If you are a target of a phishing scam, you will receive an e-mail claiming to be from your bank or credit union. The e-mail will indicate your account will be shut down unless you update your information.

If you click on the link it could take you to a web page that appears to be the official site of your financial institution. If you log in to the fake site, the identity thieves will have your back and credit union password.

Keep in mind, your financial institution will never send you an e-mail asking for financial or personal information.

Not So Hot Spots

Coffee bars are a great place to relax and if they have a public Wi-Fi connection, they even offer a chance to catch up on your things-to-do list. Wi-Fi hot spots are popping up all over. Unfortunately, so are sniffers, programs that snatch information traveling across networks.

Hackers use software called packet sniffers, usually available online, to sniff out data in known wireless areas.

Another challenge is a Wi-Fi hot spot that is set up to look like a well known wireless connection spot. Security experts call this an “evil twin’ that will have sophisticated artwork in a logo that looks like it has all the markings of a complete security. The problem is, in reality, it passes data through a hackers pc.

Since there is no way to tell if a hot spot is secure, consumers should assume they are unsafe and never send confidential information to do banking or to purchase something while they are visiting one of them.

Always protect your information and use anti-virus and anti-spyware.

A Victim’s True Story

Charles B. was very excited and immediately fantasized about trips with his grandchildren and a new car at the least. Why? He received a very official looking e-mail from the State Treasurer proclaiming that he was the heir to unclaimed property.

He eagerly completed the form requesting critical information that would confirm who he was.

Although he was 75 years old, he knew he was the last living survivor from a large family. This motivated him to act quickly and without doubt.

The state did not act quickly. In fact, Mr. B. heard nothing from the state, but he did hear from two large box stores, thanking him for opening charge accounts.

When he received his credit card bills, he knew that his dreams had become a nightmare. He then realized he was another victim of identity theft.

Students learn to make wise financial decisions with this program using a student workbook, facsimile documents, role-play simulations, CD and video exercises.  Practical lessons on the importance of saving, even small amounts, regularly by budgeting as a means of achieving financial goals; basic investments; how to navigate electronic banking, including ATMs, debit/check cards, online banking, online bill paying, mobile banking, and mobile text banking correctly and safely; how to keep checking transactions in balance, including reconciling an account with a bank statement are all part of this program.

In learn-by-doing exercises, young adults also teach themselves how to obtain credit, the value of good credit, how to determine their own capacity to borrow and repay, and what they can do as young adults to build a good credit history. The crime of Identity Theft and how to avoid it is an important topic covered as well.

ParkeBank is sponsoring HOW TO DO YOUR BANKING as a public service because “we feel it is important that young adults have a chance to practice all aspects of money management in the classroom, where mistakes won’t cost real dollars,” said Daniel Sulpizio, Senior Vice President.

“Surveys indicate 84 percent of high school students want instruction in financial matters, only 1 in 3 teens knows how to read a bank statement, balance a checkbook or pay bills, and that financial education is among the top three subjects parents want taught to their children,” Sulpizio added.  Local educators concur; faculty members volunteer to teach the program within their current curriculum.

“By sponsoring HOW TO DO YOUR BANKING, we are preparing our young people before they begin to live independently and are first in need of financial services.  If we can help them learn good money habits right from the start and raise their level of financial responsibility, it will pay big dividends for them and the community alike,” said Sulpizio.

ParkeBank commenced operations in January 1999. ParkeBank maintains their principal offices at 601 Delsea Drive, Washington Township, New Jersey. ParkeBank conducts business through a branch office in Northfield, New Jersey, two branch offices in Washington Township, New Jersey, a branch office in Galloway Township, New Jersey and a branch in center city Philadelphia. Parke Bank is a full service commercial bank, with an emphasis on providing personal and business financial services to individuals and small-sized businesses primarily in Gloucester, Atlantic and Cape May counties in New Jersey and Philadelphia and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania. ParkeBank’s deposits are insured up to the maximum legal amount by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

WE MAKE IT EASY TO SIGN UP FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT

Using our Auto-Enrollment program, we can handle the sign up for you at our office. There is no need to complete any forms or even make a phone call. We will transmit all of your information directly to the Social Security Administration and you will receive a confirmation in the mail from the SSA within a short period of time. Stop in to any of our branches to arrange for Direct Deposit.

