February, 2026 Newsletter
2026 | February
What’s Inside This Month… As days begin to grow longer in February, we’re here to help you stay on top of your finances, protect yourself from fraud, and celebrate the hardworking members of our agricultural community. In this issue, you’ll find helpful tax information, a delicious new recipe and important fraud awareness insights.
As our farmers and ranchers anticipate a new season, we want to thank you for trusting Banner Capital Bank as your financial partner. We appreciate you!
Nebraska and Wyoming agriculture has long depended on a mix of family labor, hired workers, and custom operators. In recent years, more producers have added advanced technology to that mix to boost efficiency, manage risk, and cope with labor shortages (USDA, 2022). Automation, precision systems, robotics, and data platforms are not just changing how tasks are done; they are also changing the types of skills farms need on the payroll. Understanding these shifts in labor demand is increasingly important for farm managers, Extension educators, rural communities, and workforce planners (Sand, 2023; USDA, 2022).
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Bank Closures and Events
February 16 – Presidents Day – All branches closed
March 15th thru 21st – National AG Week – Watch for more details!
April 15th – Tax Day
April 3rd – All branches closing at Noon for Good Friday
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A Website Update reminder:
We have refreshed our website. You may notice some updates to our 3rd party links (credit card applications) and our CRA public information.
We care about your security. Here’s a Look at Elder Fraud
What’s Driving the Rise in Elder Fraud?
With 1 in 6 Americans now over the age of 65, scammers have a growing pool of high-value, financially vulnerable targets who have accumulated savings or retirement income. At the same time, advances in AI have transformed the fraud landscape. Voice cloning, deepfakes, and AI-generated scripts make it easier than ever for criminals to convincingly impersonate loved ones, government agencies, or even a customer’s own financial institution—at a speed and scale previously impossible.
The impact is clear. In 2024, Americans age 60+ reported nearly 150,000 fraud complaints to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), totaling about $4.9B in losses. Both complaints and losses rose sharply year over year, signaling that the problem is accelerating, not stabilizing. Even more concerning, the average loss per older-adult victim is nearly $34,000, with large-loss cases continuing to climb.
These figures still understate the true scope of the problem. Many victims never report what happened due to shame, fear, or uncertainty about where to turn. A recent FinCEN trend review found that more than $27 billion in suspicious activity was linked to elder exploitation in just one year of BSA filings, offering a glimpse into the massive harm that goes unreported.
The Most Common Scams Targeting Older Adults
As fraud tactics evolve, older adults remain prime targets for schemes that exploit trust, vulnerability, and emotion. While methods vary, many of the scams that cause the greatest financial and emotional harm follow recognizable patterns:
Romance scams: Scammers build emotional connections with older adults through social media or dating sites. Over time, they gain trust by offering companionship, attention, and support, often targeting individuals who live alone or have limited social interactions. Once the relationship is established, criminals introduce fabricated emergencies, fake investment opportunities, and other urgent financial needs, pressuring the victim into sending money.
Grandparent scams: Using stolen personal data or AI-generated voice spoofing, scammers impersonate a distressed relative facing a crisis, such as arrest, medical bills, or travel emergencies. Victims are pressured to send money immediately and keep the situation secret from other family members or financial institution staff.
Tech support scams: Fraudsters pose as reputable technology companies and claim that a victim’s device has been compromised. After convincing the individual to grant remote access, scammers harvest sensitive information and manipulate account activity to create the illusion that they’ve received accidental refunds that must be returned.
Government impersonation scams: Bad actors pose claim to represent government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Postal Service, threatening arrest, loss of benefits, or legal action unless the victim pays immediately. These scams rely on creating intense fear, pressuring victims into quick compliance.
Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scams: Victims are told they’ve won a prize and must pay a “processing fee” to claim their winnings. Others are persuaded to donate to fake charities, often following natural disasters or during the holiday season. These schemes frequently unfold through repeated withdrawals or mailed checks, and because they present themselves as good news rather than a threat, victims may overlook warning signs until substantial funds have already been lost.
Family/caregiver scams: In some cases, perpetrators are relatives, neighbors, or hired caregivers who gradually assume control of accounts, typically isolating and manipulating the victim to access funds. This often surfaces as unusual withdrawals, new joint accounts, or altered power-of-attorney documents.
Many of these scams rely on the same core levers: urgency, secrecy, and emotional manipulation, often coaching victims to avoid family members and financial institution staff. Understanding these common patterns equips you to better recognize the warning signs before irreversible harm is done.
