Banks To Avoid

With the government bailout of IndyMac Bank on their minds, many Americans are wondering if their own bank is in danger of collapsing under the pressure of foreclosures, bad loans and short-changed penny rolls. To help them analyze their situation, banking analyst Will Phargough of Phargough, North, Dakota & Co. released a report entitled “Don’t Bank On It” containing a list of banks that may be in trouble, along with some warning signs to look for on your next trip to your favorite financial institution.

“If the teller asks you to slip a few dollars into her garter, that’s a bad sign,” said Phargough. “If the free gift for opening a new checking account is your choice of anything from the top of the desk of the bank’s president, that’s a bad sign too. If a loan officer fights you over a quarter you dropped … run, Forrest, run!” Other signs your bank may be faltering include a drive-through lane for pedestrians, an ATM that offers to take your picture for a dollar, and a security guard wearing brass knuckles.

While none of the following banks and financial institutions are in imminent danger of collapse, Phargough sees a warning sign in each that he feels should be of concern to depositors.

Weelosture Savings

Getwell Fargo

Last Federal Bank of California

Codependence Financial Group

Infidelity State Bank

Fleet NMA Group

Hoodooyoo Trust of Ohio

Titanic Savings & Loan

Capital None Bank

Wachoback Corporation

United Aggenstya Bank

IBMT Savings

Nomerica Bank