Financial Wellness & Education

Have you ever received a package with items you didn’t order? If so, you might have been targeted by a “brushing” scam. This deceptive practice involves a scammer sending packages to your address without your consent, often to boost their product’s online ratings and popularity. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect yourself. What Is a Brushing Scam? In a brushing scam, scammers use your information to pose as a verified buyer on platforms like Amazon or eBay. They...

Planters First Bank will never call, email, or otherwise contact you to request your access ID, password, or other login credentials. If you receive such a request, do not provide any information. Scammers are at it again! If you receive a text message like this - delete it. This text message is a scam. Please note the fraud texts could have different URLs and are impacting a multitude of banks and credit unions. NEVER CLICK on links in unsolicited texts. Learn more about how to...

We are thrilled to share with you our new partnership to combat check fraud and safeguard our customers' financial well-being. At Planters First Bank, we prioritize our customers' safety and security, and to that end, we provide several online resources in our Security Center that keep our customers updated on the latest scam trends and help them avoid becoming victims. On March 19, 2024,t he American Bankers Association and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service today announced a new joint...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

It’s well known that people online aren’t always as they appear. However, tens of thousands of internet users fall victim to online romance scams each year, and it can happen to anyone. These scams can be incredibly convincing and are increasingly found across dating sites and social media platforms. Bad actors are very good at appealing to victims’ emotions and feigning personal connections, with the intention of stealing large sums of money and personal information. Luckily, there...

Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts, and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. Add to that this time of expanded use of online banking and the busy holiday shopping season, and the problem is only growing worse. It’s time to put scammers in their place! Online scams aren’t so scary when you know what to look for. And at Planters First Bank, we’re committed to helping you spot them as an extra layer of protection for your account....

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:...

Text messages are becoming the primary way for people to interact with businesses, in fact, texting is the single most used feature on a smartphone. Today's scammers have taken to targeting victims via Short Message Service (SMS) text message scams in addition to traditional email-based phishing attacks. SMS Phishing, or Smishing, is becoming a common method to steal data or install malware on your smartphone. Most phishing scams try to take advantage of natural human emotions of fear or...