Sign up for the easy way today!

Courtesy: University of Pennsylvania
Release:  11/21/2012 

Softball Joins Habitat for Humanity

PHILADELPHIA – The softball team worked with Habitat for Humanity last weekend in Pitman, N.J. The Quakers worked on a project that helps build houses for low-income families that otherwise would not be able to afford them. They spent all day Saturday gutting an old home donated for restoration by Parke Bank.

“We helped demolish a backyard porch, gazebo roof, and gutted the inside in preparation for the home to be completely re-fitted and upgraded,” said head coach Leslie King.

Two players who were very involved in the process of getting out and helping were seniors Lindsay Mann and Samantha Erosa. They wanted to focus on two things; most importantly they wanted to feel that they were making a difference and giving back to the community, and second, they wanted to bond as a team.

“It’s good to get off the field and do some things with the team that’s not softball and be reminded that there are bigger things than just the game,” said Mann.

Erosa also believes that they made a difference in some family’s life by assisting in the construction of their future home. In addition, she believes that process was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for herself and her teammates.

“I feel like our team is just becoming so much closer with each other and being able to spend eight hours in a closed environment like that – helping out the community and giving back – is a great way to build that dynamic and strengthen our bonds with each other,” said Erosa.

Once the home is completed, it will be offered interest-free to a low-income family by Habitat. In addition, the team is itching to donate more time to the property in order to see the project through.

Penn will continue to donate its time during spring training at the beginning of March. They will be working with an organization called Give Kids The World.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ

ParkeBank headquartered in Sewell, Gloucester County New Jersey has recently donated a three bedroom single family home in Pitman to the Gloucester County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity.

ParkeBank, recognizing that this need for housing exists within Gloucester County, is very supportive of the Habitat mission of providing affordable housing to its “Partner Families”.

Habitat builds affordable homes within the Gloucester County area for low income families and provides an alternate way for partner families to buy their first home. Each partner family is selected based upon need, willingness to partner and ability to pay.  Each home is built through a combination of labor provided by each partner family, labor from volunteers and donations of funds and materials.

Danny Sulpizio, Senior Vice President of Parke Bank and Habitat for Humanity Board Member said “It was a fitting opportunity to give back to the community and support the Habitat Mission”. As part of ParkeBank’s ongoing commitment to Habitat, Sulpizio has also been teaching financial literacy courses to Habitat partner families. This assists them in managing a household budget which in the long term will help them succeed as homeowners. The property located on East Holly Avenue is close to being in ParkeBank’s back yard and is in the same town of the Habitat offices and their ReStore, which through the sale of donated goods helps build new homes for additional families. Sulpizio said he is going to follow the project from start to finish. ParkeBank employee volunteers will be helping to renovate the home and he hopes to post updates on the project on the ParkeBank web site.

“We are a community bank, it is who we are. We genuinely care about the communities we serve and are always looking for a way to give back. Other banks buy billboards and sponsor big events; our employees are very active in many organizations and we support local events. We want the family that moves in to feel safe and comfortable in their new home and be an active member of the community for years to come” said Sulpizio.

Parke Bancorp, Inc. was incorporated in January 2005 while Parke Bank commenced operations in January 1999. Parke Bancorp and Parke Bank maintain their principal offices at 601 Delsea Drive, Washington Township, New Jersey. Parke Bank conducts business through a branch office in Northfield, New Jersey, two branch offices in Washington Township, New Jersey, a branch office in Galloway Township, New Jersey and a branch in center city Philadelphia. Parke Bank is a full service commercial bank, with an emphasis on providing personal and business financial services to individuals and small-sized businesses primarily in Gloucester, Atlantic and Cape May counties in New Jersey and Philadelphia and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania. Parke Bank’s deposits are insured up to the maximum legal amount by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Parke Bancorp’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “PKBK”.

