First Sentinel Bank
Community. Stability. Family. Your community bank serving families since 1978
Security Center
Sentinel Alerts: Be Informed. Be Aware. Protect Yourself.
November 30, 2023- Cyber Threats during the Holiday Season:
By checking your devices, shopping from trusted sources, and using safe purchasing methods, shoppers can stay safe online.
According to a November 2023 Press Release from The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, (CISA), the holiday shopping season is a prime opportunity for Cyber Criminals to "take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers through fake websites, malicious links, and even fake charities. Their goal is simple: get your personal and financial information to compromise your data, deploy malicious software, steal your identity, and take your money. But with some simple actions, you can stay safe while you shop online".
- Make sure the device you are using to shop online is up to date.
- Create Strong Passwords for your website accounts.
- Enable Multi-factor Authentication.
- Shop through trusted sources.
- Make sure you understand how your information will be stored and used.
Visit CISA.gov/shop-safely for more tips on how to have a safe and successful online shopping experience this holiday season.
May 22, 2023- Artificial Intelligence: What to know
What makes AI so powerful is it can simulate the intelligence and reasoning capability of the human
mind, but it can analyze exponentially far more information than any human and do it exponentially
faster. The concept of AI is not new. Originally covered in science fiction novels, AI is something that has
been in development for decades. The reason you are hearing so much about it now is that for the
first time, anyone has the opportunity to interact with and see the true functionality of AI.
mind, but it can analyze exponentially far more information than any human and do it exponentially
faster. The concept of AI is not new. Originally covered in science fiction novels, AI is something that has
been in development for decades. The reason you are hearing so much about it now is that for the
first time, anyone has the opportunity to interact with and see the true functionality of AI.
The dangers of Artificial Intelligence include:
1. Recreating You: AI solutions can take a recording of a person’s voice – your voice – and then
use it to create real-time audio that sounds just like you, saying whatever it wants to
impersonate you. So, a cyber attacker could record a phone voice message that sounds like
you, tricking your coworkers, your bank, or a family member into thinking you called and
asked them to take an action. AI can also do this with pictures or video. Sometimes called
Deep Fakes, an AI solution can take an existing picture or video of you and use it to recreate
entirely new pictures or videos (including your voice) appearing to show you doing things that
you never did.
2. Wrong Answers: As for the data or answers AI provides, the solutions can be wrong. AI often
uses public information from the Internet, and its answers can be influenced by the biases of
its developers. While typical search engines are designed to provide you the “best” or most
correct answer to your queries, solutions like AI may be designed to give you the most human-like
answer. Which is better depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
3. Not All Equal: With AI becoming the latest hot technology, there are literally hundreds of
startup companies now offering different AI services. Many of these want your information
or credit card for a trial. Be careful - not all AI services are trustworthy. Do your research
before signing up and using an AI service.
4. Your Privacy: Whenever using or interacting with an AI system, be aware that any information you enter into the system can not only be processed by it but also retained and used to give answers to others. This means if you enter any personal information about yourself or any confidential information from work, that
information will be stored and potentially shared with or sold to others. Do not share or enter
any information that you consider sensitive, personal, or is confidential at work.
1. Recreating You: AI solutions can take a recording of a person’s voice – your voice – and then
use it to create real-time audio that sounds just like you, saying whatever it wants to
impersonate you. So, a cyber attacker could record a phone voice message that sounds like
you, tricking your coworkers, your bank, or a family member into thinking you called and
asked them to take an action. AI can also do this with pictures or video. Sometimes called
Deep Fakes, an AI solution can take an existing picture or video of you and use it to recreate
entirely new pictures or videos (including your voice) appearing to show you doing things that
you never did.
2. Wrong Answers: As for the data or answers AI provides, the solutions can be wrong. AI often
uses public information from the Internet, and its answers can be influenced by the biases of
its developers. While typical search engines are designed to provide you the “best” or most
correct answer to your queries, solutions like AI may be designed to give you the most human-like
answer. Which is better depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
3. Not All Equal: With AI becoming the latest hot technology, there are literally hundreds of
startup companies now offering different AI services. Many of these want your information
or credit card for a trial. Be careful - not all AI services are trustworthy. Do your research
before signing up and using an AI service.
