Dave Stuart, Author at America First Newsroom

Security Update: Resolve to Protect yourself Electronically

National experts estimate that only eight percent of us kept our annual resolutions last year. However, there is one goal you can successfully achieve in 2016 and beyond — having a safe online presence.

Here are two simple & reliable steps you can take for higher virtual confidence:

Public Wi-Fi is indeed Public — Free public Wi-Fi is often where fraud perpetrators can pounce on your personal data once you connect to an open server. These networks aren’t secure, which means that anyone could potentially see what you are doing on your device. Vow to limit your activities on public Wi-Fi and avoid logging in to key sites.

Chores for your Digital Home — Almost 70 percent of American households have between one and five devices connected to the Internet — with 30 percent owning six or more. This certainly justifies simple but necessary routine maintenance. From updating software, to backing up valuable family photos and important documents, to keeping your machines clean and running efficiently, you can help ensure your family is safe.

And be sure to visit us here for additional information regarding how we’re providing you with enhanced security.

America First Credit Union Expands Mobile Payment Offerings with Android and Samsung Pay

Riverdale, Utah – Beginning today, America First Credit Union members can enjoy the benefits of a simple, secure and private way to pay with an America First Credit Union Visa card supporting Android and Samsung Pay.

“We continue to reiterate the importance of security and privacy as our utmost priority when it comes to our technological offerings for members,” said Rich Syme, executive vice president at America First Credit Union. “With the expansion of Android and Samsung Pay at America First, we’re opening up the opportunity for contactless payments for our member base, allowing them to pay for items with their mobile devices in a fast, easy and secure way.”

Samsung Pay is a unique and innovative mobile payment solution that allows members to pay at almost any terminal that they can swipe or tap their America First credit or debit cards. In addition to Near Field Communication (NFC), which transmits a short-range wireless signal from the device to a merchant’s contactless payment terminal, Samsung Pay also utilizes Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST). MST sends a magnetic signal from the device to the payment terminal’s card reader, emulating a physical card swipe. Samsung’s ability to send both NFC and MST transmissions expands the number of terminals where members can use this exciting new service.

America First Credit Union Rounds Out Growth in 2015 with Opening of Kaysville Branch Location

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union, a leading member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution, welcomes the public with the opening of its newest location at 1302 West 200 North, Kaysville, UT 84037. The Kaysville branch rounds out the growth for the credit union in 2015 as the 113^th branch location servicing members in Utah and Southern Nevada.

Penny Butler is market manager of the Kaysville market and will serve as branch manager of the Kaysville location. Butler has more than 33 years of service with America First, with 17 years as a branch manager. She graduated from CUNA Management School in Madison Wisconsin School of Business and is a Certified Credit Union Executive.

Butler is a member of the Ogden-Weber and Davis County Chambers of Commerce, Women in Business and Business Alliance. She has worked as a volunteer for the Children’s Justice Center, Catholic Community Services’ Bridging the Gap as well as reading tutor for Pioneer and Odyssey Elementary Schools. She has initiated community events, including Books for Blakely, a donation drive to benefit the local homeless shelter, VA Donation Drive to benefit the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home and most recently supported Sweet Packs benefitting Utah children in foster care. Butler lives in Roy, Utah with her husband. When not working, she enjoys music, singing, gardening, decorating and learning.

There will be a grand opening ribbon cutting held Monday, Dec. 14 with celebration events held Dec. 14 – 19. The branch is located at 1302 West 200 North, Kaysville, UT 84037. Branch hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

With a strong commitment to servicing its members, Kaysville rounds out a successful year of growth with the credit union as the fourth branch opening thus far in 2015.

For more information, visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest.

Seasonal Reflection Demonstrates Opportunity to Help Others

Security Update: Be Careful Online during the Holidays

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is reminding consumers to remain vigilant when browsing or shopping online this time of year.

Officials note that the season presents numerous opportunities for criminals to commit fraud.

Some examples are electronic Christmas cards from unknown senders containing malicious software; fake ads or shipping notifications delivering viruses; and spoofed emails and posts on social networking sites requesting support for phony causes.

