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Most consumers are familiar with mortgage loan refinancing. However, members often tell us they didn’t know they could refinance their auto loan. Vehicle loans are typically established with 4-6 year terms. During the loan period, economic and financial situations can change. You may be able to proactively respond to these changes with an auto [...]
At Pacific Service Credit Union, we pride ourselves on being an active part of our community. We’re already hard at work in 2013 contributing in the communities that we serve. Here’s a little more about our funding in the first three months of the year. Kids Day 2013 Sponsorship Once again, we are a [...]
by Nannette, Vice President, Technology Solutions Group
Epsilon is a company that sends more than 40 billion emails each year on behalf of its 2,500 business clients, many of them household name retailers. Earlier this month, approximately 2% of Epsilon’s clients, estimated at more than 50 companies were affected by an email breach. SecurityWeek has confirmed that affected companies include US Bank, Brookstone, Best Buy, The College Board, CitiBank, Walgreens, Disney Destinations, McKinsey & Company, Home Shopping Network, JPMorgan Chase, TiVo, Kroger, Capital One, Ritz-Carlton Rewards and more.
Pacific Service CU was not affected, however, many of our members may have been exposed through other relationships. It is possible there are scammers out there with the names, email accounts and, potentially even, information about the companies with whom you shop or do business. The risk is these fraudsters may exploit your active company relationships and attempt to steal your identity and personal information. It’s a good time to remember to be cautious and aware about potential online scams.
Here’s how a potential scam might work:
Phishing and Vishing are types of deception to obtain sensitive personal information. An email is sent mimicking the appearance and identity of a company where you shop. The email may request that you update your account information, a credit card number or a password. Or, the scam might try to get you to visit fraudulent websites. A “spoofed” site could have malware or viruses that affect your computer, or they could encourage you to conduct transactions or update or verify your account information.
With the Epsilon breach, fraudulent emails could avoid spam filters because they are targeted to known customers, which could result in a greater likelihood that their attempts will be successful in convincing consumers to respond.
Here’s what you can do:
First, protect yourself by staying alert and acting cautiously to any requests for your personal information.
Don’t respond to unknown solicitations and don’t give your personal information to unknown people or companies. If you’re suspicious about an email you’ve received, you should visit the company’s website directly by inputing the URL or using a bookmark. Do not click on the response link in an email. Better yet, call them if you’re concerned. Be sure to use a phone number not contained in the email.
Avoid downloading files, emails or attachments from unknown sources because they could contain malware, viruses or links to counterfeit or “spoofed” websites.
Second, protect yourself and your computer while using the Internet, by keeping your computer’s firewall turned on and keep your operating system, anti-spyware and anti-virus software up to date.
And finally, report suspicious activity and suspected phishing attempts to the company being impersonated.
You may also be interested in: Federal Trade Commission – a good resource for identity theft and current scams Credit Report – new laws allow a credit report per consumer per year Microsoft Online Safety – tips and tricks to keep your computer safe
by Nannette, Vice President, Technology Solutions Group
Have you seen those small black and white squares that look like a Rorschach ink blot test?
It’s called a QR code! A lot of people don’t know what it is, but it’s becoming more common. If you’re a techie like me or someone who likes to keep up on the latest trends in technology, you love this stuff!
“QR” is short for Quick Response. The creator of the QR code intended for the code to be a quick and easy way to decode content at high speed. Companies like them because it’s a great way for customers to receive more information whenever and wherever they want it.
It’s kind of like a barcode on a product. And to translate the code and learn more about the offer, you’ll need a QR reader.
A QR reader is a free app that you can download to your smart phone. It’s like a decoder ring; it will unlock the information behind the QR code. For example, you see a magazine ad for a new movie coming out. The ad has a QR code. By snapping the code with your phone, the trailer will immediately stream to your phone. Neat, right?
Since technology moves so quickly, the question is, can it last? Well, Google has already stopped supporting QR codes in Google Places. Many industry experts think that Google will use its clout to come out with its own version of the QR code that could require more hardware. However, since QR codes are fast, inexpensive and only require a reader (like your cell phone), it looks like both technologies will co-exist for awhile.
