Safeguarding Your Information

In today’s high tech world, we are able to do things more quickly and conveniently electronically whether it is to send a letter via email, pay bills or even go shopping online. With this increase in speed and convenience also comes increased risk. Every day, unscrupulous individuals are busy developing new scams targeting the unsuspecting public. At iTrust Federal Credit Union, the security of member information is a priority. We are strongly committed to the safety and confidentiality of your records. One of the best ways to avoid fraud is to become an educated consumer and we would like to help you in this endeavor. Please take a moment to read this important information on how to keep yourself safe when conducting business online.

How to Keep Yourself Safe in Cyberspace

An important part of online safety is knowledge. The more you know, the safer you’ll be. Here are some great tips on how to stay safe in cyberspace:

1. Set good passwords. A good password is a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers and one that is not easily guessed. Change your password frequently. Don't write it down or share it with others.
2. Don't reveal personal information via email. Emails and text messages can be masked to look like they are coming from a trusted sender when they are actually from someone else. Play it safe, do not send your personal information such as account numbers, social security numbers, passwords etc. via email or texting.
3. Don't download that file! Opening files attached to emails can be dangerous especially when they are from someone you don't know as they can allow harmful malware or viruses to be downloaded onto your computer. Make sure you have a good antivirus program on your computer that is up-to-date.
4. Links aren't always what they seem. Never log in from a link that is embedded in an email message. Criminals can use fake email addresses and make fake web pages that mimic the page you would expect. To avoid falling into their trap, type in the URL address directly and then log in.
5. Web sites aren't always what they seem. Be aware that if you navigate to a Web site from a link you don't type, you may end up at a site that looks like the correct one, when in fact it's not. Take time to verify that the Web page you're visiting matches exactly with the URL that you'd expect.
6. Logoff from sites when you are done. When you are ready to leave a site you have logged in to, logoff rather than just closing the page.
7. Monitory account activity.Monitor your account activity regularly either online or by reviewing your monthly statements and report any unauthorized transactions right away.
8. Assess your risk.We recommend periodically assessing your online banking risk and put into place increased security controls where weaknesses are found. Some items to consider when assessing your online banking risk are:
   • Who has access to your online accounts?
   • How and where are user names and passwords stored?
   • How strong are your passwords and how often are they changed?

What to Expect From iTrust FCU

• iTrust will NEVER call, email or otherwise contact you and ask for your user name, password or other online banking credentials.
• iTrust will NEVER contact you and ask for your ATM card number or PIN. Please see below for more information about how our card provider, Fiserv, approaches customer service calls.

  ATM Cards

  Our card provider, Enfact, will identify themselves as Card Member Services. They will never ask for your card number, expiration date or PIN code.
  
  They will:

  • Verify the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
    If you are uncomfortable with the call, please hang up and call them back at 1-800-262-2024.

Rights and Responsibilities

With respect to online banking and electronic fund transfers, the Federal government has put in place rights and responsibilities for both you and the credit union. These rights and responsibilities are described in the Account Information Disclosures you received when you opened your account with iTrust FCU. Ultimately, if you notice suspicious account activity or experience security-related events, please contact the credit union immediately at 901-547-0209 or 901-362-7211.

What is Phishing?

Recently, there have been multiple "Phishing” scams that were initiated via email sent to both the general public and to some credit union members that appeared to be from NCUA.  This false email asked for the recipient to click on a link to verify their account registration. If the recipient proceeded to do so, the link directed them to a false website and asked for their credit union account number and PIN.

NCUA was alerted to this scam over the weekend.  The website was shut down this morning.  However, you should be aware that these types of fraudulent schemes have a habit of reappearing in a same or similar fashion.

If any of your members responded to this or a similar email and provided any confidential account information, they may notify your credit union of the scheme.  Your credit union should assist members in changing their account’s PIN, as well as any other action you think necessary to protect their account.   You may also want to consider warning your members of this and other similar schemes.

For more information, including how your members can report this crime, go to http://www.cybercrime.gov.  You may also contact the NCUA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-827-9650.