Media Contact:

ParkeBank (856) 256-2500
Daniel Sulpizio, Senior Vice President
Director of Retail Banking
www.parkebank.com

On Sunday, June 10^th ParkeBank employee volunteers along with some of their family members enjoyed an afternoon at the South Jersey Field of Dreams Parke in Absecon, New Jersey. Danny Sulpizio, Senior Vice President made the following comments to summarize the day: “This being our first time at this weekly baseball event, we were under the impression that it was our job to place smiles on the faces of these mentally and physically challenged kids while encouraging them to play America’s favorite game, baseball. What we soon realized was that they placed smiles on our faces, their enthusiasm to get to the field, chase a ball and play the game despite their challenges was an unbelievable awakening of how fortunate we are in life. We intend to volunteer again next season, hopefully it will be a little cooler”.

If you would like more information about the South Jersey Field of Dreams, please visit their web site at  http://southjerseyfieldofdreams.com/

ParkeBank is offering depositors an opportunity to save as much as $44,075 off the cost of a four-year degree. Through a partnership with SAGE Scholars, ParkeBank offers its College Tuition Rewards Program to all its personal deposit customers. Account-holders now have the opportunity to earn Tuition Reward points, similar to frequent flyer miles, which can be redeemed as tuition discounts at 289+ participating private four-year colleges and universities.

“We realize the burden that paying for a college education can place on families. That’s why we’re pleased we can offer this program to not only help a family pay for college, but to encourage them to start saving early. It is another benefit of becoming a ParkeBank customer. We are proud to be the ONLY bank in New Jersey to offer this program,” said ParkeBank Senior Vice President Daniel Sulpizio.

There is no fee for customers to participate in this unique rewards program. Quarterly, customers who are enrolled in the program will earn reward “points” equaling 1.25% of the combined asset balances in their accounts (checking, savings, certificates of deposit, money market funds, etc.). Each point is equal to and can be redeemed for $1.00 in tuition reduction at participating colleges, who use the program to recruit students. These guaranteed minimum scholarships are capped at one full year of tuition, spread evenly over four years of undergraduate study. Room and board is not included; a college’s normal admissions standards apply. The program is limited to private four-year colleges and universities that participate in the program.

The earlier that a ParkeBank customer enrolls and registers a student, the more points toward tuition they will accumulate. A registered student can receive points from multiple family members — parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles. The student enrollment deadline is Aug. 31st of the year 11th grade begins.

If you sign up now you will receive 500 Bonus Points, plus 500 Bonus for each child you enroll.

As high school seniors, students submit a rewards statement with their application for their freshman year of college. In 2011, 26,936 students joined the Tuition Rewards Program, participants submitted reward points valued at $18.1 million to participating colleges and universities with Drexel University receiving the most applications (146), followed by Duquesne University (86).

Participating Philadelphia area colleges include Arcadia University, Cabrini College, Chestnut Hill College, Delaware Valley College, Drexel University, Eastern University, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Holy Family University, Immaculata University, Moore College of Art, Rosemont College, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill and Widener University. In 2011, the program expanded to into 45 states nationwide.

“The need for college assistance is growing. I know firsthand as my daughter is enrolled in a four-year institution,” added Sulpizio. “I wish I had the opportunity to enroll in the Tuition Rewards Program years ago; an extra $10,000 a year would significantly ease the financial burden on both her student loans and my family.”

Article is sponsored by ParkeBank. For more information on the Tuition Rewards Program, contact your local ParkeBank Branch or call 1.866.PARKEBANK (727.5325). ParkeBank maintains its principal office at 601 Delsea Drive, Washington Township, New Jersey. With branch offices in Atlantic, Gloucester and Philadelphia Counties, ParkeBank is a full service commercial bank, with an emphasis on providing personal and business financial services to individuals and small-sized businesses. ParkeBank’s deposits are insured up to the maximum legal amount by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Saturday April 14^th 2012
9 am to 3 pm
601 Delsea Drive
Sewell, New Jersey

Help honor a fallen hero who served our nation

All proceeds will fund the “Honoring Sandrino’s Sacrifice Fund”

Day of fun will include:

Treasures to be found at the “Garage Sale”
tables sponsored by employees

Bake Sale

Games, Prizes, Basketball Shoot & More

Snacks and Beverages available

Chance to win:

Four Phillies tickets
Gas Patio Grill
Gourmet Picnic Basket

Remaining “Garage Sale items will be donated to the
Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, Inc.

