Financial Wellness

As a member of SPC Credit Union, you have unlimited access to a full catalog of services from our trusted partner, GreenPath Financial Wellness. In addition to providing FREE financial counseling services for debt management, housing counseling, student loan counseling, and credit report counseling, GreenPath also offers:

• FREE online financial education tutorials in The LearningLab+
• The “Real Stories” Podcast featuring GreenPath clients
• Educational articles covering a range of financial topics
• Online calculators for loans, debt management, & more
• Educational webinars–monthly, sometimes more frequently!
• Worksheets & guides to help you manage your finances
• FREE monthly newsletter subscription

GreenPath counselors are available Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EST) and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To take advantage of this member benefit, simply call 1 (800) 550-1961 or visit them online at greenpath.com.

Some things are just too personal to share…like your money and identity! Put these simple practices from SPC’s trusted security awareness partners into play to help keep what’s personal…personal. And remember, SPC Credit Union will NEVER ask you to provide your full card number, your login credentials, or passwords over the phone.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR ACCOUNT SAFE:

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Try safe, passwordless authentication options, such as biometric authentication, voice recognition, or facial recognition technology.
• Make sure that the passwords you use are unique and strong. Try using longer passphrases that you can remember, and don't use the same passwords for multiple accounts.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TEXT SCAMS:

• Never click on links or respond to unexpected texts. If you think a text claiming to be SPC or a related entity might be legitimate, you should contact the credit union or other company using a phone number or website they know is real. Never use the contact information provided in the text message.
• Filter unwanted texts. Your phone may have an option to filter and block spam or messages from unknown senders.
• Never give personal or financial information in response to a request that you’re not expecting. Honest organizations won’t call, email, or text to ask for personal information, such as Social Security numbers, credit union account information, or credit card numbers.
• Stop and talk to someone you trust BEFORE taking any action. If you receive a startling or suspicious text message, before you do anything else, tell someone — a friend, a family member, a neighbor — about the text.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION:

• Use secure passwords. You may also want to try using a password manager.
• Set up two-factor or multi-factor authentication.
• Keep your personal information secure. Never share your passwords or personal information with anyone you don’t know. Shred documents with your personal information on it before throwing it away.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM APP STORE SCAMS:

• Only download apps from trusted publishers. Anyone can publish an app on official app stores—including cybercriminals.
• Enable security settings on your device, such as Google Play Protect, which scans for malicious apps.
• Remember that this type of attack isn’t exclusive to the Google Play Store. Cybercriminals could use this technique to put malicious apps on any platform.

TIPS FOR SAFE SHOPPING HABITS (from GreenPath):

Only use trusted websites when shopping online. Pay attention to the actual URL you are shopping from to be sure the site is valid, as the chance to be directed to a less-than-reputable website through “click-bait” ads is higher during the holidays. Some experts suggest directly typing the online retailer’s URL into your web browser. When shopping on your phone, consider downloading the specific apps from each vendor. Additional security features are built into retailer apps, and you can also ensure you are purchasing directly from the source.

Check for security. To check that a website is secure, look for “https” at the beginning of a site’s address. When you see the “s” at the end of “http,” then the site is encrypted, and your data will be secure. Another security indicator to watch out for is an icon that looks like a lock. The lock icon appears either next to the URL or in the bottom corner of your web browser. Use an online browser that warns you before making a purchase from–or even visiting–a non-secure site.

Use secured networks. It’s a good idea to run regular virus checks and updates on your hardware. Pay attention to network connections when shopping from other devices if you do find yourself on the go.

Use a credit card. Credit cards offer a level of fraud protection that you may not get using debit cards. In addition, credit card providers will likely notice identity theft activity before you do.

Don’t store payment information. For safe online shopping, decline vendor offers to store your credit card information in their system. It may save time, but it’s risky in the long run. Stored information could compromise your identity if there is a widespread data breach.

