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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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Unlocking Financial Success: Start the Year Off with Building Good Credit!
January 2, 2024
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Electronic Banking, General
As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, there's no better time to embark on a journey toward financial well-being. One key aspect that can significantly impact your financial health is your credit score. Building good credit sets the stage for a year of financial success, opportunities, and peace of mind. In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips and strategies to help you boost and maintain a stellar credit score throughout the year. Check Your Credit Report: Begin
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Beware of Scams Targeting Older People During the Holidays
December 14, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community News, Electronic Banking, General
This article was published by Jenefer Duane from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Our Office for Older Americans is working to provide older consumers and their families with the tools and information they need to protect themselves from frauds and scams. Scams that target older people occur every day, but you can count on scammers to ramp up their efforts to prey on people’s generosity during the holiday season. These grinches, armed with their dirty tricks, may
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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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Stay Safe on Social Media: Your Guide to Cybersecurity
October 23, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community News, General
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with friends, family, and the world. However, this convenience comes with certain risks, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. Cyberattacks, data breaches, and privacy invasions are real threats on social platforms. To help you navigate this digital landscape safely, here's a comprehensive guide to social media cybersecurity. Strong Passwords are Your First Line of Defense: Your social media accounts are only as
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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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FCBT and CFPB present: An Essential Guide to Building an Emergency Fund
September 21, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community News, General
This guide was published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. We’ve all experienced unexpected financial emergencies—a fender bender, an unexpected medical bill, a broken appliance, a loss of income, or even a damaged cell phone. Large or small, these unplanned expenses often feel like they hit at the worst times. Setting up a dedicated savings or emergency fund is one essential way to protect yourself, and it’s one of the first steps you can take to start saving.
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