News & Alerts

The holiday season should be filled with joy—not stress. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when scammers try to take advantage of busy shoppers, generous givers, and hardworking small businesses. At Planters First Bank, your security is our priority. To help keep you and your business protected, we’ve rounded up the top fraud schemes we see spike each holiday season, plus helpful tips to stay safe. 1. Business Account Takeover Attempts Cybercriminals look for ways to...

Older adults are among the most targeted and most impacted by online scams. In fact, the FBI reports that Americans over 60 lose more money to cybercrime than any other age group. With cybercriminals constantly changing their tactics, staying safe online can feel overwhelming. Planters First Bank is proud to share Then & Now, a new initiative from the National Cybersecurity Alliance designed to help older adults—and their caregivers—protect themselves online. This stay safe...

Text messaging has become one of the fastest, most convenient ways to communicate—and unfortunately, it has also become a favorite tool for scammers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2023, consumers suffered over $437 million in losses due to SMS/text scams, an increase from $330 million in 2022. The median loss per victim was around $1,100, indicating a steady rise each year. Scams involving banks and financial institutions continue to be among the most...

If you’re a servicemember, you’re probably used to moving around every few years. Whether you’re moving a few states away or to another country, you might need to break a lease, sell a car, or redirect your mail to a new address — all things involving your personal information. While planning your next big move, help protect your sensitive info from scammers. If scammers get hold of personal details like your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, they might get access...

Planters First Bank is proud to join forces with the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) in partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on an initiative to help customers protect themselves from the growing threat of check fraud. In support of this initiative, Planters First Bank offers educational materials and personal guidance to ensure customers have the tools they need to safeguard their financial assets and respond if they experience check fraud. "At Planters...

Planters First Bank is committed to your financial safety and awareness, not just during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) from March 2-8, 2025, but all year round. NCPW is a collaborative effort among government agencies, consumer protection groups, and community banks like ours to empower individuals with knowledge about consumer rights and fraud prevention. Tips to Avoid Fraud: Watch for Money Laundering Schemes – Be cautious if someone asks you to move money through...

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...