News

At Community First Bank, we believe in empowering our customers with knowledge to make better more informed financial decisions. If you've ever applied for a loan and suddenly received unsolicited calls, emails, or mail from other lenders, you've likely experienced what’s known as a Trigger Lead.

What Are Trigger Leads?

A Trigger Lead is generated when a consumer applies for credit, such as a mortgage or auto loan. Credit bureaus sell this information to lenders and marketers who then reach out with competing loan offers. These leads are completely legal under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), but they can be frustrating and, in some cases, confusing for consumers.

How to Protect Yourself

While Community First Bank never sells your personal information, we want to help you minimize unwanted solicitations and protect yourself from potential fraud. Here’s how:

1. Opt Out of Prescreened Offers:
   Visit www.OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) to remove your name from prescreened credit and insurance offers for five years. You can also opt out permanently by completing and mailing the form provided on the website.
2. Register on the National Do Not Call List:
   Go to www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 to reduce telemarketing calls.
3. Be Cautious with Unsolicited Offers:
   If a lender contacts you unexpectedly, verify their legitimacy before sharing any personal information. Scammers sometimes pose as lenders to trick consumers into providing sensitive details.
4. Monitor Your Credit Reports:
   Regularly check your credit report for any unusual activity. You can access free annual reports at www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

At Community First Bank, we prioritize your financial security and peace of mind. If you have questions about your loan application or suspect fraudulent activity, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help!