As Americans go through the process of filing tax returns, identity thieves are scheming to get their hands on that money. Tax identity fraud takes place when a criminal files a false tax return using your personal information to fraudulently claim the refund.

Identity thieves generally file false claims early in the year. Victims learn of the deception when they file their return and are notified that a return was already filed using their identity.

Follow these tips to help prevent tax ID fraud:

• Don’t wait to file. File your tax return as soon as you are able. This allows less time for criminals to use your information to file a false return.
• File on a protected wi-fi network. For electronic filing, be sure you connect through a password-protected personal network and use a reputable online service. Avoid using public networks such as a wi-fi hotspot at a coffee shop.
• Use a secure mailbox. When filing by mail, drop your tax return off at a United States Post Office or place it in an official USPS postal box. Criminals are known to pull completed tax return forms from home mailboxes during tax season.
• Find a tax preparer you trust. Get recommendations and select a reliable professional if you plan to hire someone to do your taxes. Some thorough research before handing your financial information over to a tax preparer is time well spent.
• Shred what you don’t need. Once you’ve completed your tax return, shred sensitive documents no longer needed and safely file the ones you do.
• Beware of phishing scams by email, text or phone. Scammers may try to solicit sensitive information by impersonating the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS will not contact you by email, text, or social media. They will contact you by mail first.
• Watch your mail closely. Fraudsters look for W-2s, tax refunds or other mail containing your financial information. If you expect your W-2s by mail and haven’t received them and your employer indicates they’ve been mailed, or the envelope appears to have been previously opened upon delivery, contact the IRS immediately.

If you believe you’re a victim of tax identity theft or if the IRS denies your tax return because one has previously been filed under your name, alert the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490. In addition, you should:

• Respond immediately to any IRS notice and complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
• Contact First State Bank immediately, and close any accounts opened without your permission or tampered with.
• Contact the three major credit bureaus to place a ‘fraud alert’ on your credit records:
  Equifax Equifax.com , 1-800-525-6285
  Experian Experian.com , 1-888-397-3742
  TransUnion TransUnion.com , 1-800-680-7289
• Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.

More information about tax identity theft is available from the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission .

As a financial institution, First State Bank recognizes Cybersecurity Awareness Month every October so our customers and community members have the information and tools they need to be more secure online. So much of daily life now relies on technology with most of our personal and business information existing in the digital realm. While technological advancements often make our lives easier, it is important to practice safe internet habits to protect our personal data. Our bank has employed fraud text alerts, multi-factor authentication, and other efforts to protect customer accounts and information. Consumers can utilize additional protections to reduce their online vulnerability.

Implement these tips to heighten your data security:

• Before purchasing a device or online product, do your research.
• Create strong passwords and utilize multi-factor authentication.
• When you set up a new device or app, consider your security and privacy settings and update default passwords.
• Think before you click on any suspicious emails, links, or attachments. You can optionally report any suspicious emails to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) .
• Update your computer or mobile device software regularly to ensure that hackers cannot exploit vulnerabilities or bugs from outdated software.

You can also check out these resources from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for additional information on ensuring your personal cybersecurity:

• Combating Cyber Threats
• List of Common Scams
• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
• Safe Online Surfing Program

As students enter a new school year, families can worry about one less thing by taking advantage of our convenient banking options* for their learners on the go. Whether it’s opening a new savings account to put money away for future tuition, purchasing reloadable cards for a secure way to keep students on budget, or joining online and mobile banking to keep track of spending easily, First State Bank is your partner in helping students of all ages achieve financial goals!

Bank on us for a customized solution to manage your student’s finances. Visit fsbfinancial.com to learn more about:

Open an account online or connect with our team to discuss the options best suited to place your student on their path to financial success.

Disclosures

*Age requirements and restrictions may apply by product. Please inquire about these limits with a First State Bank team member.

One of First State Bank’s top priorities is to help people of all ages develop the knowledge, tools, and capabilities required to make informed decisions about personal finances. During Financial Literacy Month in April, we join the American Bankers Association’s Teach Children to Save (TCTS) annual awareness initiative to highlight the importance of teaching youth about saving money.

