Community Events
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First Community Bank and Trust Responds to Potential Fraudulent Voice and Text-Based Activities
March 8, 2024
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, Electronic Banking, General
March 8, 2024 (Beecher, IL) – First Community Bank and Trust is committed to safeguarding the financial security and personal information of our valued customers. We want to inform you that malicious actors are fraudulently posing as real fraud detection systems, impersonating representatives through automated voice and text messages for debit card transaction approvals. These automated messages may request personal identification information such as debit card numbers, PINs, or other sensitive
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Don't Be Fooled: Recognize the Signs of Check Fraud and How to Combat It
March 6, 2024
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, Electronic Banking, General
Check fraud continues to be a pervasive threat in today's digital landscape, with perpetrators employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and businesses alike. Recognizing the signs of check fraud is paramount to protecting your finances and avoiding potentially devastating losses. We'll explore common red flags and proactive measures you can take to stay one step ahead of fraudsters. Understanding Check Fraud Before exploring the signs of check fraud, it's
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SecureNow, a New Enhanced Security Service, Launches March 19, 2024
March 6, 2024
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, Electronic Banking, General
First Community Bank and Trust is excited to introduce SecureNow, a new enhanced security service to further protect FCBT customers when logging into First eBanc and First eBanc Mobile. March is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time to add additional security to protect customers from cyberattacks and to protect your accounts from harm. On or after March 19, log into either First eBanc or First eBanc Mobile to activate SecureNow. You will be prompted at log in to provide
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Kelly Knecht, Savvy Hair Gallery & Spa Recipient of FHLB and FCBT $25,000 Community First Accelerate Grant
February 21, 2024
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
Pictured from left: Cameron Ohlendorf - Senior Vice President of Finance; Gabi Knecht; Kelly Knecht; Tammy Hoffman - Chief Administrative Officer. January 31, 2024 (Peotone, IL) – FHLBank of Chicago and First Community Bank and Trust are happy to announce the recipient of a FHLBank of Chicago Community First Accelerate Grants for Small Business ("Accelerate Grants") program. This grant program is used to assist the growth and development of small businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin,
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What Do I Do If I’ve Been a Victim of Identity Theft?
November 13, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
This guide was published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. By contacting the nationwide credit reporting companies, you can place a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report. You can also request that they block or remove fraudulent debts. You can contact the three nationwide credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion: Equifax (800) 685-1111 Equifax Consumer Fraud Division P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, GA 30374 Experian (888)
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FCBT and ICBA Share Tips to Help Safeguard Sensitive Data
October 11, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, Electronic Banking, General
Beecher, IL (Oct. 11, 2023)—In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are reminding customers of practical steps to help safeguard their sensitive data and shield against losses in the event of a data breach or compromise. “In today’s environment, cyber and data security requires constant vigilance,” said Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President at FCBT. “This can
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First Community Bank and Trust and ICBA Share Tips for Traveling Safe
July 12, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
Beecher, IL (July 12, 2023)—As Americans take off for summer, First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are providing advanced planning tips for consumers that can take the financial sting out of unwanted surprises during travel to maximize their enjoyment regardless of how long or how far they venture. “Planning for the unexpected—including trip delays, lost or damaged merchandise, and last-minute expenditures can offer greater
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How Community Banks can combat the Rise of Check Fraud
July 3, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
This article was published on June 12, 2023 by Steven Estep from the Independent Community Bankers of America. In recent years, community banks across the nation have seen a drastic rise in check fraud. To compound the issue, many community banks are faced with challenges getting funds reimbursed from the banks of first deposit and are left to reimburse affected customers even when the community banks aren’t liable for the fraud. The following post will discuss why this sudden
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Preventing Elder Financial Abuse: FCBT and ICBA Explain Top Scams
June 29, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
Beecher, IL (June 29, 2023) - Roughly 20 percent of older Americans fall prey to financial exploitation totaling $3 billion annually or an average of $120,000 per elderly victim, according to a study from the AARP Public Policy Institute. And given that only one out of every 44 financial abuse cases are reported, according to the National Adult Protective Services Association, true losses from elder financial abuse could be north of $35 billion annually. As relationship lenders
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First Community Bank and Trust, ICBA Share Tips to Stop Elder Financial Abuse
June 15, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
Beecher, IL (June 15, 2023)–First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are providing tips for preventing elder financial abuse in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. Older Americans lose roughly $3 billion to a growing number of scams each year, according to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging. But only one in 44 cases get reported, according to the National Adult Protective Services Association, putting
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