Elgin State Bank Blog

FDIC Warns of Fraudulent E-mail

On July 2, 2010 in a Consumer Alert, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) advised the public that it has received numerous reports of a fraudulent e-mail which has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. The subject line of the e-mail states: “you need to check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage.” The message states, “You have received this message because you are a holder of a FDIC-insured bank account. Recently FDIC has officially named the bank you have opened your account with as a failed bank, thus, taking control of its assets.” The e-mail then directs recipients to click this link, “You need to visit the official FDIC website and perform the following steps to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage.”

This e-mail and the associated web site are fraudulent. The link directions should not be followed. The link may be an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, or to load malicious software onto the computer of the recipient.

 

 

 

Posted by Deborah Szmurlo on July 9th, 2010 in Consumer Alerts, Customer Care, Elgin Experience.

Tags: Consumer Alert, FDIC

FDIC Transaction Account Guarantee Program

Elgin State Bank is participating in the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program. Under the Program, through December 31, 2009, all non-interest-bearing transaction accounts and certain NOW accounts (checking with interest) are fully guaranteed by the FDIC for the entire amount in the account. Coverage under the Transaction Account Guarantee Program is in addition to and separate from the coverage available under the FDIC’s general deposit insurance rules.  Please consult an Elgin State Bank Personal Banker to determine if your NOW account is eligible under the Program.

 

The following applies to accounts that involve the transfer of funds from a non-interest bearing transaction account into another type of account – such as an interest bearing savings or bank money market account, or a repurchase agreement.

 

• The funds in your non-interest bearing account at the close of business each day will be insured in full under the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program.
• Under the Program, the FDIC will not fully guarantee the funds swept into interest bearing savings or money market accounts.  These funds will, however, still be subject to the temporary insurance limit of $250,000, in effect through December 31, 2009.
• Funds swept into repurchase agreements are not classified as deposits insured by the FDIC, and therefore are not guaranteed under the Transaction Account Guarantee Program; however, the sweep customer obtains a perfected security interest in identified assets held as collateral for the Bank’s repo obligations, subject to a repurchase agreement.

Posted by Deborah Szmurlo on May 15th, 2009 in Consumer Alerts, Customer Care, Elgin Experience.

Tags: FDIC TAG Program, FDIC Transaction Account Guarantee Program

Information About Influenza and the Swine Flu

Elgin State Bank wants to provide you information about influenza so you as a customer know what to look for and what precautions you and your family can take.

 

What is the Swine Flu?

The Swine Flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by the type A influenza virus. Typically, Swine Flu is transmitted to persons who have had direct contact with pigs, however, the most recent cases have been spread from person-to-person. You cannot get Swine Flu from eating pork.

 

Who can get Influenza or the Swine Flu?

Influenza, and therefore, Swine Flu, is spread through droplets that are transmitted in the air when someone sneezes or coughs. It is also possible to become infected by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, and then touching your own nose or mouth.

 

What are the symptoms of Influenza or Swine Flu?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.

 

How can I prevent Influenza?

Þ     Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water, especially after coughing or sneezing.

Þ     Use hand sanitizers if soap and water is not available.

Þ     Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, throw the tissue away and then wash your hands.

Þ     Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce the spread of germs.

 

What can I do?

Þ     Check your family for signs and symptoms of influenza (see above).

Þ     Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or have them cough into the inside of their elbow.

Þ     Stay away from people who are sick and to not share water bottles, utensils, cups, etc. with other people.

Þ     Wash hands consistently with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use a hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Þ     Stay home while ill. Our Online Banking product makes it easy for you to handle your banking needs. Or you can call Customer Care at 847-760-3380.  

 

What do I do if someone in my family gets sick?

The most important thing for you to do if you have symptoms of influenza is to contact your physician because early treatment is important.

 

During the period that a person has symptoms, especially fever, it is possible for them to spread the virus to those whom they have close contact with (for example, someone living with or caring for them). To help prevent transmission of the influenza virus, please stay at home until all symptoms resolve.

 

Where can I find additional information?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): www.idph.state.il.us/flu/swine_flu.htm

World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/en/

 

 

Posted by Deborah Szmurlo on April 29th, 2009 in Consumer Alerts, Customer Care, Elgin Experience.

Tags: Influenza, Swine Flu

Could You be the Victim of a Scam?

There has been a rash of scams aimed at consumers such as you that have caused many to lose their hard earned money.

• Did you receive a check or money order and were asked to send a portion of the funds back to the maker?
• Were you told you won a competition or promotion that you did not enter?
• Were you asked to buy “low-risk” shares in a fund for purchasing “high-stakes” tickets?
• Were you offered bait prizes that are substandard or were you asked to purchase “exclusive items?”
• Were you told that a prize you won requires travel or other arrangements at your own expense?
• Were you promised easy money by working at home and were asked to send them money minus your “pay?”

In all these cases, victims are asked to withdraw cash and wire the funds via Money Gram and Western Union.

For more information, or to report a check scam, visit www.fakechecks.org.

Posted by Deborah Szmurlo on April 8th, 2008 in Consumer Alerts.

Tags: Consumer Alert, Scam