The Georgia Bankers Association represents the banking industry before the various legislative bodies and regulatory agencies as well as serves as the principal industry advocate to those outside banking.

As a service to consumers, the following links may prove helpful:

Thinking about buying a house or car?  Financial Calculators can help with your plans.

Questions about your FDIC Insurance? Click here for answers.

Looking for a job with a Bank?  Check our Bank Jobs Available.

Questions about your financial institution?  Maybe the Bank Regulators can help.

Email Scams and "Phishing"
In a scam known as "phishing," swindlers send out email claiming to be from reputable companies in hopes that consumers will respond with bank account information, credit card numbers, passwords or other sensitive information.  These emails can look quite convincing, with company logos and banners copied from actual Web sites.   Often, they will tell you that their security procedure has changed or that they need to update or validate your information, and then direct you to a look-alike Web site.  If you respond, the thieves use your information to order goods and services or obtain credit.  Banks do NOT ask for personal information via email so to protect your information, do not respond to these emails.  Click here for more information about email scams and "phishing" from the American Bankers Association or download the brochure published by the federal bank and thrift agencies to help identify and combat  this email scam.

Online Auctions/Oops I sent you too much!
A growing scheme involves selling items at one of the online auction sites or advertising for a roommate or to rent an apartment.  You get what looks like legitimate responses, yet often fraud is involved.  The FBI has issued a Fraud Alert giving you pointers about what to watch for.

Identity Theft
Have you had checks stolen or your bank account used by crooks?  Click here to see what steps you need to take if you've been the victim of Identity Theft.

Predatory Lending
Looking for a home equity loan?  The Federal Trade Commission offers a new consumer alert that helps people avoid abusive lending practices when looking for home equity loans. Entitled “Shopping for a Home Equity Loan?” the alert encourages consumers to follow basic steps to get the best loan deals. 

ATM Safety Tips
from the ABA Education Foundation
The automated teller machine (ATM) revolution has made banking more convenient today than ever before. With the touch of a few buttons, you can withdraw cash, make deposits and transfer funds virtually anywhere an ATM is located.

The Bank's Role
To ensure customer safety at ATMs, banks are putting ATMs in areas that are visible by passers-by, trimming landscape to prevent potential criminals from hiding, and installing or upgrading lighting that is bright enough for use at night.

Some banks also have installed cameras, rear-view mirrors, panic buttons and special signs. And most banks limit the amount of cash that can be withdrawn on a daily basis.

The Customer's Role
Bank customers should always use common sense when using an ATM. These tips are a start, but the best advice is simply not to use an ATM if you feel at all uncomfortable doing so. ATMs provide convenience, buy they haven't replaced the bank teller. If you prefer, conduct your business in the bank lobby.

Exercise care when using an ATM, and follow these general rules:

Protecting Your ATM Card
 Always protect your ATM card and keep it in a safe place, just like you would cash, credit cards or checks.

 Do not leave your ATM card lying around the house or on your desk at work. No one should have access to the card but you. Immediately notify your bank if it is lost or stolen.

 Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) a secret. Never write it down anywhere, especially on your ATM card.

 Never give any information about your ATM card or PIN over the telephone. For example, if you receive a call, supposedly from your bank or possibly the police, wanting to verify your PIN, do not give that information. Notify the police immediately.

Using an ATM
 Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. If you observe or sense suspicious persons or circumstances, do not use the machine at that time.

 Have your ATM card ready and in your hand as you approach the ATM. Don't wait to get to the ATM and then take your card out of your wallet or purse.

 Be careful that no one can see you enter your PIN at the ATM. Use your body to "shield" the ATM keyboard as you enter your PIN into the ATM.

 To keep your account information confidential, always take your receipts or transaction records with you.

 Do not count or visually display any money you received from the ATM. Immediately put your money into your pocket or purse and count it later.

 If you are using a drive-up ATM, be sure passenger windows are rolled up and all doors are locked. If you leave your car and walk to the ATM, lock your car.

Special Precautions for Using an ATM at Night
 Park close to the ATM in a well-lighted area.

 Take another person with you, if at all possible.

 If the lights at the ATM are not working, don't use it.

 If shrubbery has overgrown or a tree blocks the view, select another ATM and notify your bank.

ATM Crime
These tips are meant to make you aware that although rare, ATM crime can happen. Preventing such a crime must be a cooperative effort between you and your bank.

Any other questions?