The holidays are finally here and VCNB offices will be closed some so our employees may celebrate with their families.
All of our offices will close at noon on Christmas Eve except for our Young’s Family Market location which will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All of our locations will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. However, our website and mobile banking app are available 24/7.
We appreciate our customers and wish you and yours the happiest of holidays.
On the go? We can save you time! With just a few simple steps, Online Banking at VCNB can save you time during this busy holiday season. You ask how? Here are just a few things you can do online that will help!
Schedule Bill Payment
Who has time to write checks, search for a parking space at the post office and then stand in line for stamps? By using Online Bill Pay, you 
can pay all your bills without checks or stamps. Just enter some basic information about your account with the business you are paying and we take care of the rest. You can schedule payments either for one time or for automatic payment. While you’re at it, get a jump on 2015 by scheduling bills for payment in January. Done and done.
Be a Payback Hero
If you have Online Bill Pay, you also have Popmoney ®. This personal payment service allows you to send and receive money with the same ease as sending an email or text message. All you need is the recipient’s email address or mobile phone number to send them funds from your VCNB Online Account. The cost is .50 per transaction, making Popmoney cheaper than writing and mailing a check to someone. With Popmoney you can payback a friend or relative or even send monetary gifts to loved ones far from home this season.
Transfer Funds
We welcome you to visit the bank as often as you like but we understand that folks are busy. If you just need to transfer funds from one account to another, you can take care of that through Online Banking. It’s as easy as 1-2-3. When you log in to Online Banking, just look for the Transfers tab.
Check Balances
While you’re logged in, check your balances and activity. Contact Customer Service immediately if you believe there are fraudulent charges on your account. And of course, make sure you really have the money you think you should have. After all, being one of Santa’s elves can be expensive and it’s easy to lose track of what you are spending.
If you are not internet savvy or are on the go, remember that our Telebanc telephone service is available 24 hours a day. Call 1-800-317-5990 to check your balances, review account activity, transfer funds and make payments. It’s easy to use and free!
This is a busy time of year. Trim the trouble of banking from your list and just enjoy the season!
With the holiday season upon us, the threat of fraud increases every day. We know you are busy but it is important to stay on top of things even while you are celebrating and searching for the perfect gifts.
One problem we face today is that fraud comes from so many different sources and comes in many forms. Whether it is online, over the phone or in-person, you can take steps to reduce your risk.
When shopping in a store, carry only the cards you intend to use, never leave your purse or wallet unattended and know where your card is at all times, even when the cashier has it. Also, be sure that others are not capturing your PIN number when performing PIN transactions.
When paper checks are converted to an Automated Clearing House or ACH at a merchant, store voided checks safely to prevent counterfeit checks or unauthorized ACH transactions.
When using an ATM, inspect the area around the card reader area for any tampering, tape, glue or other evidence of a card skimmer. A skimmer is an electronic device that is installed over the normal card reading slot of an ATM to record data from the magnetic strip on the back of your card. This device is often accompanied by a hidden camera that records your PIN. Pay attention to what the card reader and keypad normally look like on the ATMS you frequent and don’t use an ATM if the card reader fits poorly, is loose or appears to be added on.
In the cyber world, it is important to protect your personal information and your computer. That means keeping updated anti-virus software on your computer and being smart about how and where you share your information.
Shop online with trusted merchants and look for the https: to indicate that the page is encrypted. Use strong passwords that consist of a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters for all online accounts. Did you know that “123456” and “password” are the two most common passwords in the world? Avoid these as well as passwords that contain personal information that is easy to find in your social media profile. While it may be inconvenient, change your passwords regularly as well.
Also be suspicious of emails or Facebook messages from people you don’t know. Don’t open the email or click on any links within the message. If you are like most Americans you keep a lot of personal data stored on your smart phone or tablet. Prevent that information from falling into the wrong hands by locking your mobile devices with a password. Some devices also come with apps that allow you to track and even erase data from missing devices.
And while it may be low tech, do not underestimate the power of the telephone for criminals. People posing as debt collectors, those making charity requests or even government representatives can be very convincing over the phone. If someone calls, attempt to confirm that they are legitimate by requesting their name, address, phone number and other relevant information. If they claim to represent a well-known organization like the IRS or VCNB, hang up and call the organization’s published phone number. If you suspect fraud is involved, contact local law enforcement.
Criminals will commonly ask for personal information to help you claim a prize. Remember if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also remember that VCNB will never request personal information over the phone or online. Never give out account information, your PIN, Social Security number or other important data.
Finally, be sure to regularly keep track of receipts and transactions. Keep and read receipts to ensure they reflect the correct transaction amount. And review your accounts in some way regularly. At VCNB, you can set up Account Alerts so that you receive a text message or email each time a transaction posts. You can also call our Telebanc line at 1-800-317-5990, check balances online at www.vintoncountybank.com or call Customer Service at 1-800-542-5004.
Monitoring your credit report regularly is another effective way to identify problems.
If you think your VCNB account has been compromised, contact your local branch or Customer Service immediately. If you call outside of business hours, there is an option in the phone menu to report a lost or stolen card. Choose this option to protect your card and yourself from damages and then contact Customer Service during business hours.
Looking for a new “front of the wallet” card?
