As we begin the third quarter of 2026, our Family of Banks—The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, Citizens Bank of Laurens County, and Bulloch First—would like to thank you for allowing us to serve your financial needs.

Whether you have been a valued customer for many years or have recently joined our banking family, we remain committed to providing information and resources that help you navigate today’s ever-changing digital world. Through our Quarterly Banking Bytes, we strive to keep you informed, educated, and better protected against emerging financial threats.

For this quarter’s edition, we have chosen to highlight “10 Common Banking Scams and How to Avoid Them.” Chances are that many of us have encountered one or more of these scams firsthand. Our hope is that by recognizing the warning signs and understanding the tactics fraudsters use, you will be better prepared to protect yourself, your personal information, and your hard-earned money.

After all, awareness is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against fraud.

10 Common Banking Scams and How to Avoid Them

In today’s digital world, criminals are constantly finding new ways to steal money and personal information. While technology has made banking more convenient, it has also created new opportunities for fraudsters to target unsuspecting consumers.

The good news is that knowing what to watch for can significantly reduce your risk. Here are ten common banking scams and practical ways to protect yourself.

1. Text Message (Smishing) Scams

Fraudsters send text messages that appear to come from your bank, claiming there is a problem with your account or a suspicious transaction.

Warning Signs

• Urgent requests to act immediately
• Links directing you to a website
• Requests for passwords, PINs, or verification codes

How to Protect Yourself

• Never click links in unexpected text messages.
• Contact your bank using a verified phone number.
• Do not provide personal information through text messages.

2. Impersonation Fraud

Scammers pretend to be bank employees, government agencies, law enforcement, or trusted companies.

Warning Signs

• Pressure to act immediately
• Threats involving account closures or legal action
• Requests for confidential information

How to Protect Yourself

• Hang up and call the organization directly using a trusted number.
• Verify the caller’s identity before sharing information.
• Remember that legitimate organizations will not pressure you into immediate action.

3. Gift Card Scams

Criminals convince victims to purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers as payment for taxes, fees, fines, or services.

Warning Signs

• Requests to pay with gift cards
• Demands for secrecy
• High-pressure tactics

How to Protect Yourself

• Never use gift cards to pay government agencies, utilities, or financial institutions.
• Be suspicious of anyone requesting payment through gift cards.
• Consult a trusted family member or friend before making unusual payments.

4. Tech Support Scams

Fraudsters claim your computer, phone, or online banking account has been compromised.

Warning Signs

• Pop-up warnings claiming your device is infected
• Unsolicited phone calls from “technical support”
• Requests to install remote access software

How to Protect Yourself

• Close suspicious pop-ups.
• Never allow remote access to your device unless you initiated the support request.
• Contact technology vendors directly through official channels if you believe you have a problem.

5. Fake Bank Calls

Scammers spoof your bank’s phone number to make it appear legitimate.

Warning Signs

• Caller claims to be from fraud prevention
• Requests for online banking credentials
• Requests for one-time passcodes

How to Protect Yourself

• End the call and contact your bank directly.
• Never share passwords, PINs, or security codes.
• Remember that your bank will not ask for your password.

6. Fake Check Scams

You receive a check and are instructed to deposit it and send a portion of the funds elsewhere.

Warning Signs

• Unexpected checks
• Requests to forward money
• Promises of easy income

How to Protect Yourself

• Do not spend funds from a suspicious check.
• Verify the check before acting.
• Remember that checks can be returned weeks after deposit.

7. Romance Scams

Scammers build online relationships and eventually ask for money.

Warning Signs

• Refusal to meet in person
• Frequent emergencies requiring financial assistance
• Requests for wire transfers or gift cards

How to Protect Yourself

• Be cautious when developing online relationships.
• Never send money to someone you have not met.
• Discuss concerns with trusted friends or family members.

8. Online Marketplace Scams

Criminals target buyers and sellers through online marketplaces and social media platforms.

