Information & Resources for Security Issues

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Provident Credit Union takes the safety and security of your accounts very seriously, and we take extensive safeguards to protect your information and your funds. We urge you to click on the links below and read about what you can do to further protect yourself against fraud and identify theft. We will continue to add to this section, so be sure to check back here frequently.

Security Alerts

• Fraud Alert: First Star Credit Union / First Start Lending Services (4/24/2009)
  An entity representing itself as First Star Credit Union or First Star Lending Services is not actually a credit union, and is scamming people into paying an advance fee for a loan they never receive.
• New Telephone/Text Message "Vishing"/"SMiShing" Scam (Updated 3/2/2009)
  Attempt to steal debit card numbers via an automated telephone service or a text message. The message indicates your debit card may have been compromised and has been placed on a hold status. In order to activate the card, the message asks the member to call another phone number and enter their 16-digit card number and PIN.
• Watch Out for the "Call Forwarding" E-Mail Phishing Scam (5/15/2007)
  Getting caught in this phishing scam results in your phone calls being received by the phisher instead of you. Your personal and banking information is also compromised.
• Online Extortion: E-Mail Scam Includes Hit-Man Threat (1/15/2007)
  This e-mail scam preys not on recipients' greed or good intentions, but on their fears. It contains a message that threatens to kill recipients if they do not pay thousands of dollars to the sender, who purports to be a hired assassin.
• Potential Visa Card Compromise: Update (1/29/2007)
  A computer hacker stole thousands of credit card and debit card accounts numbers from TJX, parent company of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and others. What to do.

Learning Library

• About Fake E-Mails & Phishing
  The latest attacks use e-mails made to look like they are from government agencies, in order to try to get you to reveal sensitive information, such as your PIN, Social Security Number, or credit card number. Learn about these and similar types of e-mail based fraud, and what you can do to protect yourself.
• Enhanced Security Sign On: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  Provident is offering a new way to sign on to home banking that provides more security to members, which goes beyond just Member Number and PIN, and also helps protect against phishing.
• Don't Fall for this Cashiers Check / Money Order Scam
  Are you offering something for sale on the Web or in a classified ad? Beware of anyone who wants to overpay and get change, even if their check or money order seems to clear.
• Encrypted E-Mail at Provident
  Provident Credit Union doesn't take any chances when it comes to protecting your sensitive information. Read about our mail encryption program, and what you should do if you receive an encrypted e-mail from Provident.
• How Did They Access My Account Without My Card?
  Scam artists are continuously finding new ways to commit credit card and ATM fraud against you, and they no longer need the actual card. Find out how to protect your Visa from the latest threats.
• Beware of Credit/Debit/ATM Card Fraud
  Criminals have more than one way to try to get access to your cards and their numbers. Avoid letting someone you don't even know go on spending sprees with your accounts.
• Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Fight Fraud
  Fraud and theft are things we all have to be aware of and vigilant against. Here are 10 things you can do to protect yourself.
• Keep Your Info Up to Date, and Protect Your Account with a Password
  You never know when we may need to contact you, so keeping your contact information up to date is important. Also, did you know that you can add a password to your account to use over the phone?
• Identity Theft: Reduce the Risk by Using Provident's Online Services
  Is fear of identity theft keeping you from using online services, such as online banking? Learn how frequent use of Account Manager and e-Statements actually reduces your risk.

Other Sites

• The National Cyber Security Alliance: Stay Safe Online
  The go-to resource for cyber security awareness and education. A public-private partnership, NCSA provides tools and resources to empower people to stay safe online.
• On Guard Online | Your Safety Net
  OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
• Don't Fall for the Nigerian Scam
  It's a con that's been separating people from their cash since the 1920s, but its gotten much worse in the age of e-mail. Learn about this prevalent crime so that you do not become its next victim.
• Reporting Spam to FTC
  How and why you should report spam abusers to the FTC
• FTC: How Not to Get Hooked by a Phishing Scam
  Don't be conned! Some e-mail looks legitimate, but is just there to get you to type in enough info for other people to steal your identity or spend your money, and ruin your credit.
• FTC: Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
  Avoid being a victim of identity theft and learn what to do if you are victimized; visit this FTC Web site.
• US Treasury Department: Warning About Recent Fraudulent E-Mail Schemes
  In spite of what that e-mail might say, federal financial agencies do not communicate with consumers by e-mail requesting important personal information such as your name, account numbers, date of birth, or social security number.