Southeast National Bank

BEWARE OF IDENTITY THIEVES POSING AS THE IRS

2010-01-04T12:27:00.005-06:00

We have been made aware that fraudulent e-mails claiming to be from the IRS have been sent out (commonly referred to as "phishing"). They look legitimate and often contain links or attachments, which may also look legitimate. However, you should NOT click on any link or attachment.

The IRS will NEVER send you an unsolicited e-mail. Clicking on links or attachments in these e-mails will likely download a virus which will allow a criminal to access your computer, passwords and other data.

If you receive an e-mail that claims to be from the IRS, you can report it to phishing@irs.gov, an IRS mailbox used for tracking "IRS" phishing scams. If you think you have already downloaded a virus, contact professional computer support. To report identity theft or learn more about preventing identity theft, visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/.

CHOOSING PASSWORDS

2009-12-31T10:03:00.002-06:00

A third party has suggested that a simple way to protect yourself and your information is with a strong password. The strongest passwords should look like a random string of characters to an attacker, yet it does not have to be difficult for you to remember. Think of a sentence, phrase or string of words that you can easily remember. For example, children's names in order of their birth: "AnneMichaelOscar".

Turn the names into a password adding complexity with upper and lower case, numbers and symbols. For example, substitute the A with @, the S with $, the E with 3, the O with Zero and so on, like this: @nn3M1ch@310$c@r.

Use a reputable Password Checker to evaluate your password's strength and, remember, keep your password a secret:

Don't share it with others.

Don't store it on a file in your computer, in your wallet or under your keyboard.

Don't share passwords in emails and do not access any password guarded site via a link in an email. Instead, go to your web browser and enter the site name into the address bar.

Don't enter passwords on computers you do not control (computer labs, internet cafes, kiosk PCs, airport lounges, etc.). Criminals can buy keystroke logging devices to gather information typed onto that specific computer. Website login names and passwords are as valuable as the information you are trying to protect.

Do not use the same password for multiple sites; if one gets compromised, consider all websites using that password just as compromised.

Hopefully this information will help you keep your information more secure.

FED MAKES MINOR TWEAKS WITH FOCUS ON CONTINUITY

2009-08-24T14:32:00.002-05:00

The FOMC's (Federal Reserve Open Market Committee) announcement cited continued economic stabilization and announced a very minor tweak to its Treasury purchase program. Overall, the FOMC's announcement is strikingly similar to its June announcement and it did not issue any warnings or prepare the market for policy changes.

T.A.R.P. Funds Refused

2009-06-22T13:18:00.002-05:00

Much has been reported in the media about the Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) instituted by the federal government to shore up ailing financial institutions. We at Southeast National Bank are pleased that we are financially healthy, sound, and have no need for T.A.R.P. funds. We have not accepted any of the federal "bail out" money; in fact, we continue to have money to lend. Our customers, and the community at large, can be assured that they can place their trust and confidence in Southeast National Bank.

SOUTHEAST NATIONAL BANK, MOLINE IL - SAFE AND SECURE

2008-08-15T09:42:00.002-05:00

Southeast National Bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and has been since the day it opened for business in 1961; deposits are insured at our bank up to the maximum limits allowed by law. Customers can be confident that their insured deposits are safe because FDIC insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.

Southeast National Bank has received a 5 Star Rating from BAUERFINANCIAL, Inc.- the highest rating awarded by them. The 5 Star Rating is defined as Superior; institutions listed at this level are on Bauer's "Recommended" list. Each institution listed on the "Recommended Bank" list is safe, financially sound and is operating well above its regulatory capital requirements. BauerFinancial, Inc. has been analyzing and reporting on the financial condition of the nation's banking industry since 1983. BauerFinancial, Inc. is the source of unbiased, independent bank star-ratings. No institution pays for its rating. You may visit BauerFinancial at www.bauerfinancial.com.