Warning Signs

• Requests to move conversations off the platform
• Overpayments
• Pressure for immediate payment

How to Protect Yourself

• Use the platform’s secure payment methods.
• Avoid sharing banking information.
• Meet locally in safe, public locations when possible.

9. Account Takeover Scams

Fraudsters obtain your online banking credentials and gain access to your accounts.

Warning Signs

• Unexpected password reset notifications
• Unrecognized transactions
• Locked account access

How to Protect Yourself

• Enable multi-factor authentication.
• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Monitor account activity regularly.

10. Charity and Disaster Relief Scams

After natural disasters or major news events, scammers create fake charities to collect donations.

Warning Signs

• Emotional appeals with urgent deadlines
• Requests for wire transfers or gift cards
• Little information about the organization

How to Protect Yourself

• Research organizations before donating.
• Donate through official websites.
• Never feel pressured to contribute immediately.

General Tips for Staying Safe

Protect Your Personal Information

Never share:

• Online banking passwords
• PIN numbers
• Security questions
• One-time authentication codes

Monitor Your Accounts

• Review account activity regularly.
• Set up transaction alerts.
• Report suspicious activity immediately.

Think Before You Click

• Be cautious of links in emails and texts.
• Verify websites before entering information.
• Keep your devices updated and secure.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels suspicious, it probably is. Slow down, verify the request, and contact your bank directly.

We’re Here to Help

At The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, Citizens Bank of Laurens County, and  Bulloch First, our Family of Banks is here to serve you and offer account protection to the best of our knowledge.  Unfortunately, we have witnessed the majority of these scams. Fraudsters continually develop new tactics, but awareness remains one of the strongest defenses. If you ever receive a suspicious phone call, text message, email, or payment request involving your accounts, contact us immediately before taking any action.

A few moments of caution can prevent a significant financial loss. Your security remains our top priority.

Check washing — a crime many thought had faded away — is once again a major threat to consumers, small businesses, and community banks across the country. Criminals are combining old‑fashioned mail theft with new digital tools to steal funds quickly and quietly.

As a community bank, protecting our customers begins with awareness. Here’s what you need to know about how check washing works, why it’s rising, and how you can safeguard your accounts.

What Is Check Washing?

Check washing happens when criminals steal a paper check and use chemicals such as acetone, bleach, or nail polish remover to erase the original ink. Once the ink is removed, they rewrite the check:

• To a new payee
• For a larger dollar amount

Your original signature remains intact, making the check appear legitimate during processing.

Why Check Washing Has Suddenly Surged.

 Mail Theft Is on the Rise

Criminals are routinely targeting:

• Residential mailboxes
• Apartment mail clusters
• USPS blue collection boxes, especially overnight

Criminals Now Use Advanced Tools

Fraudsters have moved beyond simple chemical washing. They now:

• Scan checks and digitally alter them
• Print convincing replicas (“check cooking”)
• Use high-quality printers and specialty inks
• Forge identities or create synthetic ones
• Use AI to mimic handwriting or design flawless counterfeits

Why Checks Are Still Attractive to Criminals.

Even though digital payments are safer and more common, criminals still love checks because:

• Checks contain everything needed to commit fraud: routing number, account number, name, address, and signature, and many businesses still rely on checks.

• 91% of organizations still use checks, and over 75% have no plans to stop, keeping the threat alive into 2025.

• According to the 2025 Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) Payments Fraud Survey, 63% of organizations experienced attempted or actual check fraud in 2024, the highest of any payment method.

Some Points to Protect You.

• Do not use an envelope with windows.  This may seem like defeating the purpose, but taking a little extra time to address an envelope will help hide the contents. 

• Use a Gel Pen. Gel ink bonds deeper with the paper and is far harder to dissolve with chemicals.

• Monitor Your Accounts Regularly. Set up account alerts that will alert you if a check or transaction is above a certain dollar amount threshold, and review transactions every few days. 

