shopping online

Tower Defense: How to Stay Safe While Shopping Online

These days, going to a store to buy something might feel like a hassle — most prefer internet purchases. In fact, a recent study shows that 80% of Americans are shopping online, a number that keeps going up. Unfortunately, it means cybercriminals are becoming more advanced, too, making it equally important to stay safe while shopping online. Here are some tips to help prepare you for the virtual battle against identity theft and credit card fraud.

Gathering Intel

Sometimes the best deals aren’t on popular sites such as Amazon or eBay. But if you’re visiting one for the first time, do your research. Look up reviews and check out the company’s reputation before entering any information. And trust your feelings: if it’s a strange URL, has a dated look, is loaded with excessive pop-ups or anything else that seems shady, it’s probably worth going somewhere more credible.

Also, look for https:// at the start of the web address. This lets you know they encrypt sensitive data and keep your information private. Browsers additionally display green boxes & text or lock icons in the address bar when the connection is secure. Using official company apps on mobile devices also ensures better security.

Fortifying your Defenses

You are your own first line of defense against hackers. For example, avoid buying over public Wi-Fi connections and remember to keep your browsers updated to prevent breaches.

Don’t offer more information than necessary when creating accounts or checking out — only enter the required fields. If a company wants more than that, walk away. No reputable store will ask for your Social Security number or PIN. If you do create accounts, use secure passwords and change them periodically.

Credit card purchases are common & safe options, with automatic protections built in. You can also put an extra layer of security between you and vendors with systems like PayPal. Plus, America First provides Visa® cards that come with free identity theft recovery services in case you’re ever a victim.

Defending your Stronghold

Once you buy, keep an eye on your account for the transaction to clear. Using free online banking regularly is a good way to avoid any unwanted charges. Also, file your email receipts in a dedicated folder. That way, you won’t be fooled by spammy emails about fake purchases.

If you get a message about something you didn’t buy, don’t click on any links. You can also spot scams by looking at the sender’s address. If it says Google, but the email is coming from ggl24601@hs-42.ithosting.biz, you can safely assume it’s fraudulent. To confirm if it’s legit, go to the company’s site and contact their support team.

Finally, if you suspect any breach or compromise, contact your financial institution immediately. With all the threats out there, it’s hard to feel completely safe while shopping online. But if you do your research, take proper precautions and stay on guard, you can avoid many of these virtual pitfalls.

America First Credit Union Pays Tribute to 40-Year Member of Board of Directors

Ed ClineFor Immediate Release:

America First Credit Union Pays Tribute to 40-Year Member of Board of Directors

Riverdale, Utah – (May 5, 2017) – America First Credit Union pays tribute to Edwin Cline, who served as a volunteer for the credit union for 41 years from 1976 – 2017.

Cline joined America First in the 1950s, where his experience as a member of prompted him to serve as a volunteer.

Edwin Cline began his service at America First as a field loan officer in 1976 and later became a field representative in 1978. Cline was appointed to the Salt Lake Credit Committee in 1986, where he held the vice chairman and chairman positions. In 1988, Cline completed the CUNA Volunteer Achievement Program and in 1998, was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors. He has served as an advisor of the supervisory committee and has served on the lending, data processing and ad hoc committees during his time on the board.

“We are profoundly grateful for Ed and his countless contributions to America First,†said John Lund, president and CEO of America First. “His service to our members, Board of Directors and the many others who have benefitted from his incredible work have made us the organization we are today.â€

Cline attended the University of Utah for two years, where his study emphasis was business. After 40 years, he retired from the United States Air Guard as the chief master Sargent. He was also the information processing manager and a senior enlisted advisor for the Utah Air Guard. Cline has been a member of the credit union since 1956.

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

About America First Credit Union:
As the largest credit union in the state of Utah, boasting a long-standing history and nearly 78 years servicing members. America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 122 locations, and is the 11th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $8.4 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 831,000 members.

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Contact:

America First Credit Union
Nicole Cypers
ncypers@americafirst.com

Quillin Advertising, Public Relations & Social Media
Melanie Devries
D: 702-506-0828
mdevries@quillinlv.com

 

John Lund

America First Members Gather to Elect Volunteer Leadership

John LundBy John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer

Each spring, America First members gather to elect a volunteer Board of Directors to lead our credit union, renew our bond, and honor our legacy as a not-for-profit cooperative. The Board provides us with strategic guidance, ensuring our ongoing safety, soundness, and ability to deliver relevant financial value.

The process takes place at the annual meeting, which this year was held on April 18, 2017 in Ogden, Utah. Joining us were local officials, as well as credit union & industry representatives.

Kenlon W. Reeve, acting Chair of the Board Election Nominations Committee, oversaw the balloting, during which the membership chose James G. Wendler, Linda K. Carver, and Gil A. Miller to serve three-year terms. The Board subsequently maintained internal leadership roles, with Mr. Wendler as Chairman, Mrs. Carver as Vice Chair, and Mr. Reeve having the Secretary position.

Mr. Miller, a certified public & forensic accountant from Salt Lake City, is new to our Board and we welcome him. He has extensive expertise and experience. I look forward to working with him and his fellow volunteers as we embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

I would also like to personally extend my deepest gratitude to long-serving Board member Edwin G. Cline for his remarkable 42 years of dedicated service to America First. Ed is a gentleman in every sense of the word, and has made a significant contribution to the success of our credit union. His dear sweetheart Linda is also an outstanding individual and a friend to America First, as well as all who know her. Ed and Linda will be missed, but not forgotten.

Those on the Board give tremendously of their time and talents, without compensation, to benefit the credit union. They are truly dedicated to improving the financial health of every member and we are fortunate they are part of our team.

