1. Pay Attention. Log in to your account on a regular basis, even if you don't have any transactions to do. It only takes a moment to review your information so that you know what's going on. If you do discover a problem or a discrepancy, contact Credit Union 1 immediately.
2. Keep It Private. Never use public computers for transactions that involve private information. Don't be tempted to do your online banking in the library or the local Internet cafe. You have no way of knowing who has access to that information or how they'll treat it. Plus, there may be keystroke loggers on the computer, which make it very easy for a thief to steal your private information.
3. Initiate Contact Yourself. Don't ever try to access your account through an emailed link no matter how much that email looks like it came from your bank. These kinds of emails that request you to log into your bank account are most likely 'phishing' scams. We may send messages that point you to areas of our website, including home banking but to be safe you can always go there directly rather than clicking on an email link (see email security below). Also, don't give out any personal information if someone who claims to be from Credit Union 1 contacts you, by email or by phone. The best way to be sure that you really are dealing with your financial institute is to always initiate the contact yourself. Click here for more information on phishing scams.
4. Check For Secure Connections. When you log into OnLine Express, make sure that the page where you type your info always starts with https: The 's' means that the URL is on a secure server. Never type confidential information or passwords into a non-secure page.
5. Change Your Password Regularly. Change your password at least once every three months. If you suspect there may be a problem, immediately change your password and call your bank. Don't share your password with anyone. Even people you trust should not have access to your online banking password.
6. Install Barriers. If you are doing online banking, your computer should have the following software installed:
   • Firewall. Firewalls 'block the door' to your computer so 'hackers' can't access the information on your hard drive. To learn more about firewalls, click here.
   • Spyware Blocker. Spyware is any program that secretly downloads onto your system when you access the Internet, often through pop-up ads or attachments. The software gathers information about you from your computer and sends it to third parties. You can learn more about spyware by clicking here.
   • Anti-Virus Software. Scammers sometimes send virus 'trojan horse' programs by email, and anti-virus software installed on your system can stop these. To learn more, about the right software for you, click here.

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Email Communication Security. One of our top priorities is making sure your personal information stays safe and secure. You can help by looking out for fraudsters trying to trick you through a "phishing" scam. A "phishing" scam is a tool fraudsters execute where deceptive emails and web pages are used to collect personal information. Commonly, these phishing attempts start with a spontaneous email, which appears to be from a company that you trust and work with on a regular basis (i.e. Credit Union 1).

However, these phishing e-mails aren't from a real, reputable business. If you click on the link within a "phishing" scam email, it may send you to false web site that mimics the real business. The false, imposter web site is a shell created by the fraudsters used to capture your personal information and use it for their purposes.

If you are worried that an email you get from Credit Union 1is actually a phishing email, please compare the e-mail's contents against the following checklist:

Credit Union 1 Email Communications to Customers Will Always Include the Following Items:

• Your First Name
• The Credit Union 1 Logo
• Credit Union 1's Headquarters Street Address

Credit Union 1 Will Never:

• Request that you send us your Username or personal information (SSN, credit card, etc.) in an e-mail.
• Ask you to send e-mail attachments, except upon your direct request to a specific Credit Union 1 staff member.
• Request or provide account passwords, either via e-mail or telephone.
• Send an e-mail asking you to verify your identity.

Tip: The inclusion of some (or all) of the elements listed above doesn't guarantee an email is legitimate (so always double check).

Although it's tough for a fraudster to get a hold of all the items we include in Credit Union 1 emails, it's possible a phishing email may include some of our elements that are more public (like our logo or street address).

If you're still worried about an email you have received – especially if it's asking for information that we've stated that we will never ask for - please don't comply with the email's request. Instead, forward the suspect email to legal@creditunion1.org, so we can review the email and verify its authenticity.

If you're concerned the web page you're visiting is a phishing page (a web site not hosted by Credit Union 1), look at the address bar on your browser to make sure it says http://www.creditunion1.org or http://virtuoso.creditunion1.org.

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Offline Security. Here are a few precautions to protect your financial information in your day-to-day life:

1. Pay Attention. As with online banking, pay attention. Don't just get your bank statement and toss it on the 'to-do' pile on your desk. Read your bank statements as soon as you get them. You can't spot a problem if you're not paying attention and, if you don't spot an existing problem, it could cost you a great deal.
2. Don't Share your PIN. Don't lend your ATM/Debit card to anyone or share your PIN. And never write your PIN number on your ATM/Debit card or have it anywhere near your ATM/Debit card (in the event that your wallet gets stolen).
3. Shield Your Transactions. When you use your ATM/Debit card, shield the key pad so no one can see what you are keying in. Check to make sure that no hardware devices have been added to an ATM machine you're using. These devices, called 'Skimmer' devices, can record the info from the magnetic strip on your ATM/Debit card along with your PIN number. They take less than 15 seconds for the scammer to install and uninstall them. Some Skimmer devices are installed over the keypad on an ATM machine and may include warnings, supposedly from the bank, about how this equipment is being tested. If you see anything like this, do NOT use the ATM machine
4. Shred Your Personal Documents. Shred old and unused checks, as well as any unwanted paper that has your bank account number on it. - Never give anyone a signed blank check.