NEW AND IMPROVED

We are pleased to inform you that we, at Bank of Eastman/Magnolia State Banks, are in the process of converting our existing data and item processing systems to new and improved versions.  This will allow us to enhance our customer service along with offering more sophisticated technologies.  We will be upgrading our systems during the weekend of February 17, 2012.

During this upgrade, you may experience interruptions or limited access to your account information or account balance.  The telephone banking system will be unavailable during this weekend but will be available beginning February 21, 2012.  Internet banking and bill pay will be available for viewing only on February 17, 2012.  This means that no transfers or payments can be made on February 17, 2012.  The internet banking and bill pay will be unavailable on Monday, February 20, 2012 from 7AM until 12PM for conversion changes and on-line interface activation.  You will not be able to view any check images on the internet banking dated prior to February 17, 2012.  All logon information will stay the same.  For those who receive e-statements, the new statements will be presented in HTML format rather than the current PDF format.

During the weekend of conversion, your debit cards will be accessible, but will have limited availability.  If you anticipate using your card frequently, you may want to withdraw money from your account or use checks. On Monday, February 20, normal activity will resume.

After February 16, 2012, only loan and certificate of deposit history will be available.  We encourage deposit customers to print their history from online banking prior to February 17, 2012.  If you have any questions about accessing your account history information, please let us know.

The format of your notices and statements will change as well.  Although the format of our statements will be changing, they will include the same information as past statements.  Due to the conversion, we will generate and mail you a statement on your deposit accounts as of the close of business on February 16, 2012 using our current system.  On your next regular statement date, you will receive a statement using the new system covering the period from February 16th to the end of your normal cycle.

This latest conversion is just another one of our efforts to constantly update our technology in order to provide you with the best products and services available.  This will allow us to offer same day credit on most of your deposited items, all the way up until our closing time on any business day we are open.  This will also allow our internet banking, telephone banking and debit card information to be more up-to-date.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact any of our locations.

NOTICE OF CHANGES IN TEMPORARY FDIC INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR TRANSACTION ACCOUNTS

All funds in a "noninterest-bearing transaction account" are insured in full by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation from December 31, 2010, through December 31, 2012. This temporary unlimited coverage is in addition to, and separate from, the coverage of at least $250,000 available to depositors under the FDIC's general deposit insurance rules.

The term "noninterest-bearing transaction account" includes a traditional checking account or demand deposit account on which the insured depository institution pays no interest. It also includes Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts ("IOLTAs"). It does not include other accounts, such as traditional checking or demand deposit accounts that may earn interest, NOW accounts and money-market deposit accounts.

FDIC Deposit Insurance

FDIC Deposit Insurance coverage limit has permanently increased to $250,000.00.  For more information, visit the FDIC's website.

How to Avoid Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a great website that provides resources on ways to avoid identity theft and what you need to do if your identity is stolen. Below is a link to this website to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

VISA Security Alert

UGA MASCOT BURIED ON BANK OF EASTMAN PROPERTY

Mr. Angel was a mascot for the University of Georgia from 1944 to 1946. Mr. Angel belonged to Dr. Warren A Coleman. Mr. Angel was buried at the Coleman home which was located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Oak Street in Eastman, GA.

Protecting yourself against "Phishing," a type of online fraud.

What is Phishing?

Identity theft over the Internet is on the rise and “Phishing” is one form of fraud that attempts to obtain your personal information through the use of emails, websites, and popups. This type of fraud occurs when you receive an email that is sent as though the email is from a legitimate company. The email will request sensitive personal information by telling you to either supply the information in a popup window or by clicking on a web link that sends you to a counterfeit web site. Once the information is obtained the data may be unlawfully used against you to create transactions on your existing accounts.

How can I identify these fraudulent emails?

• Keep in mind that Bank of Eastman will not send emails asking for customer information.
• Fraudulent emails will ask you for your confidential information.
• Fraudulent emails may appear to be from a genuine source.
• Fraudulent emails will also link to bogus Web sites.
• Fraudulent email may also contain bogus phone numbers.

What should I do if I find one of these emails?

Do not click on any of the links in the email. If you find an email that you believe to be fraudulent either call our Tech Support Department at (478)374-3418 x104 or email techsupport@magnoliastatebanks.com to report it.