• Choose Electronic Payments When Possible.  For recurring bills or large payments, electronic transfers are safer than mailing a check.

If You Believe You’re a Victim.

• Contact your bank immediately.
• Report mail theft to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
• Freeze Your Account if identity information was stolen.  

Checks have been used for a long time and are a tried-and-true way of doing business.  Keep safe and stay vigilant.

As we step into 2026, we want to take a moment to thank you, our customers.  It goes without saying that if it were not for you, our valued customers, we would not be here.  This year promises new opportunities and innovations, and we are committed to ensuring that your experience remains secure, reliable, and exceptional. Your confidence in our services drives us to keep raising the bar every single day.

One of the growing challenges in today’s digital landscape is Artificial Intelligence, or A.I.  Not only can AI be used to help expedite tasks that can improve our everyday lives, but it can also be used by fraudsters to manipulate almost anything, including your voice and facial features.  The digital platform that we all use is a prime target for fraud. 

One thing to be aware of is the rise of phishing phone calls. These fraudulent calls often attempt to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information such as passwords, account numbers, or personal details. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and it’s important to stay vigilant. Remember: we will never ask for confidential information over the phone, and any suspicious call should be treated with caution.

To help protect yourself, always verify the caller’s identity before sharing any information. If something feels off, hang up and contact us directly through our official channels. Additionally, consider enabling multi-factor authentication and monitoring your accounts regularly for unusual activity. Your security is our top priority, and together we can prevent these threats from impacting your peace of mind.

Tips to Spot Phishing Calls

• Unexpected urgency: Be cautious if the caller pressures you to act immediately or threatens consequences.
• Requests for sensitive information: Legitimate companies will never ask for passwords, PINs, or full account numbers over the phone.
• Unfamiliar numbers or caller ID spoofing: Don’t trust caller ID alone; scammers often disguise their numbers.
• Poor grammar or unusual language: Professional organizations maintain clear and consistent communication.
• Verify before acting: If in doubt, hang up and call the official number listed on our website.

Stay Protected:
Report a Suspicious Call

Smishing Messages Impersonating Our Bank:

We have been made aware of an active smishing (SMS phishing) attack in which fraudsters are sending text messages that appear to come from our official phone number. These messages are not from our bank.

Your security is our top priority, and we want to ensure you have the information you need to stay protected.

What You Need to Know

• These text messages did not originate from our bank, even if the sender ID or phone number looks familiar.

• The messages may attempt to:

o Create a false sense of urgency

o Ask you to click a link

o Request personal information, login credentials, or account numbers

We will never ask you to verify sensitive information, click on unexpected links, or provide personal details through text message.

What To Do if You Receive One of These Texts

• Do not click any links.

• Do not reply to the message.

• Do not share any personal or account information.

• Delete the message after reporting it to us.

If you have already clicked a link or provided information, please contact us immediately at our official phone number listed on our website.

How to Verify a Legitimate Message from Us

The safest way to confirm whether a message is valid is to:

1. Visit our official website directly (do not use links in a text).

2. Log in securely through our mobile app.

3. Call our customer support team using the number printed on your bank card or statement.

We’re Here to Help

Your trust and security are extremely important to us. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please contact our support team right away.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and secure banking environment.

The Citizens Bank Charter reads like a museum piece.  November 10, 1900, all written in calligraphy, displayed proudly on the wall for all to see.  Over the past 125 years, community banking has evolved from humble beginnings into a dynamic force in modern finance, without losing sight of its local roots. In the early 1900s, community banks were often the only financial institutions in small towns, built on trust, personal relationships, and a deep understanding of their customers’ lives. They offered essential services: savings, loans, and credit, often based on a handshake and a neighborly promise.

As the financial industry expanded and regulations grew more complex, community banks adapted. They weathered the Great Depression, post-war booms, and the rise of national banking giants by staying focused on what mattered most: their communities.