Developing a savings habit early in life can put children on the path to financial freedom. Studies show that parents who seize everyday opportunities to teach money management skills during trips to the grocery store, local shops, and the bank can instill conscious spending decisions that last a lifetime. On Teach Children to Save Day (April 22,2021), we are launching a new webpage to encourage more families to save, learn, and share money management skills with children in their lives.

Don’t hesitate to contact our bank team with questions about saving. First State Bank is always available to share our expertise, resources, and services to help you reach individual and family savings goals. Visit our new savings tips page to view saving related activities for children and families, increase your awareness of personal finances, and learn how our community bank can help you achieve more of your financial goals!

America Saves drives a national campaign each year to educate people on the best saving practices and pushes them to commit to saving successfully. We encourage our local communities to evaluate their finances and personal saving behaviors during America Saves Week February 22-26.

Begin the week with the America Saves pledge by setting a savings goal and initiate your personal plan to achieve it. First State Bank is ready to assist customers with diverse savings account options. We also offer additional resources to assist in reaching your personal goals. Throughout America Saves week, we’ll share details on our social media pages about short term and long-term savings goals (emergency funds and retirement), the best strategies for saving successfully (planning and saving automatically), and how to have healthy conversations and instill positive financial behaviors with family.

Participate in America Saves Week with First State Bank by making an appointment with our retail team to begin your savings journey, take the pledge, and follow us on social media to learn more. We are here to help you achieve your savings goals!

We are no longer accepting PPP loan applications.

Assisting our neighbors and area businesses is the top priority at First State Bank of St. Charles. As our nation and local communities deal with enduring concerns from the pandemic, our focus on making a difference for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and the employees and families they support remains constant. We provide banking and lending options to fit your business goals when faced with new opportunities or a sudden challenge.

State and federal loan programs designed specifically for small businesses allow First State Bank to support new and existing clients with ease. The Missouri FIRST linked deposit lending plan and Small Business Administration 504 loan program serve businesses with opportunities for growth, renovation, equipment financing and other essentials.

First State Bank is also well-versed in helping companies access federally guaranteed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan funds. Last year, we aided 365 local businesses through the process, allowing them to keep their doors open and retain 4,121 employees during an unstable economic climate. Our team continues to assist new applicants with their first-draw requests and existing borrowers through the second-draw application process for vital small business support since the SBA’s recent launch of 2021 PPP funding.

We Are Here for You and Your Business

Whether your company is currently focused on growth, expansion, and other financing, or you need assistance to maintain operations and retain employees, we can assist. Contact our team to learn how First State Bank’s loan options allow our business customers to run strong, financially stable, and successful operations. Call 636-940-5555 or make an appointment at a branch near you to discuss your business needs.

Find a loan program to accommodate your business needs:

Missouri First Loan

• Provides up to 5-year term financing at below-market interest rate for qualifying projects
• Encourages net economic development projects
• Loan proceeds can be used for variety of reasons, including purchase of land and buildings, equipment purchases, renovations and repairs, etc.

SBA 504 Loan

• Promotes economic development and provides funding from both the bank and the Small Business Administration for real estate and equipment financing
• Down payments as low as 10%
• Qualifying refinances are available

Paycheck Protection Program

• An emergency federally guaranteed loan program through the Small Business Association
• Eligibility depends on borrower’s first-draw or second-draw application status
• 2021 PPP updates allow additional coverage, broader eligibility, and expanded flexibility to adapt to ongoing challenges

Disclosures

The Missouri FIRST linked deposit lending program is administered by the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office in cooperation with lending institutions. The Paycheck Protection Program and 504 loans are implemented by the Small Business Administration with support from the Department of the Treasury and in cooperation with lending institutions. First State Bank is available to assist our bank customers with the loan process for these state and federal programs. Visit Missouri FIRST and sba.gov for additional information on these programs.

