2024 by registering as a Champion. As a Champion, Planters First Bank recognizes and supports the principle that all organizations share the responsibility of being conscientious stewards of personal...



January is Financial Wellness Month

Is it paying bills on time, robust savings, a retirement fund, or affording a new car? Whatever financial health means to you, it starts with getting your finances in order. It’s easy to think that keeping track of your account balances is all you need to do to stay on top of your finances. But that is no longer true. Today, accounts are spread across multiple financial relationships. Where is your money going? To figure that out, you need to include savings and checking...



2023 Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Planters First Bank announced its commitment to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held annually in October, by signing up as a Champion and joining a growing global effort to promote online safety and privacy awareness. Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. And in this time of expanded use of online and mobile banking, the problem is only growing worse. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission’s report on...



Deepfake: AI-Powered Fraud

You’ve probably heard the phrase: “Don’t believe everything you see on the internet.” Now more than ever, it is crucial to question the authenticity of what we see and hear online. Staying Vigilant Against AI-Powered Fraud Staying vigilant against AI-powered fraud requires a combination of best practices, including education, authentication, and monitoring. Individuals must be aware of the risks and techniques scammers use to avoid falling prey to their deception. As a simple...



Check Scams

Scammers use many tactics to steal money—including paying people with fake checks. The phony checks can look like real business checks, personal checks, cashier’s checks or money orders—and be for large sums of money. In a fake check scam, a person you don’t know asks you to deposit a check and send money or gift cards to another person. They may say you need to pay taxes or fees or buy supplies. Common check scams: In these scams, the potential victim gets “paid” by...



Software Updates

One of the easiest ways to boost your cybersecurity is to always keep software and apps updated. Every day, software and app developers focus on keeping their users and products secure. They’re constantly looking for clues that hackers are trying to break into their systems or searching for holes where cybercriminals could sneak in, even if they’ve never been breached before. To fix these issues and improve security for everyone who uses their services, upstanding software companies...



Vacation and Travel Security

As you prepare for your next vacation, it's important to consider the potential cyber risks you may face while using technology. Whether you're sharing photos online or finding lodging through an app, it's essential to take steps to keep your information safe from cybercriminals. Here are some simple practices to keep in mind before and during your trip: Before You Go: - Travel lightly: Limit the number of devices you bring on your trip. - Check your settings: Review the privacy...



Planters First Bank joins ‘Safe Banking for Seniors’ campaign

Planters First Bank is joining the national effort to protect seniors from becoming victims of fraud and financial abuse by offering Safe Banking for Seniors workshops within the communities we serve and by providing free online resources. Each year older customers lose approximately $2.9 billion to fraud, but it is suspected that number is drastically underestimated because only 1 in 44 seniors report financial abuse. Safe Banking for Seniors is a new financial education program...



Back to Top