Member Awareness Program

In an ever-changing technological society and with a growing membership, we strive to provide exceptional service to our members while safeguarding our member’s assets and information.

Online Banking Security

UARK Federal Credit Union (UARK FCU) is committed to protecting your personal information.  Our Online Banking uses several different layers to ensure your information is protected.  All information within our online banking uses the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol to ensure that your connection and any information transmitted is protected.  All information transferred through Online Banking has a 128-bit encryption to make your information unreadable as it passes over the internet.  

As fraud cases are on the rise, it is also important that you take your own measures to ensure your information remains protected.  Here are some tips on how to stay safe when conducting business online.

  • Don’t respond to email, text, and phone messages that ask for personal information.  Legitimate companies don’t ask for information this way.
  • Create passwords that mix letters, numbers, and special characters.  Don’t use the same password for more than one account.
  • If you shop or bank online, use websites that protect your financial information with encryption.  An encrypted site has “https” at the beginning of the web address; “s” is for secure.
  • If you use a public wireless network, don’t send information to any website that isn’t fully encrypted.
  • Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall on your computer.
  • Set your computer’s operating system, web browser, and security system to update automatically.

For more information: Federal Trade Commission – http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft

Identity Theft

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission.  It is a serious crime that can wreak havoc with your finances, credit history, and reputation – and it can take time, money, and patience to resolve.

How to protect your information

  • Review your credit reports.  You have a right to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies.  To order your report, visit annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
  • Read your bank, credit union, credit card, and account statements.  If a statement has mistakes or doesn’t come on time, contact the business.
  • Shred all documents containing personal information: bank statements, unused checks, deposit slips, credit card statements, pay stubs, medical billings and invoices.
  • Don’t respond to email, text, and phone messages that ask for personal info.  Legitimate companies do not ask for information this way.

For more information about identity theft and other tips on how to protect your information visit Federal Trade Commission – http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft

Credit Reporting Agencies

Equifax
PO Box 105069
Atlanta, GA 30349-5069
www.equifax.com
1-800-525-6285

Experian
PO Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013-0949
www.experian.com
1-888-397-3742

Trans Union
PO Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
www.transunion.com
1-800-680-7289

 

Disclaimer: Links to other websites found here are provided to assist in locating information. UARK FCU does not provide, and is not responsible for, the product, service, or overall website content available at a third party site. UARK FCU neither endorses the information, content, presentation, or accuracy nor makes any warranty, express or implied, regarding any external site. UARK FCU’s privacy policies do not apply to linked websites. You should consult the privacy disclosures on any linked site for further information.

 

Debit Card Fraud

Debit Card Fraud takes place every day in a variety of ways.  You can’t always prevent it from happening, but you can create some obstacles and make it tougher for someone to get hold of your cards and card numbers.  Incorporating a few practices into your daily routine can help keep your cards and account numbers safe.  For example, keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates and the phone number to report fraud for each company in a secure place. 

Other fraud protection practices include:

  • Don’t give your account number to anyone on the phone unless you’ve made the call to a company you know to be reputable. If you’ve never done business with them before, do an online search first for reviews or complaints.
  • Carry your cards separately from your wallet. It can minimize your losses if someone steals your wallet or purse. And carry only the card you need for that outing.
  • During a transaction, keep your eye on your card. Make sure you get it back before you walk away.
  • Never sign a blank receipt. Draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.
  • Save your receipts to compare with your statement.
  • Open your bills promptly — or check them online often — and reconcile them with the purchases you’ve made.
  • Report any questionable charges to the card issuer.
  • Notify your card issuer if your address changes or if you will be traveling.

 

Unsolicited Contact

UARK FCU will never contact its members to request their security logon credentials such as the combination of your username and password.  If you receive a request of this type, do not respond to it.  Please call us immediately at 800-499-8328 or e-mail us at questions@uarkfcu.com to report any activity of this nature.

UARK FCU will only contact its members regarding online banking activity on an unsolicited basis for the following reasons:

  • Suspected fraudulent activity on your account;
  • Inactive/dormant account;
  • To notify you of a change or disruption in service; or
  • To confirm changes submitted to your online banking profile.

 

If you receive an unsolicited contact from a UARK FCU staff member for any reason not stated above, your identity will be confirmed through a series of security questions and you will always have the option of hanging up and calling UARK FCU to confirm that validity of our request.  Remember, we will NEVER ask for your logon security credentials.

You are protected in a variety of ways when you use Internet Banking; however, it is important to contact UARK FCU in the event that your company’s online access has been compromised.  Also, report any unauthorized or unexpected transactions immediately.