The holidays are upon us! That means many are buying decorations, gifts for friends and family members, and other seasonal goods. E-commerce is already a major aspect of holiday spending, but as the pandemic continues consumers are turning to the internet for these purchases. Hackers and scammers are aware of this uptick in digital spending. As you complete your holiday shopping, ensure your personal information is safe by following the guidelines listed below from the Cybercrime Investigations Division of the United States Secret Service.

• Install operating system and antivirus updates as soon as they are available for your devices.
• Change your passwords to shopping sites and other accounts regularly. Use different passwords for different sites. Consider utilizing a multi-factor authentication for another layer of login security.
• Verify online transactions by checking your credit card and banking statements routinely.
• Do not use public Wi-Fi to conduct your online shopping or banking. There is no guarantee as to how secure the network is, even if it requires a password.
• Be aware of phishing schemes that are targeting your personal data, money, or credit card information. Do not respond to emails or text messages from unknown sources. Avoid opening attachments or links from senders you do not recognize.
• Be wary of callers asking for your login, password, account number, etc. Contact customer service numbers on your credit card, debit card, or merchant websites if you have questions.
• When shopping online, look for the lock icon next to a website address in your browser to verify that the website is encrypted and safe to use.

Scammers go to the extreme to gain access your personally identifiable information for illicit use. Follow these suggestions to keep your information and your money safe from their schemes. For more details regarding holiday shopping scams visit: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/avoid-holiday-shopping-scams-112719.

Dementia is a general term to describe symptoms of impairment in memory, communication, and thinking. Today, an estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, the most prevalent form of dementia. Like other institutions, we also have customers experiencing various forms of dementia. As part of First State Bank’s commitment to community, we have made it a priority to ensure that all community members have access to dignified banking.

During increased times of uncertainty, we want our community to know that we are prepared to assist in all ways that we can. In 2019, we made major strides toward making our banking centers dementia friendly.

Our initiative includes:

• A partnership with The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri and Home Instead Senior Care to provide training for employees to effectively communicate with and assist customers impacted by dementia.
• Banking centers that are easy to navigate and also provide quiet and private meeting spaces available to fully discuss banking concerns.
• Specialty services tailored for this audience, including our Trusted Contact form, which allows customers to designate an individual with whom bank personnel may discuss concerns or possible fraud or exploitation.

In September of 2019, we made our support known at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and joined the effort to make St. Charles County the first Dementia Friendly Community in Missouri . More recently, our efforts were featured in the March 2020 issue of the Dementia Friendly America^® Newsletter along with the rest of our partners in the St. Charles community.

First State Bank’s dementia friendly banking program is a continuation of our mission to contribute to the wellness of our community since 1867. If you or someone you love is living with dementia, please let us know. Together we can create a plan to help with banking.

For additional resources, contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 hotline at 800-372-3900.

Americans spent $3.5 trillion on healthcare—$10,739 per person—in 2017, according to West Health-Gallup’s U.S. Healthcare Cost Crisis report. Unfortunately, these costs are expected to increase. What can you do to prepare for medical expenses? Opening a First State Bank Health Savings Account (HSA) can help.

An HSA is a tax-deferred savings account created for the purpose of paying medical expenses. It can be a great choice for those who participate in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). While many are reviewing health insurance options during the current open enrollment period, it’s a perfect time to consider an HSA.

First State Bank HSAs are:

• Tax-favored
  • Contributions are 100% deductible up to the legal limit
  • Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free
  • Interest earnings are tax-deferred (and, if used for qualified medical expenses, they are tax-free)
• Convenient – A debit card provides hassle-free purchases and free online banking and electronic statements allow you to check your account balance 24/7.
• Flexible – Your account balance carries over year to year and remains with you regardless of change in coverage or employment.

“First State Bank is one of the few banks to offer HSAs,” says Mary Clark, Chairman of the Board at St. Charles-based Masterclock, Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer, and supplier of precise timing systems to the world’s most time-sensitive organizations, including Kennedy Space Center and FIFA World Cup. “With the rising cost of medical insurance, employers almost have to offer employees an HSA to fill the gap.”

For more information about how a First State Bank HSA can help you or how you can offer HSAs to your employees, call 636.940.5555 or visit a banking center.