Select complex passwords. Use passwords on shopping retail websites, credit card, bank, and other accounts. Avoid using easily available information like your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, a single word, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or phone number.  Combinations of letters, numbers, and special characters make the strongest passwords. In addition, you should avoid keeping passwords in a digital file or written down. Instead, use a consolidated password keeper option such as 1Password (for desktop or mobile download), Bitwarden (FREE for desktop or mobile download), or Keepass (for desktop IOS).

Monitor statements and credit reports. The best way to detect identity theft is to monitor your accounts and bank statements each month, and check your credit report on a regular basis.  Early detection of identity theft can make a big difference.  Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking closely for charges you did not make. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and how you pay your bills.  If an identity thief is opening credit accounts in your name, these accounts are likely to show up on your credit report.

Selecting an ATM

• Identify an ATM/ITM with maximum natural surveillance and visibility from the surrounding area. This will create a perceived notion of detection by a criminal and increase the potential for witnesses.
• Select an ATM/ITM at a location void of barriers blocking the line of sight of the ATM. This includes shrubbery, landscaping, signs, and decorative partitions or dividers. Barriers provide hiding areas for would-be assailants.
• Select an ATM/ITM that is in a well-lighted location.
• Select an ATM/ITM with a wide-angle transaction camera and/or a continuous transaction surveillance camera. Consult the credit union or location management for this information.

Approaching an ATM/ITM

• At a drive-up ATM/ITM, keep all windows closed–except the one you are using–and all vehicle doors locked. Keep the vehicle running and be watchful of the vehicle’s front, rear, and sides. If someone approaches your vehicle on foot, cancel the transaction and leave.
• If you drive to the ATM/ITM and then exit your vehicle to use the ATM/ITM, lock all of the vehicle doors after you exit it. Then, keep your keys handy so you can re-enter your vehicle quickly after completing your transaction.
• When approaching the ATM/ITM, be alert for anything suspicious, especially two or more people in a nearby vehicle, particularly if no one else is at the ATM/ITM or if someone appears to be loitering around the area.
• Never approach an ATM/ITM if the lights at the site are not working.
• Particularly after dark, take a companion along to the ATM/ITM, if at all possible, and park close to the ATM/ITM in a well-lit area.
• Avoid using ATMs/ITMs with obscuring bushes around them, particularly after dark.

Using an ATM/ITM

• When waiting in line to use the ATM/ITM, wait well behind the person(s) ahead of you, and do not approach the ATM/ITM until they complete their transaction.
• Before you approach the ATM/ITM, have your card ready and know your PIN.
• Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Memorize your PIN. Do NOT write your PIN on your ATM/debit card or carry your PIN in your wallet or purse.
• Select a PIN that is different from other numbers noted in your wallet or purse, such as your address, birth date, telephone, or Social Security number.
• When using the ATM/ITM, stand directly in front of the keyboard, blocking the view of others. Do not enter the PIN if anyone else can see the screen. As remote as it may seem, criminals can use high-powered equipment to visually capture a cardholder’s PIN as it is punched into a keypad. By picking up discarded ATM/ITM transaction receipts, criminals can match up PINs and account numbers and have all the information they need to manufacture false ATM cards and gain access to your money. This is referred to as “shoulder surfing.”
• Never accept offers of assistance with the ATM/ITM from strangers. If you are having problems, contact your financial institution. When your ATM/ITM transaction is completed, immediately take your property–card, receipt, money, etc.–put them in your pocket, wallet, or purse, and leave immediately.
• ATM/ITM robberies often occur after the patron has completed their transaction. Always have your head up and be aware of your surroundings when you leave an ATM/ITM. If you feel or sense someone is following you, walk or drive to the nearest open business or where there are a lot of people and call the police.
• NEVER tell your access code or PIN to anyone!
• NEVER lend your ATM/debit card to anyone; treat it like cash or a credit card.
• If you lose, misplace, or have your ATM card stolen, notify the card issuer immediately. If you report an ATM card missing before it is used without your permission, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) says the card issuer cannot hold you responsible for any unauthorized withdrawals. If unauthorized use occurs before you report it, the amount you can be held responsible for depends upon how quickly you report the loss to the card issuer.

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