Month: April 2025

Pinnacle Bank’s commitment to your financial well-being extends beyond just providing excellent services—we’re here to help you protect your assets too. Today, let’s discuss an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of financial security: using checks safely.

A Lesson from Your Home Security System

Think of your checkbook as part of your security system. Just as you wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked or your alarm system deactivated, you shouldn’t leave your checks vulnerable. Here are some key points to remember:

1. Store your checks securely like you would your valuable documents.
2. Never sign blank checks. It’s like handing over a signed, blank contract.
3. Use a pen with indelible ink when writing checks. Consider it your financial fingerprint.
4. Always fill in all fields of a check, leaving no blank spaces. Think of it as closing all your windows before leaving home.

Banks Never Ask That!

Remember this golden rule: Pinnacle Bank, or any legitimate bank, will never ask for sensitive information through unsecured channels. If you receive a call, email or text asking for your account details, passwords or other private information, be cautious. It’s likely a scam. We value your trust and will always prioritize your security.

The Role of Checks in Modern Banking

While digital payments are on the rise, checks still play a significant role in certain transactions. According to recent financial reports, check-related fraud remains a concern. That’s why at Pinnacle Bank, we’re committed to helping you stay informed and protected.

Protecting Your Financial Home

Here are some additional tips to keep your financial home secure:

• Regularly review your account statements like you would check your home’s exterior for signs of trouble.
• Report any suspicious activity immediately—we’re here to help.
• Consider using our online bill pay services for added security.
• Shred old checks and statements before disposing of them. Think of it as clearing out old keys to your house.

Pinnacle is more than just your bank; we’re your partners in building and protecting your financial future. By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can help safeguard your finances against check-related fraud and scams.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Pinnacle Bank branch or our customer service line at 877-759-7939.

Pinnacle Bank is committed to keeping your hard-earned money safe. As your trusted local financial partner since 1934, we want to help you recognize and avoid phishing scams and other types of financial fraud. Let’s explore how to protect yourself from various deceptive practices targeting you and other Pinnacle Bank customers.

Email Scams: Red Flags for Bank Customers

• Unusual Email Addresses: Be wary of emails that don’t come from our official Pinnacle Bank domain.
• Misspelled Words: Pinnacle Bank communications are professionally written. Poor grammar or spelling is a clear sign of an impostor.
• Scare Tactics: Pinnacle Bank won’t send emails warning of urgent account closure or security breaches. We prefer direct, calm communication.
• Suspicious URLs: We won’t ask you to log in via email links. Always access your account through our official website (pinnaclebank.com) or mobile app.
• Unexpected Attachments: Pinnacle Bank doesn’t send unsolicited email attachments. These could contain malware.

Text Message Scams: Stay Alert to Bank Imposters

• Strange Phone Numbers: Be cautious of texts from unfamiliar numbers claiming to be Pinnacle Bank.
• Urgent Warnings: Our text messages won’t create panic or urge immediate action.
• Requests for Personal Information: Pinnacle Bank will never ask for sensitive data, such as account numbers, PINs or passwords, via text.
• Suspicious Links: We rarely send links via text. Always verify by visiting pinnaclebank.com or calling us directly. Find our phone numbers under Locations at PinnacleBank.com.

Phone Call Scams: Recognizing Genuine Bank Calls

• Unusual Caller ID: Be skeptical if the number doesn’t match our official contact information. Find our phone numbers under Locations at PinnacleBank.com.
• Scare Tactics or Threats: Pinnacle Bank representatives will never pressure you or threaten negative consequences.
• Requesting Personal Information: We do not ask for account details during unexpected calls.
• Unexpected Calls: Be wary of out-of-the-blue calls. We typically only reach out if you initiate contact first.

Payment App Scams: Protecting Your Bank Accounts

• Unexpected Requests: Be cautious of strangers asking for money through payment apps linked to your Pinnacle Bank account.
• Sending Money to Yourself: Pinnacle Bank will never ask you to send money to yourself. It’s 100% a scam.
• Overpayment Claims: Be skeptical of requests to refund alleged overpayments to your Pinnacle Bank account.
• Pressure and Urgency: Pinnacle Bank doesn’t create false emergencies. Take your time to verify requests.

Strengthen Your Defenses with Pinnacle Bank

• Enable multi-factor authentication on your Pinnacle Bank online account.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all your Pinnacle Bank accounts.
• Keep your devices updated and use our latest mobile banking app version.
• Install and maintain antivirus software on your computer.

If You’ve Been Scammed

• Contact Pinnacle Bank immediately at the number on the back of your card. 
• Change your Pinnacle Bank online banking password.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• File a police report if you’ve lost money.

If you ever have doubts about a communication you’ve received, please contact your local Pinnacle Bank branch or call us directly at 877-759-7939. Find our additional phone numbers under Locations at PinnacleBank.com.

With eighteen years of banking experience, Sarah White brings a deep understanding of treasury management and a passion for building lasting customer relationships. She began her career as a floating teller at Pinnacle Bank’s Hartwell branch, quickly realizing her desire to grow within the company.

Now a Treasury Management Specialist, Sarah enjoys traveling across Pinnacle’s footprint, meeting new and existing customers and helping businesses find the right financial solutions.

A proud Hartwell native, Sarah loves hiking, camping, traveling and cherishing time with her family. 

With 14 years of experience in the banking industry, Erin Lee brings valuable expertise to her role as AVP – Middle-Market Relationship Manager at Pinnacle Bank. Beginning her career on the retail banking side before transitioning to commercial lending, Erin has developed a deep knowledge of lending, deposit and cash management services for operating companies across the bank’s footprint. 

A graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Organizational Communications, Erin provides an exceptional client experience through her consultative approach and quick follow-up.

Originally from Conyers, GA, and now calling Rutledge home for over a decade, Erin enjoys spending time and exploring new places with her husband, two children and golden retrievers. Erin demonstrates her commitment to community leadership as President of the Madison Kiwanis Club.