Tax Fraud & Tax Refund Fraud
As tax season approaches, fraudsters ramp up their attempts to steal personal information and refunds. Common scams include:
Identity Theft for Refunds – Scammers file fraudulent tax returns using stolen Social Security numbers to claim refunds.
IRS Impersonation Scams – You might receive fake emails, phone calls, or letters claiming to be from the IRS, demanding payment or personal information.
Phishing Emails & Fake Websites – Be cautious of emails that direct you to fake IRS websites designed to steal your personal data.
Debit & Credit Card Fraud
Criminals use stolen card information to make unauthorized purchases, withdraw cash, or commit other financial crimes. Common tactics include:
Stolen Card Information – Hackers and thieves can gain access to your card details through data breaches or skimming devices.
Card-Not-Present Fraud – Online and phone purchases using stolen card numbers are on the rise.
Account Takeover Fraud – Fraudsters gain access to your online banking or credit card account to change passwords and make unauthorized transactions.
How to Protect Yourself:
✔ Set up fraud alerts and monitor your account for unusual transactions.
✔ Use a digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) for secure transactions.
✔ Report lost or stolen cards immediately to your bank.
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Thank You for Banking With Us
We’re excited about the opportunities this year brings and look forward to continuing to serve you and your community. Hoping for a prosperous 2026!
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Tax Preparation for 2025
Community Corner
At Banner Capital Bank, our communities are the reason we are here and thriving. Every account opened, every loan provided, and every event we sponsor is part of our commitment to giving back and building stronger and brighter futures together.
Product of the Month: Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Planning for the future is one of the best financial decisions you can make, and an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can help you build a secure retirement. Whether you’re just starting to save or looking to maximize your retirement income, Banner Capital Bank offers IRA options to fit your needs.
Why Choose an IRA?
An IRA allows you to set aside money for retirement while enjoying potential tax advantages. Unlike regular savings accounts, IRAs are designed specifically for long-term growth, helping your hard-earned money work for you over time.
Types of IRAs:
🔹 Traditional IRA – Contributions may be tax-deductible, and your savings grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. This option is great if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement.
🔹 Roth IRA – Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, meaning your withdrawals in retirement (including earnings) are tax-free, provided certain conditions are met. A Roth IRA can be a smart choice if you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket later in life.
🔹 Student IRA (Coverdell Education Savings Account) – A tax-advantaged way to save for a child’s education. The beneficiary must be under 18, with a maximum contribution of $2,000 per year.
Benefits of an IRA with Banner Capital Bank:
✔ Competitive interest rates to help your savings grow
✔ Flexible contribution options that fit your budget
✔ Personalized guidance from our experienced banking team
✔ A safe, secure way to build your retirement or education savings
Plan for Your Future with Confidence
At Banner Capital Bank, we’re committed to helping you make smart financial choices. However, we want to remind you that we are not tax professionals. The tax benefits of IRAs can vary depending on your situation, so we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified tax professional to determine which retirement or education savings strategy is best for you. If you have questions about IRAs or want to get started, stop by your local branch or give us a call—we’re happy to help guide you toward a brighter financial future!
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Christmas Club Accounts – Help you plan for the Holidays and now is a great time to save!
Every family makes plans and chooses how to streamline the holidays to prevent going over budget on gifts. We care about our families and friends and enjoy expressing what they mean to us – but without overspending.
Banner Capital can help by offering a Christmas Club savings account. It is your choice how much you set aside each month or each pay period just for Christmas.
Plus, our team is here to guide you through the application process and answer all your questions. Stop by your local branch today to get started!
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Recipe of the Month
Tender Cream Cheese Chicken
Ingredients:
8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly) softened
2 large chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh chopped parsley optional, to taste
Cooking:
Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed.
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner pieces. Season them with the garlic powder and some salt & pepper
Melt the butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes/side or until golden and cooked through (165F). Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add in the chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is smooth (this may take a few minutes).
Add the chicken back to the skillet and warm through. If you need to thin the sauce, add a splash more chicken broth. Season with extra salt & pepper if needed, sprinkle with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Safe Handling Tips:
Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat.
Separate raw meat from other foods.
Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat.
Recipe and photo courtesy of pinterest.com
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Celebrating with our Bank Staff this month!
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Bank Closures and Events
February 16 – Presidents Day – All branches closed
March 15th thru 21st – National AG Week – Watch for more details!
April 15th – Tax Day
April 3rd – All branches closing at Noon for Good Friday
Stay in Touch!
We look forward to sharing our next newsletter with you in March. Stay tuned for some great new and exciting information.
Please remember when we are closed you are able to access your accounts through the online and mobile banking. You are able to send us a message on the Contact Us portion of our website and we will get back to you during normal business hours.