4. Your Privacy: Whenever using or interacting with an AI system, be aware that any information you enter into the system can not only be processed by it but also retained and used to give answers to others. This means if you enter any personal information about yourself or any confidential information from work, that
information will be stored and potentially shared with or sold to others. Do not share or enter
any information that you consider sensitive, personal, or is confidential at work.
October 19, 2022- Cybersecurity Tips:
- Watch for misspelled words. Fraudulent texts and emails often have typos. Real banks use spell check.
- Call the number on your card. If you think an email, text, or call might be a scam, play it safe. Just hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
- Never share your PIN or password. Got an email, text, or phone call that claims to be from your bank, but is asking for your PIN or password? Banks never ask that. Just hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
- Beware of scare tactics. Scam emails, texts, and calls may pressure or even threaten you to respond. Banks never ask that. Just ignore them, and call your bank directly.
- Be wary of suspicious links. Banks will never send you a text or email that asks you to click a suspicious link.
May 4, 2021 - COVID-19 Communication
ATTENTION: Beginning Monday, May 10th, all of our branch lobbies will open on regular schedule. Masks are still required inside all of our buildings.
December 3, 2020 - COVID-19 Communication
ATTENTION: Effective immediately, all branch lobbies are closed to customer traffic. Customers may make appointments for safe deposit box access or loan activities as needed, but all other transactions will need to be conducted through the drive-thru. Customers may also take advantage of our online/mobile/telephone banking services. Thank you!
September 29, 2020 - Scam Alert
We have been made aware of a scam from someone apparently impersonating the company Amazon. The alleged company is contacting individuals via e-mail asking them to purchase gift cards to send for payment of products/services. If you receive an e-mail like this, please delete the e-mail and DO NOT share any personal information. As a reminder, companies like this will never e-mail asking for alternative forms of payment for any products or services rendered. If ever presented with this situation, you should always contact that company directly from their website.
March 26, 2020 - COVID-19 Communication
Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus.
Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay:
- Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.
- Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus. Visit the FDA to learn more.
- Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit What the U.S. Government is Doing for links to federal, state and local government agencies.
- Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t.
- Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer. Do Not give any account information as the Government or Banks will not request this information
- Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
- Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
March 19, 2020 - COVID-19 Communication
First Sentinel Bank is first and foremost local people serving local people. As we continue to navigate the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, our bank is focused on serving the best interests of our customers, our employees, and our communities. As we continue our preventive measures to protect your health and safety, we have weighed several options in light of state and federal guidelines and recommendations by the Center for Disease Control as well as recommendations made by the Virginia Bankers Association. With your wellbeing in mind, First Sentinel Bank has made the decision to close our branch lobbies and move to drive thru only services effective Friday, March 20th. We will remain open for all of your needs; however, the way we will have to transact business will be modified. We will continue with drive thru only service for the foreseeable future.
Our operating hours will remain unchanged and you will still be able to make deposits, withdrawals, pay loan payments, and conduct other standard banking transactions through the drive thru. Should you need access to your safe deposit box or need to speak with a loan officer, you may call the branch to schedule an appointment.
Our hours of operation will remain unchanged and are as follows:
Monday -Friday, 8 am – 6pm (drive thru)
Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5pm (branch appointments as necessary)
For your convenience, we also have several electronic banking options:
ATM
- Our branch ATMS are available 24/7
- Make deposits
- Check balances
- Withdraw cash
- Also have fee-free access to over 55,000 ATMs nationwide with the AllPoint Network
Telephone Banking (276/963-3400)
- Available 24/7
- Transfer funds between accounts
- Check balances and account history or pending transactions
- Make payments.
