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The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to support those in need; however, it's essential to remain vigilant against potential scams. If you feel inspired to donate, reach out directly to the charity to confirm its legitimacy and make a meaningful contribution. To ensure your generosity has a positive impact, here are some helpful guidelines to follow:
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Online and mobile banking offer customers convenient access. However, customers may not realize that First Reliance Bank's online and mobile banking also provides tools to support the diligent monitoring of transactions and early detection of unauthorized access. This immediate access is crucial for detecting and thwarting unauthorized activities before they inflict significant damage.
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Understanding the ins and outs of protecting your reputation and bottom line when scammers target your business or organization is crucial. Malicious cyber threats are always on the lookout, trying to find a way to your financial data and systems.
Your best defense?
Knowledge.
Learning about the scams that can target your business and sharing this knowledge with your employees and associates is a powerful defense. For a business, having a well-trained staff is vital to identifying threats. They are an integral part of your business's security and can effectively shut the door on scammers and prevent harm or damage to your business.
Scammers rely on questionable practices, much like the following real-life example.
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First Reliance Bank founders Rick and Paul Saunders, along with their brother Mark Saunders and their family and community, have created the Freddie Saunders & Family Endowed Scholarship in honor of their late father, Freddie Saunders.
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According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, opening a business account is one of the first steps in financial planning for entrepreneurs*. Knowing and having the right financial partner is an essential key to success for small business owners. With First Reliance Bank on your team, business success will be underway.
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With full-service operations based in Charleston, our experienced Lending Specialists are engaged members of the local community they serve. They understand the market and can provide solutions to meet your unique mortgage needs.
Whether you are new to the area purchasing a home or an established member of the community wanting to make home renovations, First Reliance Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products to fit your specific needs.
At First Reliance Mortgage, we are passionate about serving you, our client, to ensure that your home financing experience is simply the best. It’s all about what matters most to you – and demonstrating that in every way we can.
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It starts with FReDA, our digital assistant, who can answer your questions 24/7. Then, it continues with our online customer care specialists, who can chat during banking hours. They can upgrade from text chat to voice chat or video chat, screen share, and co-browse.
Have you noticed the new “Let’s talk!” chat bubble on our website or online banking? Or, have you seen the ”Live Help” chat bubble while reviewing your account in our mobile app?
First Reliance Bank is excited to announce our new Digital Customer Service. Our online and mobile support is easy to navigate, ask questions of, and get answers quickly. We are pleased to introduce “FReDA,” our brand-new digital assistant. So, click “Let’s talk!” and select "Chat," and FReDA can assist you whenever you have questions. If you need additional help, FReDA can connect you with a customer care specialist*. Once connected to a specialist, ...
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As we move deeper into the digital age, the threat of fraud has become more pervasive than ever. Thankfully, the technology that has enabled fraudsters to become more sophisticated can also combat them. Enter AI and machine learning.
These cutting-edge technologies are rapidly transforming the fraud prevention landscape by allowing businesses to identify and prevent fraudulent activity in real time. Through the analysis of vast amounts of data and learning from historical patterns, AI and machine learning algorithms can identify suspicious transactions and flag them for further review.
One of the most significant benefits of AI and machine learning is their ability to adapt to new threats quickly. As fraudsters develop new techniques and tactics, these technologies can evolve and learn from these changes, ensuring they remain effective in the face of emerging threats.
In addition to preventing fraud, AI and machine learning can help businesses reduce false positives, ...
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The presence of the Grinch and the Easter Bunny, along with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus (aka Mary Neale Fowler), added festivity and excitement to the bank’s annual event. The combination of these iconic characters created a sense of wonder and excitement among attendees, especially children who were thrilled to meet their favorite holiday figures. Together, these characters made a playful and festive atmosphere that enhanced the overall experience for everyone involved.
As the group visited different locations, including the Florence Fire Station, Mount Pleasant Office, West Columbia Office, and the Lexington Office, they continued to spread holiday cheer and brought smiles to everyone they encountered. The tradition of this event has grown over the years, becoming a beloved part of the community and a highlight for many during the festive season.
First Reliance deserves credit for organizing and expanding this event across multiple locations, allowing more people to participate ...
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All cell phone users often use their phones to text people they know many times a day. But have you ever received a text message from someone you do not know? Sure, it could be a mistaken attempt; however, it is more likely that it is a scammer trying to steal your personal and financial information. Do you know how to handle and report unwanted text messages?
The Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Advice website offers excellent information on recognizing and reporting spam text messages. They want to educate anyone using a mobile device or computer about phishing fraudulent attempts to steal personal information. Scammers can use any means to trick you into sharing information or giving you money.
Scammers want to entice you to click on links in their text messages or emails by promising free prizes, gift cards, low or no-interest-rate credit cards, or promises to help pay off ...
