Author: Dave Stuart

Padlock on a keyboard.

Security Update: What if Fraud Strikes?

Although fraud and identity theft can occur to anyone at any time, there are solid steps you can take to reduce the recovery time if you unfortunately become a victim:

•Contact all three agencies for copies of your credit report. You may order one for free at annualcreditreport.com. You can also visit these agencies individually: TransUnion here or via 1-800-680-7289; Experian or at 1-888-397-3742; Equifax, 1-880-525-6285.

Then review your reports carefully according to the outline below:

  • Recognize all accounts listed and confirm that the balances are in line with your records.
  • Determine the legitimacy of persons and entities requesting or receiving a copy of your report.
  • Search the inquiries for loans or accounts for which you did not apply. (If you find one, this may be a sign that an identity thief has fraudulently opened it in your name).
  • Confirm there are no addresses listed for places you have never lived.
  • Check that all this information is consistent across the bureaus.

If there is false or suspicious information, contact these credit agencies immediately. If something is concerning about a particular creditor, you will want to contact that company directly.

And be sure to visit this link to see how we’re working to provide you with enhanced security.

America First Credit Union Unveils Comprehensive Online Money Management Tool

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union today unveiled a new online tool to help members manage finances, called Money Manager. The complimentary tool, available via America First’s Online Banking platform, allows members to visually organize, track and manage all facets of their finances in one convenient location.

Features of Money Manager include automatic transaction categorization, a spending tracker, simple and secure budgeting tools, including quick and convenient access to debt a snapshot and the ability to create a financial road map. With free Online Banking and Money Manager, accounts are organized in one location and members are able to add additional accounts from other institutions to view inside the portal.

“With Money Manager, we are truly making life easier for members, enabling them access to all facets of their finances in one accessible location,” said Mike Salerno,Eservices Manager for America First Credit Union. “Convenience for our members is a primary focus and Money Manager is the ultimate money management tool.”

To access Money Manager, members log in via the Online Banking platform on the America First website and select the tab marked ‘Money Manager’ at the top of the screen. For more information about Money Manager, visit Money Manager FAQ’s or call 1-800-999-3961. 

Visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst 

America First Credit Union Strolls for a Cure In Support of West Haven Elementary Cancer Walk

Credit union encourages community and public to participate during ‘Survivor’s Walk’ at Eighth Annual Event May 15 

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union, in support of West Haven Elementary School, will sponsor the eighth annual West Haven Elementary Hawk Walk from 7 to 9 a.m. Friday, May 15. Hosted by West Haven students, the mini Relay-for-Life raises funds for the American Cancer Society. America First will donate cookies, bottled water, a live DJ and $5 for every student walking from 7 to 8 a.m. A ‘Survivor’s Walk’ will be held at 8:45 a.m. Since its inception in 2007, the Hawk Walk has raised more than $41,000 for the American Cancer Society.

The annual event held in May is designed to encourage students and individuals to learn the principle of generosity. West Haven Elementary has continued to support the Hawk Walk by implementing donation programs across campus. Once a month, the school encourages students to participate in ‘wear a hat’ to school day, which allows them to get involved by donating $1 to the cause. Delivery and district workers are also invited to participate by donating $1 if they are wearing a hat on campus.

“The Hawk Walk is an event especially important to our employees and their families,” said John B. Lund, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “This year, we’re encouraging cancer survivors from throughout the community to partake in a Survivor’s Walk’ and join us in this great cause. We’re honored to give $5 to every student walking, as we all know someone who is affected by this disease.”

Beginning May 11, West Haven will send fliers inviting the students’ families and friends to donate the week leading up to the Hawk Walk. A friendly competition between classes will up the ante, with a traveling ‘Golden Sneaker’ award for the two classes (grades four through six and kindergarten to third), raising the most money each day.

The Hawk Walk began in 2007 when then West Haven sixth grader, Garrett Gallegos, and his mother, Tammy, who is a Senior Vice President at America First, walked together in a Relay-for-Life. Gallegos asked if they could start a similar effort at his school to help his teacher who had two sons diagnosed with cancer. Things snowballed from there as other students wanted to lend support and raise funds for the cancer society. That first year, West Haven fifth and sixth graders held the first mini Relay-For-Life Hawk Walk. 

West Haven Elementary is located at 4385 South 3900 West, West Haven, Utah 84401. For more information on how to donate, please call 801-452-4960 or 801-452-4979.

Visit www.americafirst.com, America First Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter, @AmericaFirst on Instagram and Pinterest

America First Credit Union Holds Annual Meeting, Elects New Board Members

President and CEO John Lund states, “2014 is certainly one of the best years we’ve ever had.”

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union held its 76th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. On the agenda was a board election and voting for new credit union board officers. Members voted to retain three current board members and the board itself elected new officers.

