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Annual Charity Coffee

Farmers Bank & Trust hosted their 29th annual Charity Coffee in Great Bend December 3rd. This event recognizes the amazing work being done by the non-profits in our community. Winners were drawn for donations of $500, $400, $300, $200 (3 winners), $150 (10 winners) and every organization left with at least a $100 donation to the important work that they do. Top winners were Barton County Emergency Aid, Prodigal Ministries of Kansas, and Sunflower Diversified. An additional prize of $200 was given to the group with the largest attendance, Family Crisis Center.

Happy Holidays!

Discontinuation of Pennies

The US Treasury has been instructed to stop producing new pennies. Our supply of pennies is limited and once our current stock is depleted, we will no longer be able to order more. Businesses should start adjusting their cash-handling practices including the need to round up or down transactions, encourage the use of card and electronic payments, and communicate changes with customers. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your business. Find additional information about the discontinutation of pennies by viewing the Penny Talking Points document from the American Bankers Association.

Online Banking Updates

For enhanced security, Online Banking has been updated to require the use of a one-time passcode by email for enrollment, transfers over $10,000, and profile changes.

Future updates will use one-time passcodes via text or phone call, so it is important that we have up-to-date phone numbers on file. This also assists us with giving you timely alerts when there are questionnable debit card transactions.

To confirm your email address and phone numbers are current, you may review your contact information in your Profile in Online Banking or reach out to your local branch.

Scams Targeting Young Adults

According to Pew Research Center, in their article Online Scams and Attacks in America Today, 73% of young adults have experienced online scams. Learn how you can fight back against scammers online with this scam tip sheet from the American Bankers Association.

Practice Safe Checks

With check fraud more than doubling over the past decade, Kansas Treasurer Steven Johnson shares simple,

effective tips to help protect consumers—from using permanent gel pens to switching to digital payments.

La Crosse School Supply Drive

Thanks to the generous support of the community, along with Farmer’s Bank & Trust’s match, the LaCrosse branch was able to donate more than $1,400 worth of school supplies to USD 395 LaCrosse this year.

Local Preschoolers Visit Kinsley Branch

Local preschoolers learning about community helpers stopped by to learn how banks can keep their money safe until they are ready to use it. According to Branch Manager, Brad Venters, they discussed different sizes and shapes of money and enjoyed cookies because "they’re round like coins but taste better." They also talked about needs vs wants and all left with a 50-cent piece to help them start saving for those bigger items on their wants and needs list. They finished off the visit with pictures of “locking” them in the vault. Not all the kids were willing to get locked in.

CryptoCurrency Fraud

As reported by the FBI, Cryptocurrency fraud losses were up 45% in 2023 which resulted in more than $5.6 billion dollars in losses. See full Report Here.

The American Bankers Association in working in collaboration with the FBI and other federal agencies, released a new infographic warning consumers about the increasing threat of cryptocurrency investment scams.

Family Code Words

Tips for Financial Caregivers

It's important for caregivers to keep careful records. When acting as a financial agent, proper documentation is not only encouraged, but required. Get more tips for financial caregivers from the '@American Bankers Association' Foundation: https://aba.social/3SeDjKk
#SafeBankingForSeniors

#Older Americans Month