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CURRENT SCAMS TO LOOK OUT FOR

As our nation continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, Planters & Citizens Bank would like to share some recommendations to help you identify and avoid scams. Please feel free to share this information with your friends, family and neighbors, because no matter what’s going on in the world, people will try to take advantage of any situation.

NOTICE:

Planters & Citizens Bank will never contact you asking for your account number or other personal information.

CDC or WHO Emails/Texts

Watch out for emails and text messages claiming to be from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO). These messages contain malicious links that download malware and give criminals your personal information.

HOT TIP: Always go to the organization's website directly to avoid potential scammers.

Charity Donations

Giving back to the community is great! However, there are many out there who create fake fundraisers to raise money for fake charities, taking your funds.

HOT TIP: Before you donate to any charity, check with Charity Navigator to help determine its legitimacy.

Fake Vaccine Calls

There are currently callers inviting people to "reserve a COVID-19 vaccine." They claim to be from the CDC and will ask for your personal information (Social Security Number, credit card info, etc.).

HOT TIP: There are NO vaccine reservation programs. Please consult your doctor/primary care physician if you have any concerns regarding COVID-19.

Callers Offering A "Money Advance"

This is another phone scam. Callers are offering an "advance" on the stimulus package from the US Government. They are doing this by asking for upfront fees in return for the promise to wire money to your account within a few hours/days. In doing so, they get your money and account information and vanish!

HOT TIP: If answering one of these calls, don't worry. Just hang up the phone. Do not give personal information over the phone.

Fraudulent Products for COVID-19

Callers are wanting you to buy fraudulent products that prevent, treat, mitigate, diagnose or cure COVID-19. There are NO products like that available on the market for personal purchase.

HOT TIP: For information from either organization, go directly to their websites - CDC or WHO

For additional information on the multitude of existing scams, and to stay up to date on newly emerging scams, please visit and bookmark the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information site.

We appreciate your business and are here for you during these unusual times, as we have been for over 100 years.

We want you to stay healthy and safe; especially right now, with the COVID-19 pandemic. We would like to remind you that, by banking with us, you have access to a digital banking experience that is second to none and includes:

  • Drive-thru windows fully staffed Mon-Thurs 8:30-4:00; Fri 8:30-5:00
  • 2 Convenient ATM locations (21 N. Harney Street & 129 US Hwy 19 N)
  • Internet Banking and Online Bill Pay
  • Mobile Banking and Mobile Deposit
  • Telephone Banking
  • Night Depositories available 24/7