Alerts

November 9, 2020 - Cybersecurity Tips: Use Caution with Email Attachments

Why can email attachments be dangerous?

Some characteristics that make email attachments convenient and popular also make them a common tool for attackers

• Email is easily circulated – Forwarding email is so simple that viruses can quickly infect many machines. Most viruses do not even require users to forward the email—they scan a users’ mailbox for email addresses and automatically send the infected message to all of the addresses they find. Attackers take advantage of the reality that most users will automatically trust and open a message that comes from someone they know.

Read more from the CISA

July 21, 2020 - Cybersecurity & Financial Fraud - Protect Your Accounts

We wanted to take this opportunity to inform you about cybersecurity trends that are increasing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, we would like to share how the bank is protecting its clients and provide additional guidance on how you can best protect yourself from financial fraud and identity theft.

Click here to read more

June 12, 2020 - Fraud is on the Rise, Don’t be a Victim

Fraudsters take advantage of emergency situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and create a sense of urgency to get you to act impulsively. For your online safety, do not use any links in an unsolicited email, instant message, text or chat to get to our web page or to your online bank/bill pay account. To reach our website or account login, type the website address directly into your browser.

Click here to read more 

June 10, 2020 - First Bank Adjust Hours and Services

The last few months have brought about changes that have required us all to adjust our daily routine. As we navigate forward, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your continued patience as well as the genuine kindness and concern you have extended towards our staff.

Click here to read more

April 16, 2020 - Important PPP Update

The SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan funds have been exhausted at this time. The SBA is no longer accepting applications but we are hopeful this is temporary. News reports seem to indicate that there is general agreement in Washington regarding the need to replenish these funds however, nothing has been finalized at this point.

Click here to read more

April 15, 2020 - Online and Mobile Banking Availability

Banks throughout the country are experiencing unprecedented volumes of transactions being conducted via Online Banking, Mobile Banking and Bill Pay. This activity along with the distribution of stimulus funds from the Federal government has overwhelmed the bandwidth supporting these technology systems.

April 1, 2020 - SBA Lending Program Resources for Businesses

This letter is to provide an update regarding the recent developments pertaining to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for businesses. Last night, the SBA and Department of the Treasury released information including the application process for the relief loans. The first day the loan can be applied for is Friday, April 3rd. We anticipate being able to accept applications beginning this Friday for current clients only.

Click here for more information

March 24, 2020 - First Bank is Temporarily Adjusting Hours

In order to maximize safety while fulfilling our role as an essential business under Governor Pritzker’s “Stay at Home” order, we are temporarily adjusting our business hours as follows effective Wednesday, March 25th.

Highland Park
Drive Thru and Walk Up Window
Monday – Friday 9:00 am -5 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Lobby by appointment only
Call 847-432-7800

Northbrook
Drive Thru
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Click here to read what we're doing

March 20, 2020 - NACHA Same Day ACH Enhancement

In September of 2018 a new rule was approved by NACHA to expand the capabilities of Same Day ACH processing by increasing the per-transaction dollar amount. The new rule is to be effective March 20, 2020 and allows for an increase to $100,000.00 per-transaction of Same Day processing of eligible ACH credit transactions and non-monetary transactions with a Same Day effective date. Transactions greater than $100,000.00 and International ACH transactions (IAT) continue to be transactions ineligible for Same Day processing by the ACH network. Please consult your First Bank of Highland Park ACH Agreement for further details and cutoff times. 

Click here for the full NACHA Same Day ACH Enhancement

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

Find more information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans at: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance 

Small business owners in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

Below is a checklist we have created to help guide you through the application process. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact a banker.

March 16, 2020 - COVID-19 Update

At First Bank, the health and well-being of our employees and clients are top priority. Given the evolving concerns around COVID-19, starting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, we are temporarily suspending all services at our Skokie banking center, suspending lobby access in Northbrook and limiting lobby access in Highland Park. Drive thru services will remain available in Highland Park and Northbrook. Please call your banker before coming to the bank as there are many things we can do over the phone.

Click here to read what we're doing

March 13, 2020 - COVID-19 Update

Much like you, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has our attention. The health and safety of our clients, our employees and our community is our primary concern for all of us at First Bank. We are doing everything possible to keep our employees and clients safe while delivering the best client experience possible.

Click here to read what were doing

For your online safety, First Bank will never ask for your password or account number(s) in an email. Do not use any links in an unsolicited email, instant message, text or chat to get to our web page or to your online bank/bill pay account. To reach our website or account login, type the website address directly into your browser. Please call a banker at 847-432-7800 if you have questions or concerns regarding any bank communications.

Fraudsters take advantage of emergency situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and create a sense of urgency to get you to act impulsively. Here are some tips from the FBI that you can use to avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud:

• Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.
• Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
• Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders. Always run a virus scan on attachment before opening.
• Avoid filling out forms contained in e-mail messages that ask for personal information.
• Always compare the link in the e-mail to the web address link you are directed to and determine if they match.
• Log on directly to the official Web site for the business identified in the e-mail, instead of “linking” to it from an unsolicited e-mail. If the e-mail appears to be from your bank, credit card issuer, or other company you deal with frequently, your statements or official correspondence from the business will provide the proper contact information.
• Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the e-mail to verify that the e-mail is genuine.
• If you are requested to act quickly or there is an emergency, it may be a scam.

Click here for more ID theft and fraud tips

Tax Scams and Protection Tips

With the holiday season now over, and millions of Americans getting their finances in order for their tax obligations, financial fraudsters are lying in wait and looking for an opportunity to commit tax fraud. Identifying and learning how to protect yourself from tax fraud requires one to be diligent and properly educated on the various tax scams. Below are examples of tax scams that have been trending the last few years and various ways to protect yourself.

Learn More about avoiding Tax Scams

CEO and Business Email Compromise (BEC) Fraud Awareness

What is CEO Fraud?

CEO Fraud, also known as Business Email Compromise (BEC) Fraud, is a type of targeted attack that commonly involves a cybercriminal pretending to be the CEO or another senior executive from your organization, then tricking you into releasing highly sensitive information or initiating a wire transfer.

Learn More about CEO Fraud and ways to avoid it.

Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission has long provided advice to consumers about steps they can take to avoid phishing scams. On March 6, 2017, the FTC released tips and a video for businesses on how to respond if they are impersonated as part of a phishing scam. Among the steps businesses should take include notifying customers as soon as possible through social media, email or letters; contacting law enforcement; providing resources for affected consumers; and reviewing the company’s security practices.

Please visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website for more details.

Alerts Archive