Online banking
- Visit our website at firstsentinelbank.com
- Convenient access to your account statements and transactions history
- Pay bills without mailing a check with Online BillPay
- Transfer funds between accounts
- Make loan payments (via Loan Portal)
- Call your local branch for more information on enrolling in Online Banking
Mobile banking
- Download app available in iTunes App Store or Google Play store
- Convenient banking in the palm of your hand
- View transactions
- Transfer funds between accounts
- Schedule bill payments through BillPay
- View eStatements
- Call your local branch for more information on enrolling in Mobile Banking
Rest assured that First Sentinel Bank is committed to being here for you and is taking every precaution possible to protect your health and safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and will notify you of additional changes as information becomes available. Thank you for being an important part of our First Sentinel family.
Stay Well,
John Thompson
President & CEO
First Sentinel Bank
March 12, 2020 - COVID-19 Communication
As more information becomes available regarding the current COVID-19 situation, and as we still continue to deal with other seasonal communicable illnesses (such as seasonal flu), First Sentinel Bank wants to assure all of our customers, employees, and community partners that your health and well-being continue to be our primary focus. To that end, we want to provide information regarding our plans for proactively avoiding disruptions to services, and provide additional resources for your reference.
To address ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19 and community spread, we remind you of our alternate means of banking with us. For your convenience, the following methods are available to you 24/7:
- Online banking, including loan payments, balance inquiries and transfers, and BillPay (visit us at firstsentinelbank.com).
- Mobile banking, including balance inquiries and transfers, BillPay (available in the iTunes and Android app stores).
- Telephone Banking (call (276) 963-3400).
- ATMs (located at all of our branches).
Below are additional measures we have proactively implemented to safeguard your health and well-being:
- Enhanced cleaning protocol at all of our locations to ensure heightened levels of disinfection and safety.
- Availability of hand sanitizer and tissues in all of our offices for your use.
- Staff education regarding Center for Disease Control recommendations for remaining healthy.
- Establishment of staffing policies to assist employees who are exposed or exhibit any symptoms of illness.
For more information regarding COVID-19 click on the following links to access resources from the Center of Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet.pdf
Rest assured that First Sentinel Bank is actively working to ensure your financial needs continue to be met during this situation. We are more committed than ever to serving you with excellence no matter the situation.
Stay well,
The Team at First Sentinel Bank
Update: October 2, 2018 - Counterfeit Official Checks of First Sentinel Bank of Richlands, VA
It has come to the attention of First Sentinel Bank that counterfeit official checks are being circulated across the United States drawn on our bank, they are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with various Internet-based employment and overpayment scams.
Two variations of official checks currently in circulation resemble the bank's authentic checks. Look for security features on official checks such as heat sensitive security seal.
Counterfeit checks presented to date have been made payable in varying amounts beginning at $1,000, have contained different remitter names, and reference "Branch: 0001" in the bottom, and contain an authorized signature of "Rachel Cantrell and Amber Johnson along with another version of the counterfeit check that have different signatures, which are not legible."
Potential victims of this mystery shopping scam are contacted via e-mail or by a letter in the mail to go shopping at various locations. Once the assignment is accepted, the potential victim receives a letter in the mail or email along with payment in the form of a counterfeit check with instructions to send a money order and receipt to one or more individuals.
Letters accompanying the checks instruct the potential victim to immediately deposit the check into his or her bank account and to retain a portion of the money as a commission. The potential victim is then to use a small amount of the funds to make a purchase at a well-known chain store. Once the victim has purchased an item they are to e-mail an evaluation to rate their experience.
Potential victims have also been contacted by selling items on craigslist and receiving counterfeit official checks that have overpaid for the item and ask the victim to deposit the check and get the overpaid amount out in cash and then purchase a money order for the amount overpaid and mail and/or text a picture of the receipt to the person buying item.
Please be aware of these scams and contact First Sentinel bank to have them verify the authenticity of these type of checks at (276) 963-0836 or by e-mailing us. In addition to contacting the appropriate banks, there are others whom you also should notify if you receive a counterfeit item. They include:
- General Scams – Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by telephone at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.
