Monday, July 26, 2010

Fraud Alert for Phishing E-mail

ACH ALERT:Beware of Phishing E-mail that Claims to be from NACHA

The subject line of the e-mail states: "Unauthorized ACH Transaction." The e-mail includes a link that redirects the individual to a fake Web page and contains a link which is almost certainly an executable virus with malware. Do not click on the link. Both the e-mail and the related website are fraudulent.

Be aware that phishing e-mails frequently have links to Web pages that host malicious code and software. Do not follow Web links in unsolicited e-mails from unknown parties or from parties with whom you do not normally communicate, or that appear to be known but are suspicious or otherwise unusual.

If malicious code is detected or suspected on a computer, consult with a computer security or anti-virus specialist to remove malicious code or re-install a clean image of the computer system. Always use anti-virus software and ensure that the virus signatures are automatically updated.
Ensure that the computer operating systems and common software applications security patches are installed and current.
Be alert for different variations of fraudulent e-mails.

= = = = = Begin Sample E-mail = = = = = =
From: Information
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 8:27 AM
To: Doe, John
Subject: Unauthorized ACH Transaction
Dear bank account holder, The ACH transaction, recently initiated from your bank account,was rejected by the Electronic Payments Association. Please review the transaction report by clicking the link below: Unauthorized ACH Transaction Report------------------------------------------------------------------ Copyright ©2009 by NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association = = = = = End Sample E-mail = = = = = =

Friday, July 16, 2010

Door to Door Alarm System Sales

Members are advised to exercise caution when dealing with door to door alarm system sales people. To begin with, it is difficult to determine whether the person at your doorstep is a legitimate representative or not. Uniforms and badges can be used by fraudsters to deceive people into thinking that they are connected with a legitimate company. There have been cases where the door to door contact person is really a criminal using the sales routine to look over your home for items to steal later. Once inside your home on a "sales call", they could just rob you on the spot. If you don't know who the person is standing at your doorstep, they should never be allowed inside your home. A confirmation call could be made to the published business number of the alarm company and an appointment could be made at a later date.

If you are truly interested in an alarm system, contact several alarm system companies and arrange appointments for each to present a proposal. Competition is usually a good method of securing a lower price. It would also be a good idea to contact the local Better Business Bureau for the company ratings and history. Since safety is the reason for an alarm system in the first place, do not sacrifice safety by inviting strangers at your door step into your home.

Monday, July 12, 2010

School Supply Loans Offers Value


Back to school expenses can create a financial strain on teachers and parents, especially in these economic times. North Alabama Educators Credit Union is once again offering our popular School Supply Loan to the membership through September 30th of this year.

Qualified members can borrow up to $500 at 0.00% APR with repayment terms up to 10 months. Payroll deduction or direct deposit is required as a means of repayment on these loans.

There is a small up-front processing fee for these loans and members are asked to contact any Loan Officer for the fee amount and any questions regarding the loan.
These School Supply Loans have been offered for several years now and members have been very satisfied with the availability of the loan. These loans are also available for new teachers as well who must prepare their classes for the school year. The lending criteria for these small loans has been relaxed somewhat to provide a broader range of access to the full membership.

The School Supply Loan is another great example of how the credit union is providing value to our members. We exist to serve the financial needs of our member-owners. This loan may not be a big income producer for the credit union but it does provide a valuable benefit for our members. This is how credit unions are different than most traditional banking institutions.
*We are an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. Qualifications must be met on all loans. Rates and loan availability subject to change without notice.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Breast Cancer Awareness Shirts


Our Community Involvement Committee has worked hard the last few years with a variety of ideas and projects to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness. Each year the committee has designed a shirt that is available for sale with proceeds benefiting Breast Cancer Awareness. These shirts have always been very popular with members and visitors to our branch locations.

Our short sleeve shirts are $15 and long sleeve shirts are $20. There are different colors available other than what you see here. Selections and sizes available do vary by branch so stop by any office to view the shirts available.

You can't read the message on the back of the shirt because of the photo size but it says;

Support the Fighters

Admire the Survivors

Honor the Lost

No Matter the Cost

With Your Help We Will Cope

And

NEVER GIVE UP HOPE...


These shirts are available for purchase to anyone. If you know of someone or a doctor's office that might be interested in these shirts, encourage them to stop by or contact one of our offices.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Independence Day Weekend



On behalf of North Alabama Educators Credit Union, I want to extend our wishes for a safe and relaxing Independence Day weekend. Independence Day is a time to reflect upon the many freedoms and benefits that we all enjoy as citizens of the United States. If you have a flag, be sure to display it proudly. Many flags were displayed in a variety of ways following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Why not display that same sense of national pride this weekend?