First Secure Bank & Trust

05/27/2026

Scammers are master impersonators, and impersonations are at the center of many scams. As technology advances, impersonation scams are harder to detect.

Here are three tips to help protect yourself:

1. Always type in a company’s website address yourself to see if special sales or promo codes are listed there. If not, the website or app you were in is likely fake.

2. You can’t trust caller ID. Reputable banks will never ask you to transfer money to resolve fraud. If something doesn’t seem right, always call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card or account statement.

3. If someone you know says they need money fast, be extra alert. Call them directly on a number you know is theirs. For friends and family, set up a safe word and don’t share it online.

05/18/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, our banking centers will be closed on Monday, May 25. Online and mobile banking will be available for your convenience.

05/15/2026

Does most of your mail end up in a pile? Try going paperless by switching to eStatements for a cleaner space and clearer mind!

You can enroll in eStatements while logged in to Mobile or Online Banking on our website. Statement history is stored for up to 18 months.

05/06/2026

Ever heard of “pig butchering”? It’s a sneaky investment scam where scammers spend weeks or months building a friendship or even romantic relationships that feel real. Once you trust them, they promise huge returns and push you to act fast.

How to help protect yourself:
• Always do your own research
• Be skeptical of “guaranteed” profits
• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person

Treat crypto, Zelle®, checks, wires, cashier’s checks and gift
cards like cash. Once scammers get the money, you
probably won’t get it back.

04/30/2026

Big Plans? Put your home equity to work for you! With a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC), your financial goals are within reach. Get funds to pay for a variety of expenses.

Meet with a banker to discuss what option would work best for you.

04/22/2026

Please join us in welcoming Christina Stavropoulos as our new Vice President & Chief Lending Officer at First Secure Bank & Trust of Palos Hills.

Christina brings decades of commercial banking experience, having managed and grown large loan portfolios and delivered strategic credit solutions to middle market businesses. Her leadership and deep lending expertise will be a tremendous asset to our bank and the communities we serve.

04/20/2026

The reward for information in the case is being provided by Jay Bergman and First Secure Bank Group. Residents with information they believe could lead to a breakthrough in the investigation are asked to contact Will County Crime Stoppers, which will keep their information private and anonymous.

Bergman described himself as “an animal lover” and urged residents with information to come forward to “get this sicko off the streets before he harms a person or animal again.”

To contact Crimestoppers call 800-323-6734 or visit their website at https://crimestoppersofwillcounty.org/.

The Will County State’s Attorney, along with the Sheriff’s Office and Animal Protection Services, is investigating the discovery of six deceased “pitbull-type dogs” that showed signs of torture and dog fighting out of Crete Township.

04/15/2026

Be cautious of unexpected texts or calls claiming to be from your bank! Scammers can make messages look real and may pressure you to act quickly due to “fraud.”

Here’s the truth: Your bank will never pressure you to move money based on an unexpected text or call.

When in doubt, hang up and call the number on the back of your card. That’s the safest way to confirm.

04/08/2026

As part of Community Banking Week, we’re proud to highlight one of our valued business customers, Phoenix Laundromat.

Recently celebrating over 15 years as a local business, the laundromat is open 7 days a week to serve the laundry needs of Phoenix and the surrounding communities. Owner Haitham Abuzir shared how grateful he is for the support of the community, and how much he values his relationship with First Secure Bank & Trust and the strong connections they’ve built with Bank staff, including Oak ForestUniversal Banker Ruba Aloglah.

We’re honored to support local businesses like Phoenix Laundromat that help make our community thrive.

04/07/2026

As part of Community Banking Week, we’re proud to highlight one of our valued business customers, Printing By Joe.

Recently celebrating over 43 years as a local business, the full-service print shop and its staff continues to be the go-to experts for the community’s printing needs

Owner Joe Koszulinski shared how grateful he is for the wonderful customers his team has met along the way. He also mentioned how much they value their relationship with First Secure Bank & Trust, including the strong connections they’ve built with Branch Manager Steve Straka.

We’re honored to support local businesses like Printing By Joe that help make our community thrive.