Financial Wellness & Education

A type of internet risk is Corporate Account Takeover Corporate Account Takeover is an ongoing electronic crime typically involving the exploitation of businesses. Businesses that are more at risk are those with limited to no computer safeguards and minimal or no disbursement controls for use with their bank's online business banking system. These businesses are vulnerable to theft when cyber thieves gain access to their computer system to take confidential banking information in order to...

Criminals don't like getting caught. So, when they want to send and receive stolen money, they get someone else to do the dirty work. Some scammers develop online relationships and ask their new sweetheart or friend to accept a deposit and transfer funds for them. Other cons recruit victims with job ads that seem like they're for legit jobs, but they're not. Law enforcement calls the victims 'money mules.' If you get involved with one of these schemes, you could lose money and personal...

Passwords Use strong passwords – Passwords should be complex, use long phrases and a mixture of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Keep passwords a secret and safe – Do not share passwords with anyone. Keep them in a secure place if written down. Change passwords frequently. Use different passwords for different accounts; never use the same password for business and personal accounts Electronic Devices and Software Keep software...

Today’s modern banks are embracing technology and mobile applications. With this service comes the ability to deposit checks with your smartphone without ever having to step into your local bank or visit an ATM. It is convenient, but is it a safe way to ensure your money gets deposited into your account? Here we look at what you need to know about Mobile Deposit and how to keep it a convenient – and safe – way to do your banking on the go. What exactly is Mobile Deposit? Mobile...

Spring cleaning your finances doesn't have to be a chore with these simple steps! With Planters First Bank Online & Mobile Banking, you can organize your finances with ease. From your desktop or your mobile device, you can manage your finances and start working on achieving your financial goals this spring. Secure access at your fingertips Track your spending: Set up a budget and figure out your spending habits — are you using those memberships? How much do you spend eating out?...

Planters First Bank has information for you during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) — March 5 - 11, 2023 — and any time of the year. NCPW is a time when government agencies, consumer protection groups, and organizations like ours work together to share information about consumer rights and help people learn to spot, report, and avoid scams. Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Wondering about the best way to improve your credit, shop for a used...

Planters First Bank Announces Commitment to Respecting Data by Becoming a 2023 Data Privacy Week Champion This year’s initiative emphasizes educating businesses on data collection best practices that respect data privacy and promoting transparency As a Champion, Planters First Bank recognizes and supports the principle that all organizations share the responsibility of being conscientious stewards of personal information. Data Privacy Week is an annual expanded effort from...

Planters First Bank wants to help you protect your hard-earned cash from the scammers and hackers that pop up every year. It's like they don't care about the naughty list! Now that holiday shopping is in full swing, we wanted to let you know about a few online shopping trends we've noticed and give a few tips about how to stay safe online while buying gifts for everyone on your list. Here is what we think is cheerful and what we think is coal-worthy for shopping online this...

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 fraud estimates that American consumers lost a staggering $5.8 billion to phishing scams and other fraud in 2021—an increase of more than 70 percent over 2020. It’s time to put scammers in their place. Online...

The Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults is designed to help older adults avoid fraud and exploitation, make wise choices about their money and well-being, and navigate some of the challenges that come with aging. “Older adults, especially those who speak English as a second language, can be particularly vulnerable to scams and deceptive practices,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. “This guide was designed to empower older adults, their families, and...

Here are 6 simple tips to help plan for the unexpected and regain your financial footing after a crisis. Prepare backup communications plans if both cellular and landline services falter. Store digital and paper copies of critical documents in a safe deposit box. These include a driver’s license, passport, military ID, bank and investment account information, proof of occupancy, a mortgage deed, insurance policies, and three years of tax returns. Make copies of personal documents...

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, we choose to give back to our communities through youth development and financial education. FDIC's Money Smart Series: These printable PDF guides offer practical activities and conversation-starters on financial topics such as saving, setting financial...