Now, you’ll start to notice QR codes everywhere. Simply scan them to learn more!
If you haven’t had a chance to see the improvements to BranchLine online banking – take a tour using our guide or simply login to navigate your account! We’re very excited about the new look and feel and enhancements to the site.
New BranchLine online banking has many improvements, but here are a few of my favorites:
Cross Account Transfers Now you can transfer funds to other Pacific Service CU members. Use cross account transfers to pay a co-worker back for lunch, send money to your child at college – even make your grandson’s auto loan payment.
Transfers to other Financial Institutions We know you use various financial institutions for different things. That’s why we make it easy to transfer your money back and forth. After all, managing your money, at anytime and from anywhere should be convenient.
Account Alerts Staying informed about your account is easier than ever. You can select when you’d like to be notified about changes to your account. For example, you can be notified when your paycheck is deposited, when a debit (withdrawal) over $100 occurs, if your account balance drops below $50 or when your loan payment is due.
Check out these improvements and more by logging into BranchLine online banking. Stay tuned over the next year as we continue to make improvements and add new online services for your convenience. We hope you enjoy the improvements!
Social media sites are a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, share pictures and stories, or network for work. If you love your iPhone, Blackberry or laptop – here are a few tips to keep in mind while you use social media.
Sharing. When you post, tweet, share, comment, check in, geocode or use your location, you’re sending a shout out to all your “friends” letting them know where you are and where you’re not – home. Be aware of what you say and leave out details like your address, phone and any information someone could use to rob or impersonate you.
Friending. Yes, I know your friend’s cousin’s neighbor wants to be your friend. I think that was him, right? Often fraudsters impersonate real people and try to be your “friend.” The concern here is giving fraudsters private information about you and your location or them giving you viruses through clickable links or attachments.
It’s only my friends. Well, actually, it’s not. Social media sites vary in the amount of information they share with others. It’s important to customize your settings and configurations to make sure your information is safe, secure and most importantly, private.
Share your location? Many applications ask your permission to share your location. They pinpoint your location using GPS, so your precise location is known. Be aware that when you post pictures with Show Location enabled, your location may be published with them.
Social media is a great tool and a fun toy. Simply remember that the internet is a public place, so stay aware of your surroundings and never post anything you wouldn’t want the world to see.
Techies, iGeeks, gadget freaks and convenience-seekers – I salute you!
As a tech junkie myself, I know the thrill of finding the perfect website, app, WAPP or device. It’s convenient, it simplifies your life or… maybe it’s just fun.
Sure, the banking industry may not be glamorous, but here are a few cool tools that you may like:
Free ATM App Using this app, you can find a convenient CO-OP Network surcharge-free ATM location around the US. With over 28,000 ATMs, including 9,000 deposit-taking ATMs, you can find a CO-OP Network ATM near where you live, work and travel.
Free Shared Branching App
Take advantage of a conveniently-located CU Service Center location near home, work or while you are traveling when you download the free Credit Union Service Center iTunes app.
GPS Download Take free ATM locations with you when you drive! Download the database of more than 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs directly to your Garmin®, Tom Tom® or other GPS device. You’ll never be lost looking for a free ATM again.
Checking Wizard
Using our online checking wizard, you answer four simple questions and we return the perfect Pacific Service CU account for you. No searching through charts, talking to member service representatives or reading the fine print.
RSS Feeds
Get the latest Pacific Service CU information when you subscribe to our feeds. When you scroll to the bottom of this page, you’ll see the “Subscribe” options. This is a great way to receive Pacific Service CU news as soon as it’s available.
Multimedia
Tired of reading articles? Maybe listening or watching is more your speed! We offer a bevy of money-related podcasts and videos. Or, try our podcasts for young adults.
Facebook & Twitter
Our Facebook fans and Twitter followers receive exclusive, up-to-date industry news, tips and financial information from your credit union. We work hard to send only the most relevant information without being annoying. Try it – you’ll like it.
I hope we find a way to make your money management easier, or… even just a little fun. by Nannette C., VP, Technology Solutions Group