The digital age brought new challenges and opportunities. Community banks embraced online banking, mobile apps, and fintech partnerships, enabling them to offer the same conveniences as larger institutions while maintaining their hallmark personalized service. Today, community banks, like The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, are tech-enabled but still deeply embedded in the economic fabric of their regions.

With October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, things are a lot different now than they were in 1900.  The most common threats in 1900 were:

1. Physical Security – Banks relied on vaults, guards, and mechanical safes to protect cash and valuables.  Robbery was a significant threat, especially in rural areas where law enforcement resources were limited.
2. Lack of Deposit Insurance – Before the creation of the FDIC in 1933, there was no federal protection for deposits.  If the bank failed, customers lost their money.  This made trust and reputation critical.

With technological advances occurring daily, more crimes are committed electronically. Here are some tips for staying safe during the upcoming holiday season and the upcoming year.

  Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Avoid using the same password across multiple sites. Combine letters, numbers, and symbols for added strength

 Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Add an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification, like a text code or app notification.

 Keep Software Updated
Regularly update your device’s operating system, browser, and banking apps to patch security vulnerabilities.

 Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Banking
Use secure, private networks when accessing financial accounts. Public Wi-Fi can expose your data to hackers.

 Monitor Accounts Regularly
Check your bank statements and transaction history often to spot unauthorized activity early.

 Support Local, Shop Smart

While online shopping offers convenience, don’t forget the value of supporting local businesses. Shopping locally keeps money in your community, supports jobs, and often provides a more personalized experience. Many small businesses now offer online ordering and curbside pickup, blending convenience with community support.

The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to our customers.  You are the reason The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro can celebrate 125 years of being your community bank.

Since 1900, we’ve stood the Test of Time.  Safe, Sound, Secure.

Here’s to another 125 years!

Lastly, from our Banking family to yours, may your holiday season be filled with joy, laughter, and wonderful memories.

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, Citizens Bank of Laurens County & Bulloch First!

💳 The Pros and Cons of Using a Digital Wallet

In an increasingly cashless world, digital wallets are becoming a go-to solution for managing money. Whether you’re tapping your phone at a checkout counter or sending money to a friend with a few taps, digital wallets offer a blend of convenience and innovation. But are they right for everyone? Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of using a digital wallet.

✅ Benefits of Using a Digital Wallet

1. Convenience

Digital wallets allow you to store multiple payment methods—credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, and even transit passes—in one place. No more fumbling through your wallet or purse.

2. Speed

Transactions are typically faster than traditional card swipes or cash payments. Just tap your phone or scan a QR code, and you’re done.

3. Security

Many digital wallets use encryption, tokenization, and biometric authentication (like fingerprint or facial recognition) to protect your data. If your phone is lost or stolen, it’s often more secure than losing a physical wallet.

4. Contactless Payments

Especially post-pandemic, contactless payments have become a preferred method for hygiene and safety. Digital wallets support this seamlessly.

5. Expense Tracking

Some digital wallets offer built-in budgeting tools or integrate with financial apps, helping you track spending and manage finances more effectively.

⚠️ Drawbacks of Using a Digital Wallet

1. Device Dependency

If your phone dies or malfunctions, you could be left without access to your funds—unless you carry a backup payment method.

2. Limited Acceptance

While digital wallets are widely accepted in many urban areas and large retailers, some smaller businesses or rural locations may not support them.

3. Privacy Concerns

Digital wallets collect data on your spending habits. While this can be useful for budgeting, it also raises concerns about how your data is used or shared.

4. Learning Curve

For those not tech-savvy, setting up and using a digital wallet can be confusing or intimidating.

5. Compatibility Issues

Not all digital wallets work with all banks, cards, or devices. You might find that your preferred wallet doesn’t support your financial institution.

🧾 Final Thoughts

Digital wallets are a powerful tool for modern financial management, offering speed, security, and convenience. However, they’re not without their limitations. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a cautious adopter, understanding both the benefits and drawbacks can help you decide if a digital wallet fits your lifestyle.