- Internet-based Scams – Visit Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Fraud Complaint Center
- Mail-based Scams – Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by telephone at 1-877-876-2455, or by mail at
Criminal Investigations Service Center
Attn: Mail Fraud
433 W. Harrison Street, Room 3255
Chicago, Il 60699-3255
May 9, 2017 - Text Message Scam
Please be aware of a text message scam that is circulating. The message states it is Wells Fargo and that your Visa debit card is locked. This message is in no way associated with First Sentinel Bank. It is a scam trying to get your card information. Do not reply back to the message or call the number provided.
There is also a "robocall" scam circulating that will ask "can you hear me now." Do not answer this call or say anything. Additional information on this scam is provided on NetworkWorld.
December 29, 2016 - Online Banking Customers
Please be aware of any emails you receive implying First Sentinel Bank needs you to send your online banking log-in information to the website listed in the email so your account can be updated. DO NOT REPLY to this type of emails….This type of emails are phishing SCAMS to steal your log-in information. Also, please do not respond to any e-mail stating that a debit card you requested has been mailed. These are also SCAM e-mails trying to obtain account information.
First Sentinel Bank will never call, text, or email a request for your personal information, account information or online banking information. If you have received such an email or text and have provided any information, please contact the bank immediately at (276) 963-3000.
For more information on cybersecurity, visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and StaySafeOnline.org.
Automated Phone Message Scam
Consumers in the area are receiving pre-recorded phone messages with the warning that their cards from First Sentinel Bank have had a hold placed on them. The message instructs the targeted individual to select a certain number and enter card number and pin to remove the hold. Please do not respond to these types of calls. It is a scam. First Sentinel Bank will never solicit you to reveal your pin number.
Text Message and Phone Phishing Attacks
Recent reports indicate an increase in text message and phone phishing attacks on consumers and possibly First Sentinel Bank customers. Targeted Individuals receive a phone call or a text with a pre-recorded message. The automated message states the individual’s card has been closed and to re-activate the card they must enter their 16 digit card number, PIN, card expiration date, etc. In some cases there is no number attached to the call.
Lost or Stolen Debit Card
In most cases, you will not be held liable for unauthorized use of your Debit or ATM card if you report your card lost or stolen in a timely manner. Let us know immediately if your card has been lost or stolen. During normal banking hours, please contact our Customer Service Center at (276) 963-3000, to report your lost or stolen card. If you discover your card missing after hours or during a weekend, please call 1-866-546-8273.
Please have the following information available:
- The bank's name and city, state.
- The exact name on the card
- Your full address and day time phone number
- The reason you request the card to be hot carded
Contact our Customer Service Center at (276) 963-3000 during banking hours to arrange for a replacement card.
Other Important Numbers
Local Law Enforcement
- Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office (276) 988-5966
- Russell County Sheriff’s Office (276) 889-8033
- VA State Police (804) 674-2000
Credit Bureaus
TransUnion
1-800-680-7289
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, California 92834-6790
Equifax
1-800-525-6285
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0241
Experian
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, Texas 75013
If you received such a call and provided your personal information, we urge you to contact us immediately at (276) 963-3000. The Customer Service Representative you speak with will be able to take appropriate steps to help protect your First Sentinel Bank accounts from potential fraudulent use.
Contact Information
At First Sentinel Bank, we want to provide you with the highest level of account protection. Please help us do so by keeping your contact information up to date. If a fraudulent transaction is suspected on your account, our fraud center will contact you by phone. Please provide us with a current phone number by giving us a call at (276) 963-3000, sending us a message via online banking, or by visiting your local branch. Thank you for your assistance in this matter, we appreciate your time and look forward to serving your banking needs.
As always, First Sentinel Bank would never ask you to provide personal or account information in an unsolicited manner. We apologize for any inconvenience or concern this unfortunate event may have caused you, and hope you understand that this was not a situation which was in our control. At First Sentinel Bank, we honor our commitment to handle your financial information with the utmost care and confidentiality.