You know what we mean.
That card you use so much that it is always in front of everything else in your wallet, easy to find and more used than all the others combined.
We are so confident that our Visa ® Platinum Credit Card will be your new favorite credit card, we will give you 10,000 free reward points just for trying the card.
Why are we so confident you will like this card? In addition to the great local service that comes from VCNB credit cards, you will also receive reward points for every dollar you spend with your Visa Platinum Credit Card.
Now through February 28, 2015, every new credit card customer who opens a new Visa Platinum Credit Card will receive a 10,000 reward point bonus. Reward points can be redeemed for a number of great items including gift cards, travel and thousands of neat products.
Your bonus will be added to the account within the first few days of the month after the credit card is opened.
Contact your local office today to get started. To learn more about the Platinum Card and this promotion, click here.
UChoose Rewards® points have no cash value. Credit restrictions apply. VCNB is Member FDIC.
Thursday is Thanksgiving and here at VCNB we are preparing to be closed for the holiday. All of our seventeen locations, including Customer Service, will be closed so our employees may celebrate the holiday with their families.
As we contemplate the holiday and its meaning, we wanted to share with you a few quotes about Thanksgiving and gratitude. Plus there’s one at the end from the great Johnny Carson to make you laugh!
From all of us at VCNB, we wish you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. After being closed for the Thanksgiving holiday Thursday, we will resume regular business hours Friday.
Enjoy!
“Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.” — Ralph Marston
“If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.” — Frank W. Clark
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” — Willie Nelson
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” — Oprah Winfrey
“Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John Fitzgerald Kennedy
“An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.” — Irv Kupcinet
“Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.” — Native American Saying
“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” — W.T. Purkiser
“Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often.” —Johnny Carson
Feeling stressed this holiday season? At VCNB, we want you to keep calm. That’s why we are offering the “Keep Calm and Get $100” promo! For a limited time, new checking customers will receive $100 just for opening their account.
Consider it our gift to you: extra cash to help cover holiday expenses and the peace of mind that comes from doing business with VCNB, a bank you can trust.
To receive the $100 bonus, you must open the account online and deposit a minimum of $100 within thirty days of opening the account. You 
will receive the $100 cash bonus 45 to 60 days after making that minimum deposit.
This promotion runs through December 31, 2014. Current checking account customers are not eligible for this promotion.
VCNB is Member FDIC.
Everyone could use a little extra luck, especially where money is concerned. That may be why people in nations across the globe hold dear a host of superstitions regarding money and fortune. Here are a few of those superstitions to give you some food for thought today.
In Argentina, the superstitious believe that finding money on the ground is a sign that more money is on the way.
Argentinian superstition states that finding money on the ground is a sign that more money is on the way. But that good fortune can be reversed by spending the found money or by returning it to the rightful owner.
Some Chinese people believe that keeping a dish full of spare change in the kitchen will make them prosperous.
The superstitious in Turkey believe that holding gold in your hand in a dream means you will earn money in real life. They also believe that a scratched right palm means you will spend money while a scratched left palm means you will receive money.
In nearby Greece, it is commonly believed that money attracts money. They believe that having a single coin in your possession will help you find good fortune. However, completely emptying your pockets, wallet or bank account will bring you very bad fortune. If you give someone the gift of a new wallet or purse it is best to include a few coins to prevent them from being empty from the beginning. Russian superstitions support this belief that you must never give an empty wallet or purse. Russians also believe that scattering coins in bags and cupboards around your home will attract more money. Careful though – if someone picks up these coins from your home, the process will be reversed!
The people of India believe the elephant brings good luck. Symbolizing luck and great wealth, the elephant is often worn as jewelry and prominently displayed.
Chinese people have many beliefs and practices related to money. One example is that they believe keeping a dish full of spare change in your kitchen is thought to make them prosperous.
Several cultures, including Lithuanian, believe that you should never place your wallet or bag on the ground or your hat under the table. These acts mean that you will have no money in the future.
Finding an egg with two yolks means that you will become wealthy, according to superstitions in the Phillipines. If you wish to lure money your way, Puerto Rican folklore says you need only to burn a cinnamon stick. Making a cross on the floor after you pick up found money will bring even more money, according to Mexican tradition.
Do you believe in superstitions?
Many of our customers have noticed that we are getting a new look in our banking centers. While we continue to offer the great customer service you have come to expect, we have begun introducing an updated look to our logo in our banking centers, online and in our advertising.
Now that new look is coming to your wallet!
We are pleased to say that you will soon receive a new bank card to replace your old card. Scroll over each card to read the card type:
There are some things you need to know when you receive your new card. First, it will come with instructions. Please read the enclosed information on how to activate your card and select your PIN.
Do not immediately destroy your old card. You must continue using your old card through July 6 and activate your new card on July 7.
After activating your card on July 7, change any automatic payments made with your old card to reflect your new card number. For example, if you pay your electric bill with your card, you must contact the provider to give new card information.
Please note that automatic payments set up with your bank account will not be impacted by the change.
While we do not anticipate any problems with this switch, we encourage you to carry a second form of payment if you are traveling during this time.
Your new card should be arriving soon so watch your mail and follow these instructions to insure an uneventful transition from your old card to the new one.
VCNB Family 