Alerts on all types of accounts, not just your bank account, can help protect both your personal information and your money. They notify you when expected and unexpected activity occur. First eAlerts and My Cards debit card controls at First Community Bank and Trust are easy to set up and customizable to best fit your needs. You can choose to receive account activity alerts in up to three different ways, ensuring you stay informed in real time. These alerts provide instant notifications about
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This article was written by Jen A. Miller and featured in the Independent Banker Magazine. Artificial intelligence has streamlined spear phishing, a kind of cyberattack involving emails, video calls or other forms of communication facilitated by fraudsters posing as a trusted colleague, boss or organization. Here’s how community banks, like First Community Bank and Trust, can hit back. In 2023, an employee of multinational design and engineering company, Arup, thought he was just doing
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Spring is here! While most of us focus on cleaning out the closet or freshening up our homes, it’s also the perfect time to take a step back and tidy up your finances. A financial spring cleaning not only helps you organize your money but also gives you the opportunity to assess your goals and set yourself up for a successful financial year. Here’s how you can spring clean your finances in just a few simple steps. 1. Review and Update Your Budget Spring is the perfect time to reassess
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This blog post was written by Beauceron Security. Romance scams are among the most psychologically manipulative forms of cyber fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans reported over $1 billion in losses to romance scams in 2023, making it one of the costliest types of consumer fraud. Given the right circumstances, any person can fall prey to these scams as they tap into powerful aspects of what it is to be human. Being vigilant to these scams can protect
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This blog post was published by Chis O’Shea from SavvyMoney Hub. What to know about child identity theft. Believe it or not, child identity theft is a big deal. According to a study, from 2021 to 2022, 900,000 children were the victims of identity fraud, with kids under seven the most likely targets. Let’s take a look at this issue and find ways to prevent it from ever happening. Signs of ID Theft There are some ways you can tell if your child has been the victim of identity
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This article was written by Chris O’Shea from SavvyMoney. How to prioritize an emergency fund or retirement savings. Having a well-stocked emergency fund is important. But so is saving for retirement. How do you know which one to focus on? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know. An Emergency Fund is Important An emergency fund is extremely important. If something unexpected happens, you don’t want to be completely unprepared. When deciding on
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This article was written by Jean Chatzky from SavvyMoney Hub. Goodwill deletions and other tips for boosting your credit score.  Do one thing: Make sure you are reviewing your credit reports regularly to ensure that the information is accurate. After all, you can’t fix what you don’t know about. When it comes to our credit scores, it pays to know where you stand at all times. After all, the higher your score, the more you can potentially save on mortgage rates, car
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This blog post was published by Chis O’Shea from SavvyMoney Hub. How hard inquiries impact your credit score When you apply for a mortgage, a personal loan, a credit card, or an auto loan, the lender checks your credit report to determine your creditworthiness. When that happens, it’s called an “inquiry.” And there is such a thing as too many inquiries. Here’s what you need to know. Hard Inquiry vs. Soft Inquiry There is a difference between hard inquiries
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This blog post was published by Chris O’Shea from SavvyMoney Hub. What you should know about soft credit pulls. A soft pull, or soft inquiry, happens when someone checks your credit report, like in the case of a pre-approved credit card offer. Unlike a hard pull, a soft pull does not impact your credit score. Here’s everything you should know about soft pulls and who can do them. The Basics A soft inquiry occurs when someone, or a company, checks your credit report. These
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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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