Board incumbents Lyle Adams, Joy Jex and John Spease were retained by the voting membership. The Executive Committee selected James Wendler to serve as Board Chair, Linda Carver as Vice Chair and Kenlon Reeve as Secretary.  

Held in April of each year, the purpose of the Annual Meeting is to share the financial state of the credit union and give members the opportunity to determine the course of action by electing fellow members to serve on the Board of Directors. The dedicated and qualified individuals share their time, talents and efforts without compensation, making them part of the unique cooperative, not-for-profit structure. Incumbents were elected to the Board based on absentee ballots and votes from those in attendance joining fellow Board members as the credit union’s guiding voice.

In addition, the event was streamed live via the credit union’s Twitter account for added engagement and conversations online.  

 

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

America First Credit Union Awards WSU History Major with Tom Connors Memorial Scholarship

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union, dedicated to financial literacy in the communities it serves, honored Ryan Gross, a Weber State University (WSU) history major, with its annual Tom Connors Memorial Scholarship for the 2015 – 2016 academic school year. Gross, a junior at WSU, received a full-year tuition and fees scholarship in the amount of $5,339.00.

The History Scholarship was established in 1993.  In 2012 the scholarship was renamed the Tom Connors Memorial Scholarship in memory of Tom Connors, a volunteer for America First Credit Union for more than 30 years. Since naming the scholarship after Connors in fall of 2012, family and friends have continued to make donations in support. To qualify for the Tom Connors Memorial Scholarship, the recipient must have and maintain a 3.0 grade point average or better with a declared major in history.

“It’s a rewarding opportunity when we are able to financially assist deserving individuals, such as Ryan, with our history scholarship,” said John B. Lund, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “As a credit union, we are dedicated to efforts supporting our community and to making educational dreams a reality. Giving this scholarship each year in Tom’s honor is a true testament to our deep and abiding human values.” 

Connors retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1989, after serving his country for more than 30 years. In 1995, he graduated from Weber State University with a degree in history and minors in political science and anthropology. He also earned his teaching certificate in special education and taught at Canyon View Elementary in Ogden, Utah. Connors won the Sallie Mae First-Class Teacher Award, given to outstanding first-year teachers.

Connors began his volunteer service at America First Credit Union on the Credit Committee in 1982. In 1992, he was elected to the Board of Directors and later served as Chair. In addition, he served on the Nominations and Lending Committees, as advisor to the Supervisory Committee, the Marketing, Legislative, and Finance Committees, and as Chairman of the Political Action Committee. Connors was also a member of the World Council of Credit Unions, where he was a development educator and involved in the community development program. 

 

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

Padlock on a keyboard.

Security Update: Guarding against Hacktivism

Law enforcement personnel and public officials are being warned of an increased risk in cyberattacks. But these kinds of electronic crimes can happen to anyone, at any time.

Hacking collectives effectively leverage open-source, publicly available information identifying people, then use that data to inflict harm and steal resources.

Compiling and posting an individual’s personal information without permission is known as doxing. This is gathered from social media and other Web sites includes home addresses, phone numbers, emails, and passwords.

While eliminating your exposure in the digital age is difficult, you can take steps to minimize your risk:

  • Carefully consider all your posts on social media sites and watch for unnecessary and revealing comments.
  • Routinely update your hardware and software, including antivirus applications.
  • Pay close attention to all emails, especially those containing attachments or links to other Web sites — they could have viruses.
  • Enable security measures to include two-factor authentication on your personal email.
  • Closely monitor your accounts for fraudulent activity with free Online & Mobile Banking.
  • Passwords should be changed regularly and be phrases of 15 characters or more.
  • Be aware of phising phone calls and emails from those pretending to know you.

To learn more, please visit us here.

Make the Most of your Home Equity

equity every day, 24/7.

A low-rate America First Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit can turn it into some serious green.

Which means money you can use to finance improvements, make upgrades, go on your dream vacation, consolidate debt — pretty much whatever you need.

With values going up and loan rates staying low, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of these resources.

Apply online here or visit a branch near you for additional information.

Equal Housing & Opportunity Lender.

Make Weekend Memories

Spring is a great time of year to get out on the open road, venture into the backcountry — anywhere your active lifestyle takes you.

America First Credit Union has RV Loans to help you get there — and make it affordable.

There’s no better opportunity to finance the grown-up toys you’ve always wanted: boats, motorcycles, watercrafts, motorhomes & more.

We’re offering rates as low* as 3.50% variable APR. Plus, you’ll benefit from:

  • Flexible terms
  • Low payments
  • The best in member service
  • And more enjoyable weekends

Apply for your low-rate loan here, at an America First location, or visit your favorite dealership.

*Annual percentage rate, on approved credit, subject to change & conditions.