Education is the first step

We C.U. so that you don’t become a victim of debit card fraud because of “skimming", the unauthorized copying of electronic data from your debit card magnetic stripe. Hidden equipment such as pinhole cameras and card reading devices are installed by people who want to “skim” your card to obtain your PIN and card data. They then encode your stolen electronic data onto a counterfeit card used to withdraw funds from your account without your knowledge.

Click here to take the Debit Card Fraud Quiz.

Protect yourself and your PIN:

• Your security starts with your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
• Your debit card has two layers of security — the debit card itself and your PIN — both are required to complete a transaction.
• When you enter your PIN, it's scrambled using encryption technology before it's sent over the network to your financial institution.
• At no time is your PIN ever printed or displayed in any manner.
• No one should ever ask you to reveal your PIN, not even the police or anyone from The Credit Union.
• Use your hand or body to shield your PIN during every transaction conducted at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or at the checkout.
• Keep an eye on your debit card when conducting a transaction at the checkout.
• Check your Credit Union statements regularly and contact the call centre immediately if you detect any unusual activity, for example, purchases you did not make or missing transactions.
• Notify The Credit Union immediately, if your debit card is lost, stolen or retained by an ATM.
• Memorize your PIN - only you should know it. If you suspect that someone knows your PIN, even a friend or family member, change it immediately.
• Select a unique PIN. Never use obvious information, such as, your telephone number, date of birth, address or Social Insurance Number. These are numbers often stored in the same place as your debit card enabling criminals to easily guess your PIN.
• When using an ATM, if you suspect anything unusual do not use the machine and report it to the financial institution immediately.
• Be alert. If someone is watching you or makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and use a different machine.
  

Online Security

At The Credit Union we are committed to keeping your confidential information as safe as possible. This means that we take steps to protect the security and confidentiality of our members' information by using:

128-bit encryption which can only be decoded and read by The Credit Union while on our secure online site.

Secure firewalls which safeguard against unauthorized access to the Online Services system.

24 hour monitoring to ensure the integrity of the banking system is maintained.

While we take these strong measures to protect the security and privacy of your information, the member is also responsible for the care, control and confidentially of their passwords and personal information when using the internet.

To better understand safeguards that will help you protect your online security there are important steps that you should take to protect your information:

Install and maintain a firewall to protect yourself from unauthorized access to or from your computer by filtering the information coming through the internet connection into your computer

Install and maintain anti-virus software that detects viruses and cleans your computer so that viruses do not spread. Most anti-virus programs include an auto-update feature. Take advantage of this feature and be sure to update immediately.

Install and maintain anti-spyware software which detects malicious programs that may have been installed onto your computer unknowingly through email attachments or FREE content that you download from a website. Like anti-virus software most anti-spyware programs include an auto-update feature. Take advantage of this feature and be sure to update immediately.

Install all of the latest security updates for your browser and operating system. This will help reduce your computer's vulnerability. Most operating systems and browser versions offer notification of product updates, take advantage of these to keep your system secure.

Clear your browser after logging out from internet banking. Never leave your computer unattended while the internet banking is logged in.

Change your online password often. Use hard to guess passwords that include combination of letters and numbers. Never use your birthday, house number or phone number as your password.

Protect Yourself from Online Fraud

Phishing is a scam whereby an email is sent to a user falsely claiming to be a legitimate company in an attempt to obtain personal information that will be used for identity theft. The email directs the user to click on a link that redirects them to a fraudulent site. These sites are designed to fool you into believing they are a legitimate websites. Once on the site you will be asked to complete personal information and/or financial information that will be used to steal your identity.

If you receive one of these emails, do not respond and delete it immediately.

Remember - The Credit Union will never send out an email asking for password, account numbers or personal information.