Today’s technology allows us to connect around the world, to bank and shop online, and to control our televisions, homes, and cars from our smartphones. These activities require you to provide personally identifiable information (PII) such as your name, date of birth, account numbers, passwords, and location information. With the added convenience of these digital tools comes an increased risk of identity theft and Internet scams. #BeCyberSmart when sharing personal information online to reduce the risk of becoming a cybercrime victim.

Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.

We have been observing National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) every October, as a nation, since 2003. As technology and online resources have grown, so have the concerns that impact cybersecurity across the nation. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) works diligently to provide educational materials to help individuals and organizations take proactive steps to to ensure all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online.

Sheffield, Alabama – Monday, September 21, 2020 – Students, staff and faculty were invited to attend the grand opening of the Bank Independent Tiger Branch on the campus of Deshler High School in Tuscumbia, Alabama on Friday, September 18th. This newly created, student-operated bank office is part of a groundbreaking financial literacy partnership between the Tuscumbia Schools System and Bank Independent.

Times of crisis can bring out the best in people.  Communities step up to take care of one another’s needs, resources are pooled, and good things get done.  Unfortunately, times of crisis can also bring out the worst in some people.  Criminals and unscrupulous people use situations like the current Coronavirus crisis to take advantage of their victims.

The US government passed a $2 trillion bill designed to provide immediate relief to Americans due to the Coronavirus impact on the economy. Among many provisions, the bill allocates money directly to individuals through a stimulus payment.

Sheffield, Ala. – Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – The 7th annual Bank Independent Shelter Share drive collected a total of 4,178 items and $1,427.37 in donations. Additionally, the bank donated over $7,000, sponsored 17 pet adoptions and provided 266 volunteer hours directly to animal shelters in northwest Alabama. These numbers reflect an overall financial impact of over $43,200 for our local, community animal shelters.

Sheffield, Ala. – Thursday, January 23, 2020 – Bank Independent will kick off its seventh annual Shelter Share drive to benefit local animal shelters on February 3. All locations of Bank Independent will serve as donation points for pet food and supplies designated for local animal shelters through February 21.

Sheffield, Ala.− Friday, August 2, 2019 – The sixth annual Bank Independent School Share drive conducted from July 8 through July 26 culminated with a financial impact to our communities of $50,187. School supplies were accepted at all 28 Bank Independent sales offices and at the one-day collection events held at Office Depot in Florence and Walmart locations in Florence and Huntsville. Thanks to the generous response from local citizens, 20,667 items were collected and distributed to partner organizations along with the Bank Independent Smart Swipe pledge-match totaling $9,421.65.

Sheffield, Ala. – Tuesday, June 27, 2019 – Bank Independent will kick off its sixth annual School Share drive on July 8 to collect supplies for local children. From July 8 through July 26, school supplies can be dropped off at any of the Bank’s 28 North Alabama locations. On July 26th, Bank Independent team members will be at Walmart locations in Florence and Huntsville collecting school supplies to “Stuff the Bus” and raise awareness of the needs of local families.

Sheffield, Ala. – Wednesday, May 1, 2019 – Over $562 in cash donations and 9,850 non-perishable food items were collected through the Bank Independent’s sixth annual Food Share drive, more than doubling last year’s generous efforts. These items, along with cash donations, have been delivered to local charitable organizations for distribution to area families in need.