Our Loan Review and Supervisory Committees are also comprised of volunteers delivering much-needed services to the membership. The Loan Review Committee functions as an independent appeals avenue for members initially denied financing. The Supervisory Committee works with internal and external auditors to ensure fiscal and regulatory safety & soundness.

During his Chairman’s message, Mr. Wendler noted how many companies, including financial institutions, limit themselves by not seeking better ways to better meet the needs of those they serve. “We at America First are fueled by imagination, the desire to grow responsibly, and the knowledge that the ability to move beyond existing realms is not only preferable but necessary in a changing world,†he said.

Indeed, it’s a privilege to report that the strength, stability, innovative spirit, commitment to fiscal discipline, and lasting qualities of America First are in abundance. We are well positioned for a vibrant future and I am proud to be part this credit union. Together, we strive every day to help you, our valued members, save money, simplify your busy lives, and reach your unique financial objectives. It is our desire to develop and maintain a lifelong relationship with you and you families.

Security Update: Take Steps to Guard Against Identity Theft

  • Check yourself

Keep tabs on your credit rating at least once a month. With online banking from America First, you have immediate access to your FICO® Score at no cost. Just take advantage of our checking accounts or low-rate loans.

  • Shred to safety

Documents with sensitive & financial data need to be disposed of properly—shredding them is the best way to prevent criminal dumpster diving. We offer free events at which you can shred all your information. Here is a schedule.

  • Trust, verify

Whether you’re applying for a new Visa® credit card or you’re using a service that requires your date of birth, make sure you’re doing business with a company that’s legitimate. When you’re online, look for secure sites denoted by the https that precedes the web address.

  • Show strength

This can’t be overemphasized—strong passwords are a best defense practice. Use a mix of numbers & characters, never leave them short, and don’t include personal details such as your pet’s name, birthdays, etc. And remember to change your passwords routinely, at least once a year.

  • Share with care

Resist responding to any requests—especially those from unknown entities & organizations that come over the phone or via the Internet—for personal information that might be used for illegal purposes.

  • Stay informed

Click here to see how we’re working to safeguard your resources.

Get Serious about Saving at our Annual Spring Hertz Sales Event

Are you thinking about a new ride?

There is no better time to get yourself one than at the annual spring America First & Hertz Car Sales on-site event, May 12 & 13.

It’s been part of our history for over 20 years and it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of exclusive member discounts and low pricing.

Plus, you’ll benefit from America First financing that will deliver:

  • Rates as low as 1.99% APR*
  • A $500 Visa® gift card from Hertz with every purchase
  • No payments for 90 days
  • Fast financing
  • Flexible terms

Join us on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the America First Operations Center: 1344 West 4675 South in Riverdale.

*Annual percentage rate, on approved credit, subject to change, terms & conditions. Equal Opportunity Lender.

 

Security Update: Protecting your Resources is our First Priority

At America First Credit Union, protecting the membership’s finances & information is our highest priority. We offer the best in free security features, including:

  • High-grade network traffic encryption
  • Chip-enabled EMV Visa® cards
  • Two-factor authentication
  • Advanced fraud detection systems
  • Card Guard® mobile app
  • Identity theft recovery services with our credit cards
  • And more

Another essential tool we provide is education. Below are some are beneficial sites where you can learn about the latest frauds, scams, and what to do if you ever become a victim. Review these regularly to guard against cyberattacks that affect millions every year:

And be sure to visit us here for news & updates about how we’re working to safeguard your resources.

Financially fit Fridays

How to Apply for your First Loan

Whether you’re wading into the world of borrowing with a credit card or diving into the deep end with a mortgage, the process can be daunting for someone who hasn’t done it before. If you’re looking for a lender to meet your financial needs, here are some tips on how to apply for your first loan.

Defining the Terms

In order to feel comfortable when you apply, here are a few common terms:

  • Principal – the actual amount you borrow
  • Interest – percentage the financial institution charges for lending money
  • Term – how long until you pay it back
  • Down Payment – initial amount you put in when buying
  • Collateral – something lenders are offered in case you can’t pay your loan

Gathering Information

You’ll need to provide certain information. First, determine the specific amount you want to borrow, remembering not to take on more debt than necessary. Second, most lenders require proof of income and employment history. Consider how much you make and spend every month, then estimate your monthly payments. When you know this, you’ll get a better idea of how much you can spare. America First offers easy-to-use mortgage calculators and auto loan calculators to help you figure out what your monthly payments could be.

Then, look up your credit score, which is essentially your financial grade. It tells lenders how well you pay debts. A score above 700, for example, is considered good. The higher your number, the more you can borrow — at a lower interest rate, too. America First gives you quick and free access to your FICO® score through online banking.

If you have no credit, you can build it up by using and regularly paying off a credit card. If your score is low, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get a loan, but you may face a higher interest rate. Those with better credit can co-sign for you, but remember their scores could be negatively affected if you don’t make the payments.

Actually Applying

Many people apply for loans at credit unions or banks. However, you can also finance vehicles at the dealership, home loans at mortgage companies, or student loans at universities. Shop around for the best rates, terms and an institution you trust.

There are ways to lower your rate. Besides having good credit, bigger down payments usually bring the interest rate down. You can also extend the term to lower your rate, but that means it’ll take longer to pay back. Most auto loan terms range between five to eight years. Mortgages are 10 to 30 years.

You’ll also need to decide if you want variable or fixed rates. Fixed stay the same for the entire term, whereas variable rates can change throughout. Some people like the consistency of a fixed, while others prefer the flexibility of variable.

If you’re still anxious about getting your first loan, bring an experienced friend or family member with you for advice and guidance. America First also has free financial counseling services and helpful loan officers to help prepare you for your journey into borrowing.