Safeguard Your Information

In today’s high-tech world, we can 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. At Northwoods Community Credit Union, the security of your information is a priority.

Every day, duplicitous individuals are busy developing new scams targeting the unsuspecting public. Please take a moment to read this important information on how to keep yourself safe when conducting business online.

Avoid the Scam

How to Spot a Scam:

They pressure you to act fast
They can be threatening
They are vague with their company information
They demand your personal information
Scammers often “overpay” and then ask for money back
Payment is requested with gift cards
They instruct you to keep it a secret
If it’s too good to be true, it often is

What To Do If You Are Scammed

Don’t be embarrassed, you are not alone!
Contact your local police department
If the scammer is contacting you by phone, block the number.
If the scammer is on your computer, unplug and disconnect from the internet until you are able to have your computer looked at by an in-person tech specialist.
If the scammer has access to your phone, put your phone in airplane mode until you are able to have your phone checked by your cell phone provider.
Contact us and your other financials.
If you’ve given out any card or account information, call to freeze those accounts and set up new accounts.
Review your credit report for indications of identity fraud

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:

Set good passwords. Choose a username and password that is a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, symbols, and numbers, and one that is not easily guessed. Change your password frequently (every 90 days). Do not write it down or share it with others.
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 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.
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.
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.
Websites aren't always what they seem. Be aware that if you navigate to a website 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.
Log off from sites when you are done. When you are ready to leave a site you have logged into, log off rather than just closing the page.
Passcodes protect your Mobile Device. Always enable the passcode feature on your mobile device for added security.
Monitor account activity. Monitor your account activity regularly, either online or by reviewing your monthly statements, and report any unauthorized transactions right away.
Assess your risk. We recommend periodically assessing your online banking risk and putting into place increased security controls where weaknesses are found, particularly for members with business accounts. Some items to consider when assessing your online banking risk are:

Who has access to your online business accounts?
How and where are usernames and passwords stored?
How strong are your passwords, and how often are they changed? Are they changed before or immediately after terminating an employee who had access to them?
Do you have dual controls or other checks and balances with respect to access to online banking transactions?

What to Expect from Northwoods Community Credit Union

NCCU will NEVER call, email, or otherwise contact you and ask for your username, password, or other online banking credentials.
NCCU will NEVER contact you and ask for your credit or debit card number, PIN, or 3-digit security code.

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 Important Information about Your Account Disclosures you received when you opened your account with NCCU. You can also find them online under the Truth in Savings link at www.northwoodscu.com. Ultimately, if you notice suspicious account activity or experience security-related events, please contact the credit union immediately at (715) 762-3208.