Safeguarding Your Information

In today’s high tech world, we are able to do things quickly and conveniently electronically.  With this increase in speed and convenience also comes increased risk.  At Guardian First Federal Credit Union, the security of our member information is top 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

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 sent 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 and 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 messages.  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 login.

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 it fact it’s not.  Take time to verify that the Web page you are visiting matches exactly with the URL that you expected.

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.       Monitor 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 business 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 Guardian First Federal Credit Union

·         Guardian First FCU will NEVER call, email or otherwise contact you and ask for your user name, password or other online banking credentials.

·         Guardian FCU will NEVER contact you and ask for your credit or debit card number, PIN or 3-digit security code.

Credit Cards

Our card provider, VANTIV, will identify themselves as Card Member Services.  They will never ask for your card number,  expirations date or CVC (security) code.

They will:

·         Verify your street address

·         Verify the last four digits of your Social Security Number

They may:

·         Ask for the last four digits of your card number

·         Ask to verify the amount of your last transaction or payment

 If you are uncomfortable with the call, please hang up and call them back on the 800 number on the back of your card.