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IMPORTANT INFORMATIONJanuary 5, 2021 - Round Two of Stimulus Check InformationAs a second round of stimulus checks are being distributed, this is also a time to be vigilant and protect yourself from financial fraud. Please review our helpful tips on how to protect yourself from identity theft and financial fraud. https://www.firstbankhp.com/ID-Theft-Protection You may also monitor your account activity by setting up Notifi text and email alerts in mobile and online banking. Contact the IRS directly for questions pertaining to your stimulus check. |
IMPORTANT INFORMATIONJanuary 5, 2021 - Round Two of Stimulus Check InformationAs a second round of stimulus checks are being distributed, this is also a time to be vigilant and protect yourself from financial fraud. Please review our helpful tips on how to protect yourself from identity theft and financial fraud. https://www.firstbankchicago.com/ID-Theft-Protection You may also monitor your account activity by setting up Notifi text and email alerts in mobile and online banking. Contact the IRS directly for questions pertaining to your stimulus check. |
November 9, 2020 - Cybersecurity Tips: Use Caution with Email AttachmentsWhy 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. |
July 21, 2020 - Cybersecurity & Financial Fraud - Protect Your AccountsWe 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. |
June 12, 2020 - Fraud is on the Rise, Don’t be a VictimFraudsters 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. |
June 10, 2020 - First Bank Adjust Hours and ServicesThe 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. |
April 16, 2020 - Important PPP UpdateThe 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. |
April 6, 2020 - Now Accepting SBA-PPP Loan ApplicationsWe are pleased to announce that existing First Bank clients may now submit applications for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program loans. The application can be found on our website along with guidance for best practices, checklists and FAQs. https://www.firstbankhp.com/small-business-relief |
April 6, 2020 - Now Accepting SBA-PPP Loan ApplicationsWe are pleased to announce that existing First Bank clients may now submit applications for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program loans. The application can be found on our website along with guidance for best practices, checklists and FAQs. https://www.firstbankchicago.com/small-business-relief |
April 1, 2020 - SBA Lending Program Resources for BusinessesThis 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. |
March 24, 2020 - First Bank is Temporarily Adjusting HoursIn 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 Northbrook |
March 20, 2020 - NACHA Same Day ACH EnhancementIn 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. |
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan ProgramFind 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 UpdateAt 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. |
March 13, 2020 - COVID-19 UpdateMuch 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. |
ID Theft and Fraud Tips
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. |
Tax Scams and Protection TipsWith 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
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CEO and Business Email Compromise (BEC) Fraud AwarenessWhat 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.
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Federal Trade CommissionThe 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
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