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Question and Answer Guide

Earthstar Bank, Southampton, PA

The FDIC has put together some responses to frequent issues or questions bank customers may have following a bank failure. These should assist you in understanding what is happening at your bank.

On Friday, December 10, 2010, Earthstar Bank, Southampton, PA, was closed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was then named Receiver. Subsequent to the closure, Polonia Bank, Huntingdon Valley, PA acquired substantially all the deposits and assets of Earthstar Bank from the FDIC as Receiver.

YOUR MONEY IS SAFE! No one lost any money on deposit as a result of the closure of this institution.

"OUT-OF-STATE" CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT: As an All-Deposits Transfer transaction, the total of all deposit accounts, excluding certain out-of-state certificates of deposits (CD) have been assumed by Polonia Bank.  If you have an excluded CD, your CD will automatically be closed, and the FDIC will mail your insurance check, except encumbered CD’s, on Monday, December 13, 2010.  You will not be assessed an early withdrawal penalty.

ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY: The total balance in your account(s), including checking, savings, money market, non-brokered Certificates of Deposit, and retirement accounts, has been transferred to the new bank and will be available for transactions during regular business hours at the former bank branches. You may continue to use your outstanding checks and they will clear up to the balance in your account. Your ATM/Debit card will continue to work as usual.

DIRECT DEPOSITS: All direct deposits, for example, social security checks, payroll, veteran’s benefits, welfare and/or disability, unemployment or any payment you receive electronically will continue as usual.

AUTOPAYMENTS/BILLPAY: These services will continue as usual. Your routing number and account number will remain the same until you are notified in writing by the new bank.

INTEREST RATES: Interest on deposits accrued through close of business the day the bank was closed will be paid at your same rate. Current rates will be reviewed by the acquiring institution and may be lowered; however, you may withdraw funds from any transferred account without early withdrawal penalty until you renew your Certificate of Deposit.

BROKERED DEPOSITS: As an All-Deposits Transfer transaction, the total of all deposit accounts, including brokered deposits, have been assumed by Polonia Bank. If you are a customer who has an Earthstar Bank deposit through a broker, you must contact your broker with any questions.

SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES: You may continue to access your safe deposit box during normal business hours. Any changes will be communicated by the new bank.

CREDIT CARDS: Credit cards issued through Earthstar Bank have been terminated due to the failure of the bank on December 10, 2010. You will receive a statement from your credit card servicer showing your current balance and payment mailing address. Debit cards will not be affected.

OVERDRAFT LINES OF CREDIT: These lines have been transferred to the assuming bank. Please contact the new bank if you have additional questions regarding your accounts.

LOAN PAYMENTS: You should continue to make your payments according to the terms of your written contract. You may continue to make your payments at the branch office or send it to the same payment address with checks made payable to the old institution.

ESCROW PAYMENTS: All services previously performed related to your loan will continue. Should you receive notification that any portion of your taxes or insurance were not paid, notify your loan officer immediately.

LOANS IN PROCESS: Please contact your current loan officer directly.

SHARES OF STOCK: Shareholders have a claim against the receivership; however, they have the lowest priority of claim. You should discuss this with an accountant and/or the IRS concerning the exact requirements necessary to recognize the investment as a loss for tax purposes. The FDIC does not require stockholders to file a claim with the Receiver. However, we recommend that you keep our office informed of any address change, should we need to contact you in the future.

CLAIMS: Please send claims for unpaid bills to the following address:

FDIC as Receiver for Earthstar Bank
1601 Bryan Street
Dallas, TX  75201
Attention: Claims Agent

DEPOSIT INSURANCE INFORMATION: If you have accounts in both the failed and the assuming institution, they will be insured separately for at least six months following the merger of the institutions. This will allow you time to restructure your accounts if necessary.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS: You may contact the FDIC Call Center at the number provided below with any additional questions:

FDIC Call Center
Toll free number 1-800-822-1918
Hours of Operation - EASTERN Time
Friday, December 10, 2010: Until 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 11, 2010: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 12, 2010: Noon - 6:00 p.m.
Thereafter: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

SCAMS: Be watchful for and resistant to any scams to obtain information from you by individuals or entities stating that they are acting on behalf of either the failed bank, new bank, or the FDIC. Should you be contacted by anyone requesting private information from you related to this event, please contact the call center above and you will be directed to the appropriate person.

For more information: www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/earthstar.html


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