Save Hard & Spend Smart Blog
WE ARE STILL HERE FOR YOU!
As we move forward and adapt to our current situation while beginning to transition to a state of normal, we’d like to thank our members for being flexible and understanding through it all. In these times of uncertainty we want to assure you that we are committed to serving you. Our priority is providing you with the best service possible as we continue to work with members who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. To learn more about how we can help, please call us at (850) 434-2211.
MEMBERS FIRST CARES
As a local credit union, we are also dedicated to serving the communities in which we work. Members First Credit Union of Florida proudly joined in the #CreditUnionsCareChallenge providing our employees with $25 each and empowering them to support a local business or charity of their choice. Through this program, we were able to contribute thousands of dollars to several local businesses, charities, and random acts of kindness to frontline workers and individuals affected by this pandemic. In the credit union spirit of People Helping People, we also teamed up with eight local-area credit unions, collectively contributing $57,500 to Manna Food Pantries to aid in their efforts of feeding our neighbors in need.
OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE
We would to say thank you to all the nurses, doctors, truck drivers, cashiers, and other essential workers who have been working on the frontlines during this pandemic. We appreciate you. We are also grateful to our very own frontline workers who have been adapting to new working environments at our branches while assisting our members with the standard of service they expect from their credit union. Our employees’ dedication to providing excellent service is valued, especially at this time.
MOVING FORWARD
We are beginning to open our branch lobbies with limited access to members. Plexiglass shields have been installed at branch workstations for the safety of our members and employees. We’ve also marked the floors at each branch for proper distancing. Thank you again for your understanding and continued flexibility as we get through this together.
Paying at the gas pump is convenient, especially when you’re in a hurry. But that convenience comes at a risk. Credit card skimmer fraud is on the rise at gas stations. As technology evolves, skimmers are becoming more difficult to detect and most pay at the pump fuel dispensers are still operating with outdated technology. Fuel dispenser merchants are also being targeted in other ways like, point-of-sale (POS) malware attacks with fraudsters gaining access through phishing emails containing attachments with malware. Below are steps you can take against fraud at the pump:
- Investigate the card reader to make sure nothing looks or feels unusual. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your gut, pay inside and report your concerns.
- Whenever possible, use credit, not debit. If a thief is able to steal your debit card information, they have access to your bank account.
- Stop at busy, well-lit and well-maintained gas stations. Also, look for stickers or other signs that the pumps are regularly inspected.
- Check your account daily, especially when traveling. If you suspect suspicous activity or fraud, report it immediately. You can also download the CardValet app (for debit cards) and the SecurLOCK Equip app (for credit cards) to manage your Members First debit and/or credit card on your smart phone. For more information on CardValet or SecurLOCK Equip go to membersfirstfl.org/digitalwallet.
- Fraudsters often launch phishing attacks after a breach to obtain additional information, such as a debit card PIN, or the CVV2 code for online transactions. Remember that Members First will never, email, text, or call you and ask for sensitive, personal information, like your card number, PIN, CVV2 security code, etc. VISA will also never ask for your card number, expiration date, PIN, or 3-digit CVV2 security code.
Having a rewards credit card is great, but knowing how to maximize the rewards you earn from using your credit card is even better. Below are a few secrets to be sure that you’re getting the most out of your Members First Visa® credit card:
- Make your Members First Visa® credit card your default payment method on Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, or Visa Checkout.
- Register your Members First Visa® credit card and keep track of your rewards at scorecardrewards.com.
- Take advantage of the shopping bonuses, like double points at select retailers, that are found on scorecardrewards.com.
- Consider using just one rewards card, like your Members First Visa® credit card, for all your purchases. It’s one way to simplify your spending habits and earn rewards quickly. And, if you pay your card off each month you can avoid interest charges.
- Be Disciplined — If you don’t pay off your credit card balance in full each month, be careful with your spending. Don’t go in debt for extra rewards. Like with any credit, don’t borrow more than you can pay off.
Don’t have a credit card with us? Apply online today, call 850-434-2211, or stop by one of our branch locations.
learn about our visa rewards credit cards | apply for a visa rewards credit card today!
Vishing is an electronic fraud tactic in which individuals are tricked into revealing critical financial or personal information. In these calls, the caller impersonates the credit union or credit card company and has too-good-to-be-true offers.
Vishing callers request information that will allow them to steal your identity, money, or both. They will pressure you to act immediately to avoid punishment, so you don’t miss out, or because the need is urgent.
Additionally, these scammers can spoof a local phone number causing more confusion. If you don’t answer, they may leave a message that “your account has been hacked” or “call us to reset your password.” They try to catch you off guard and get you to share personal information.
To protect yourself, take these few easy steps:
- Don’t let yourself be pressured into giving information over the phone.
- If you think the call might really be your financial institution or credit card company, locate a statement with their phone number and call that number directly.
- Stay informed of the newest fraud trends. For example, the IRS will not call and ask for payment of back taxes in the form of gift cards, debit or credit card, or wire transfers. Generally, they try to reach you by mail.
- If you get a scam call, hang up and block the number whenever possible.
Pensacola, FL May 22, 2019 – DepositAccounts.com has released its list of the 2019 Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in America.
DepositAccounts.com evaluates the financial health of banks and credit unions in the United States once per quarter. To determine bank ranking and recognition DepositAccounts.com grades each institution on several factors, including capitalization, deposit growth, and loan-reserve ratios. Members First scored an A+ and ranked #178 out of more than 5,000 federally insured credit unions evaluated, placing the credit union in the Top 200.
“It is such an honor to have Members First Credit Union recognized among the Top 200 healthiest credit unions in America,” said Members First CEO/President, Caryl Greene. “Being part of this list further solidifies our commitment to excellence and stability for our members.”
For a complete list of the 2019 Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in America, visit depositaccounts.com. To learn more about our health score, go here.
