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SECURITY WARNING:
BEWARE OF E-MAIL 'PHISHING' SCAMSPhishing is the practice of sending an e-mail that appears to be from a financial institution with the goal of persuading online banking users to share sensitive information that can be used to commit fraud or identity theft. In an effort to prevent fraud, we want to remind our members to be aware of false emails that may ask for any personal or account information.
Criminals will copy the logo of your Financial Institution with an imitated "look and feel" of messages to try and persuade online banking users that the e-mail is genuine. Credit unions and other financial institutions do not send random emails to any individual requesting account information unless initiated by either permissible party. Those who receive such unauthorized emails should delete it immediately.
Should you respond to one of these messages by sharing personal financial information, please contact us immediately by phone at (808) 245-6791 or email us at info@kcfcu.org. We will give you instructions for changing your password and taking other steps to protect your accounts.
Always remember that we will NEVER ask you to click on an e-mail link to share sensitive financial information. Please notify us whenever you receive a suspicious e-mail or have any other form of unsolicited contact from individuals seeking personal information about your accounts.
Thank you for your cooperation.
KCFCU, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and Kauai County Housing Agency have partnered to provide qualifying members with no interest loans for solar water heating.
For more information, click here for Press Release or Brochure Information.
Don't Get Conned by Today’s Clever Criminals
Financial fraud, identity theft and other clever con games have become the most troublesome crimes of the 21st century. Two of the most frequent scams today involve check overpayment and foreign lottery winnings. A growing number of unsuspecting people are losing big money because of these creative con games.
Check Overpayment
This scam targets people selling cars or other high-ticket valuables through ads or online auction sites. The con artist offers to purchase the item with a check made out for more than the price, asking the seller to wire back the difference after the check is deposited. The check bounces, leaving the seller liable for the entire amount. The checks are counterfeit, but they look good enough to fool some financial institutions.Foreign Lottery Winnings
Bogus foreign lotteries are stealing money from the unsuspecting! Here’s how they work: You receive word that you've won a large sum of money in a foreign lottery. You're informed of a simple formality of paying taxes or fees before receiving the money. After paying, a check may arrive but it’s no good—it’s all a hoax.
Protect yourself and your family by taking these important steps:
Don't let someone rush you into a deal. Don't be threatened or intimidated. Plan ahead to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are adhered to. Always check the references and credentials of anyone who does work on your home. Be extremely careful about providing anyone with information regarding your finances. If you're asked to sign a document you don't understand, have your financial advisor or attorney review it first. Never pay a fee, tax or "upfront money" on any alleged "winnings.” Always remember that you can simply say "no.” It's your hard-earned money. Never pay anything upfront if unexpected money comes your way. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov.
ID Theft - How to Prevent it and How to get Over it
Identity Theft occurs when a thief obtains - and illegally uses - your identifying information, such as your Social Security number (SSN) or your credit card or checking account numbers, to open new credit accounts and apply for loans in your name.
If you're a victim, reclaiming your good name can take years and can be expensive. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the average consumer spends more than $1,000 to clean up the damage done by identity thieves opening new accounts.
Traditionally ID thieves have struck by redirecting mail, stealing sales receipts, and shoulder surfing - peeking over people's shoulders while they're at the ATM (automated teller machine).
For more information on Identity Theft and how to prevent it, simply call Irving Soto, VP of Community Financial Services Group, LLC (CFSG), at 246-1220. Through CFSG, we can offer you services that will protect your good name. Anything can happen. Protect yourself from becoming a victim. Call today!
Other useful resources you can log on to - ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name, Federal Trade Commission's website or Identity Theft Resource Center Identity Theft Resource Center.
Here is a list of the three major credit bureaus: Request a copy of credit report Fraud units Experian www.experian.com 888.397.3742 888.397.3742 Equifax www.equifax.com 800.685.1111 800.525.6285 TransUnion www.transunion.com 800.916.8800 800.680.7289
Free Credit Reports With No Strings Attached
Beginning December 1, 2004, residents of most western states (including Hawaii!) can receive one free credit report per year—with no strings attached. Really! According to Peggy Twohig of the Federal Trade Commission, free credit reports represent an important right for consumers.
The new free “annual credit checkups” were mandated by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, signed into law last December by President Bush. The law includes a number of provisions designed to fend off identity theft, which devastates millions of U.S. consumers each year. The new Web site: www.annualcreditreport.com will be marketing-free (no trial subscription enrollment required) as mandated by mandated by federal law.
You are also currently entitled to one free report every 12 months no matter where you live, if:
- You are unemployed and intend to apply for unemployment benefits
- You are receiving public welfare assistance
- You believe you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft
- You have been denied credit, insurance or employment due to your credit record
Only Western states, for now
To prevent overwhelming this new system, only residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming will be able to access the free reports effective December 1, 2004. Additional states will be added soon.
USA Patriot Act
Click banner for more information on the USA Patriot Act.
Travel Advantage Program
Your credit union VISA Credit Card program offers the lowest interest rates and the best value of any credit card account. In addition, we continue to offer our cardholders important credit card benefits at no cost. These benefits include toll-free travel reservation service, auto rental discounts, automatic renter's liability for damage or loss to a rental car and much more. For more information on this credit union benefit, call any branch office today!
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