To avoid security lapses, please consider the following actions:

• Avoid following unsolicited links or attachments from sources with which you’re not familiar.

• Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s site for scam alerts.

• Assess your passwords and consider making them stronger; never create a single phrase for more than one site.

• Always use common sense when downloading games, file-sharing tools, streaming clients, and other third-party apps.

For more information and additional updates regarding how your credit union is working to protect your resources, please click here.

A Lasting Legacy of Giving

For 21 years, America First has been collecting donations to buy new shoes for economically disadvantaged schoolchildren in Utah and Nevada.

Our Warm The Soles of Kids program has become one of America First’s most enduring traditions — and we’re hoping you’ll ensure it continues.

We’re accepting your contributions that will benefit the less fortunate at all of our locations and via free Online Banking.

Please consider taking part in this annual effort by making a cash contribution to Warm The Soles today. They’re accepted through December 31. Go to americafirst.com, stop by a branch, or return the donation slip available here.

Warm The Soles is a program operated by the America First Charitable Foundation, a Utah-based non-profit organization. Tax ID #87-0511475Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Members to Elect Board of Directors

In accordance with credit union bylaws, three America First members will be elected to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting on April 19, 2016 at the David S. Eccles Conference Center in Ogden, Utah. These non-paying positions are voluntary.

Incumbent directors serving three-year terms are:

• Barney B. Chapman

• Kenlon W. Reeve

• Michael W. Roden

Those interested in applying must meet the following minimum criteria: Credit union membership in good standing; legal age (18 years or older); bondable; free from any conflicts of interest; and available for all Board of Directors, Committee, and other designated meetings, unless excused.

Please submit a letter of application to the Nominations Committee, P.O. Box 9199, Ogden, Utah 84409. This should include your statement of qualification (limited to 150 words).

The application deadline is 5 p.m. on January 11, 2016 at the above address. You will be interviewed between January 12 and January 27, 2016 if you meet the criteria.

Nominations for Board positions by petition are also accepted. Those applying through this method must submit a qualification statement (the word limit is 150) and a petition signed by 500 fellow credit union members. Such applications must be accompanied by a signed certificate from the nominee stating he or she is agreeable to the process and will serve if elected. Applications for nomination by petition must be received by 5 p.m., January 11, 2016 at the address listed previously.

Each applying member receives a copy of the election instructions. Elections will be conducted by ballot at the Annual Meeting. Nominations will not be accepted from the floor.

America First Credit Union Allows Members To Access FICO Score Via Online Banking

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union now offers members the ability to access a FICO® Score within its Online Banking portal. Dedicated to its mission of helping members develop and maintain financial well-being, the new tool allows a snapshot of a member’s financial position, providing an enhanced understanding of the score and its benefits.

In efforts to continuously offer the latest technologies and advancements for members, the tool builds on the way members interact with the credit union. A FICO® Score allows lenders to gauge credit risk quickly, consistently and objectively assess how likely a member is to m
eet financial obligations, considering what they have borrowed and paid back.

“Knowing your FICO® Score is an important part of achieving a favorable financial position,” said Rich Syme, America First Credit Union Executive Vice President. “This is yet another tool we offer that will help our members choose credit wisely, establish repayment goals and establish overall financial well-being.”

Earlier this month, America First unveiled a newly-launched website, which boasts a modern look and feel, along with updated features, enhanced functionality, security and a responsive design. The Online Banking portal is easily navigable, helping to make financial goals accessible for members and potential members no matter how they choose to access the website – via a personal computer, smartphone or tablet. Read More….

A Truly Special Month for our Household

Security Update: Stop & Think when Shopping Online

The busiest shopping time of the year is upon us and many are apt to choose the convenience — as well as time savings & lack of crowds, just to name a couple things — of going online.

To make the most of your experience and protect yourself along the way, here are some tips:

Keep it clean: All the devices you use when you buy via the Internet, including smartphones and tablets, should have up-to-date software for security, operating systems, programs and apps.

When in doubt, throw it out: Links in emails, posts, and unwanted pop-up ads are often how cybercriminals compromise your data. If it looks suspicious, it’s best to hit delete.

Think before buying: Be wary of communications that offer deals too good to be true or those that implore you to act immediately.