Special Alerts!

E-Mails fraudulently claiming to be from the FDIC

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports from consumers who received an e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC.  The e-mail informs the recipient that “in Cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, federal, state and local governments…”  the FDIC has withdrawn deposit insurance from the recipient’s account “due to account activity that violates the Patriot Act.”  It Further states deposit insurance will remain suspended until identity and account information can be verified using a system called “IDVerify.”  If consumers go to the link provided in the e-mail, it is suspected they will be asked for personal or confidential information, or malicious software may be loaded onto the recipient’s computer.

This e-mail is fraudulent.  It was not sent by the FDIC.  It is an attempt to obtain personal information from consumers.  Financial institutions and consumers should NOT access the link provided within the body of the e-mail and should NOT under any circumstances provide any personal information through this media.

The FDIC is attempting to identify the source of the e-mails and disrupt the transmission.  Until this is achieved, consumers are asked to report any similar attempts to obtain this information to the FDIC by sending information to alert@fdic.gov

ICBA Offers Tips for using Bank-Issued Gift Cards

Washington, D.C. ( December 1, 2010) -Gift cards remain one of the most popular items for the holiday season, and Americans are expected to spend billions on gift cards again this year.  The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today issued tips to help consumers buy and use branded gift cards- those cards that carry the Mastercard and Visa logo, as well as other major general purpose gift card brands that are accepted by many merchants.

Branded gift cards look like a credit card, but are limited by the dollar amount loaded on the card by the purchaser and should be treated as cash.  They differ fro retail gift cards, which are issued by and accepted solely at the issuing retailer.

ICBA reminds consumers how important it is to know the facts when buying or using branded gift cards.  Some tips include:

• Know the card’s terms and conditions, as they may vary.  For example, there may be fees for dormancy, transaction, inactivity, ATM, balance inquiry, or reloading.  These fees and other terms and conditions are usually printed on the card.
• Some cards have an expiration date that may appear on the card itself, on the card’s sleeve, at the retailer’s or bank’s location or on the issuer’s website.
• Keep the card’s account number and original packaging, which includes the customer service number, in a safe place.  You may need this information should your card become lost or stolen or there is a need to obtain a replacement card.
• Sign the card in the space provided.
• Whenever possible, register your card online.  This will help if you have any service issues.
• Before using the card, know your balance.  Most issuers offer toll-free voice response systems where you can check your balance.  Some banks allow you to check the balance by entering the card number on the bank’s website.
• Funds are immediately deducted from  the available card balance when you make a purchase.
• Most major retailers accept split payments.  You can pay with the gift card and pay the balance of a purchase using another form of payment.  But you have to tell the merchant the exact amount you want deducted from your gift card.
• It’s a good idea to keep gift cards after the card balance has been used.  You may need to show the card should you make a return or an exchange.
• When using a gift card at service locations, such as restaurants, be sure you have the available balance to cover incidentals and tips.
• When using a gift card at a gas pump or any automated self-service terminal, be sure there are enough funds to cover the entire purchase.  Even if the card is short by only a few dollars, the transaction may not be approved.

Learn more about gift cards by visiting your local Bank.