***********

One year later, Parke Bank reopens after fire

Published: Friday, January 27, 2012, 12:04 PM

Nearly a year after it was destroyed by an early morning fire last January, the Parke Bank on Egg Harbor Road finally reopened its doors to the public last week.

“It was the longest year of my life,” Daniel Sulpizio Senior Vice President and Director of Retail Banking at Parke Bank said. “It was really difficult to put everything back together. The only thing that was left was the four walls.”

Sulpizio remembers that frigid January morning well. While he works at the bank’s main office on Delsea Drive, he was headed over to the Dunkin Donuts near the Egg Harbor branch for his morning cup of coffee when he noticed a commotion on Hurffville-Cross Keys Road. Thinking it was just a traffic accident—he remembers the roads were particularly icy that day—Sulpizio got closer and soon realized the gravity of the situation.

“When I got to where PJ [Whelihans] is, I was looking over, rubbernecking to see the accident and I see flames shooting out of my building. I was just in amazement,” Sulpizio said.

By the time he got to the scene at around 7:40 a.m., the fire had been spreading for about 10 minutes. There was only one fire truck on scene, but once the fire escalated to two alarms, more of the Washington Township crews were on scene, in addition to a truck from Deptford Township.

Thankfully, no one was in the bank at the time. But Sulpizio knew he’d have his work cut out for him.

Standing in the parking lot of the destroyed building until his toes went numb from the bitter cold, he had to figure out how to handle the bank’s cash, left unharmed in the vaults.

By the time the fire was extinguished in the afternoon, the Washington Township Police Department was on hand to make sure no opportunistic burglars took advantage of the bank’s unarmed state. Sulpizio and his employees moved quickly to transfer the cash to the bank’s main office.

“It was certainly very scary. It was dripping wet. We didn’t know how safe the structure really was,”

While all of the customer information was backed up on the bank’s computer servers in multiple locations, they had to deal with the unique challenges in protecting and transitioning a financial institution.

The bank only had about 20 safe-deposit boxes at the location, but they had to make sure that the contents—which, by bank standards, are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.—remained safe.

“Because we care so much for the customers, we hired the Washington Township Police Department for 24 hours a day, seven days a week surveillance since there were no alarms in building to guard [the safe-deposit boxes,]” Sulpizio said.

Once they were able to clear a path and ensure the structure’s safety, they allowed customers into the bank’s charred remains to collect their belongings. The bank rented a heated trailer so customers would have a warm, private place to retrieve their most important documents and valuables.

While they know the fire started in the bank’s computer room, months of extensive investigations by every manufacturer that had equipment in the room turned up nothing. The official cause of the blaze remains inconclusive. But Sulpizio said they still learned a few lessons from the incident.

“Until you actually experience it, you don’t realize ‘What about this? What about that?’ Things you’d never given thought to, like the safe-deposit box issue. I don’t know of any other banks that’ve ever burned,” Sulpizio said.

After waiting months and months for the fire investigations to be completed, the building was finally handed back over to the bank, and construction to rebuild the location began last summer.

Luckily, the bank still held on to the original blue prints and plans for the building. They contacted their original vendors, and aside from some updates to building codes, they built an exact replica of the bank that once stood in its place.

“We were able to get everything put back together. It took a long time to get to that point,” Sulpizio said.

But it was well worth it. He said that branch’s employees, who were transferred to the banks’ headquarters while their location was rebuilt, were happy to finally see the new doors open. “They’re very happy to be back,” Sulpizio said. “It’s a small, community bank, we’re very family-oriented. They’re very happy to be back in their home.”

Source:  http://www.nj.com/washington-township-times/index.ssf/2012/01/
one_year_later_parke_bank_reop.html