What to Expect from Velocity Credit Union
With today's technology, we are able to do many things quicker and more conveniently -- whether its sending an email, paying bills, or shopping online. With the increase in speed and convenience also comes increased risk. Every day, unscrupulous individuals are busy developing new scams targeting the public.
At Velocity Credit Union, the security of customer information is a priority. We are strongly committed to the safety and confidentiality of your records. One of the best ways to avoid fraud is to become an educated consumer and we want to help. Please read this important information on how to keep your account safe.
A few tips:
- Set strong passwords. A strong password is a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Some examples of special characters are: @, #, $, %, etc… Change your password frequently. Never write it down or share it with others. Never use your Social Security number as a username or password on ANY website.
- 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 actually 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. Email and text messaging should NOT be considered secure forms of communication.
- Don't download that file! Opening files attached to emails can be dangerous especially when they are from someone you don't know. These unknown files can allow harmful malware or viruses to be downloaded onto your computer.
- Antivirus is crucial. Make sure you have a good antivirus program on your computer that is up-to-date. There are some good free antivirus programs available on the web but beware, many of these free programs actually contain viruses and (or) spyware. It is always a much safer option to purchase your antivirus program directly from a physical store.
- 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 directly to the site.
- 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 legitimate, when in fact it's not. Take time to verify that the web page you're viewing is an exact match to the URL you expect.
- Log off from sites when you are done. When you are ready to leave a site you have logged in to, be sure to log off rather than just closing the page.
- Monitor account activity. Monitor your account activity regularly either online or by reviewing your monthly statements and report any unauthorized transactions right away.
- Report suspicious activity. If you become aware of account activity that you feel is suspicious, you should notify the authorities as well as Velocity Credit Union, as soon as possible.
- Assess your risk. We recommend periodically assessing your online banking risk and put 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 user names 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?
- Mobile Banking Security Tips
- Use the key lock or phone lock function on your mobile device when it is not in use. These functions protect your device so that nobody else can use it or view your information. Also be sure to store your mobile device in a secure location.
- Frequently delete text messages from Velocity Credit Union, especially before loaning out, discarding, or selling your mobile device.
- Never disclose any personal information (account numbers, passwords, or any of your personal information such as your Social Security number or birth date that could be used in identity theft) via text message.
- Text alert users: Be sure to change your mobile number from your banking profile if you lose your mobile device or change your mobile phone number. Simply go to www.velocitycu.com and log into online banking. Once logged in, click on "eServices," and then "Alert Addresses" to remove or update your phone number.
- For your own protection, never register your mobile device as your primary computer. In doing so you would be enabling anyone who may find your device to bypass your authentication security questions.
What to Expect from Velocity Credit Union
- Velocity Credit Union will NEVER call, email, or otherwise contact you and ask for your user name, password or other online banking credentials.
- Velocity Credit Union will NEVER contact you in any form and ask for your credit or debit card number, PIN or 3-digit security code. We will never contact you and ask you for your routing or account number. We already have that information. (If YOU call US, we will ask for some identity verification.)
Our debit card processor, Vantiv, may contact you to verify suspicious activity on your debit card and will identify themselves as "Card Fraud Detection." The caller ID number will appear as 513-900-4000. They may say they are calling on behalf of your financial institution or Velocity Credit Union. If they leave a message for you, they will leave a reference number. Please use this reference number when calling them back at 1-800-889-5280. They will ask for your name and may ask you to verify your zip code, the last four of your social security number or your date of birth for security purposes. Please remember to use the primary member's information when completing the security verification. If you do not provide the reference number and they are having trouble finding your account with your name only, they may ask for the full card number or your full social security number but will never ask for your PIN or the CVC (3 digit code on the back of your card). If you are not comfortable with the call or providing this information, please hang up and contact the credit union directly at 512-469-7000.
Our card provider, Elan, will identify themselves as "Card Member Services." They will never ask for your card number, expiration date or CVC (security) code. They will:
- Verify your street address.
- Verify the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- Ask for the last four digits of your card number.
- Ask to verify the amount of your last transaction or payment.
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 Account Information Disclosures you received when you opened your account with Velocity Credit Union. You can also find them online under the disclosures link at www.velocitycu.com. Ultimately, if you notice suspicious account activity or experience security-related events, please contact the credit union immediately at (512) 469-7000.
