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Security Update: Online Employment Scams are on the Rise

More and more, people are seeking employment online but some may be inadvertently placing themselves at risk of identity theft.

The FBI has investigated scams where criminals are searching job boards for personal information, particularly posted resumés with Social Security numbers and other details.

Here are some tips to help protect yourself:

•Don’t include your identifying data or physical address — simply list an email at which you can be reached.

•Never agree to wire a portion of a check or deposit back to a company representative who tells you this is required to be hired. Most times, the initial check or deposit is fraudulent and will be returned against your account, which means you’ll be liable for the entire amount.

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John lund

Free Services Add Value to and help Simplify your Busy Life

By John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive OfficerJohn Lund, President, America First Credit Union

Have you left your credit or debit card at a restaurant by accident and been panicked as you call or rush back, hoping it’s still there and has not been fraudulently used? Or you’ve waded through the inconvenience of having your card reissued because your information has been compromised at a local or national merchant?

Most of us can relate these situations and the experience can be very frustrating. To help put your mind at ease about using your America First Visa® Debit and Credit Cards, we are proud to offer unique — and free — tools.

Card Guard™ is a Mobile Banking innovation that puts you in complete control of how, when, and where your cards are used. Download the application on your smartphone and you’ll be able to turn your cards on or off in real time. Additionally, you can allow card use only in certain geographic locations, at merchants and service providers you determine, and you can set threshold dollar amounts for transactions.

Beyond controlling how your cards are used, you can also receive immediate alerts regarding transactions and attempted transactions. Card Guard’s monitoring feature allows you to verify that all of your account activity is legitimate.

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America First Credit Union Encourages Photo Submissions for Back-to-School Facebook Contest

-One lucky winner will be awarded a $500 VISA gift card-

Riverdale, Utah – In the spirit of the Back-to-School season and to lessen the financial burden of costs associated with school clothing and supplies, America First Credit Union has launched a photo contest on its Facebook page, encouraging submissions from parents of children partaking in the first day of school. One lucky winner will be awarded a $500 VISA gift card to help lessen what can be an expensive time for families.

Members and social media followers are invited to participate by submitting a photo on the America First Facebook page through Wednesday, Aug. 26. For more information, read the contest rules and regulations.

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

America First Credit Union Opens 112th Branch Location, Continuing 2015 Growth

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union will welcome residents of Herriman with the opening of its newest location at 5438 West 13400 South Herriman in Herriman, Utah on Monday, Aug. 17. The third branch opening of 2015, the Herriman opening signifies a strong first half of the year for America First, marking 112 branch locations throughout Utah and Southern Nevada. 

Kamille Lopez will serve as branch manager of the Herriman location. Lopez is a Utah native, having graduated from Jordan High School. Her career began with America First Credit Union in December 2006 when she served as a teller and Lopez has progressed through the credit union in such roles as lead teller, assistant manager and branch manager.

A grand opening ribbon cutting will take place on Friday, Aug. 28 with celebratory events held Aug. 28 – September 5. The branch is located at 5438 West 13400 South Herriman, UT 84096. Branch hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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

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Security Update: Keeping Kids Safe Online

Summer is in full swing and, although there are lots of outdoor activities going on, it’s also a season when children remain tethered to electronic devices. To follow are a couple of tips for keeping your kids cyber-secure.

• Many youngsters carry smartphones these days, which keep them connected to each other and able to reach their parents in emergencies. It’s wise to be knowledgeable about the apps your kids are using on these phones and make sure they are downloaded from reputable stores, with the proper privacy disclosures and settings.

• Apps sharing locations with friends and family can be useful, but take care with these programs and understand the risks generated by putting any personal information online. That’s especially good advice for young people.
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Handling your 401k when Changing Jobs

When you make a career switch, you also need to decide what you’re going to do with your 401k.

Should you leave the funds where they are or take your plan with you? Should you roll the money into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or transfer it to your new employer? Here are some choices:

• Take the money and run — You can withdraw your 401k in a lump sum and use the funds to meet expenses or invest elsewhere. Because these distributions involve complex tax issues, it’s always wise to consult a professional for more information.

• Another option is to simply leave resources in your old employer’s 401k and let them grow tax-deferred. However, you may not always have this opportunity, because some companies require you to take your money or withdraw it once you reach normal retirement age.
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John lund

Guest Commentary: The Secret to Financial Performance

By Rex Rollo, Executive Vice President/Chief Financial OfficerRex Rollo

A typical company’s mid-year financial performance report would include numerous fiscal measurements, such as net income, asset growth, cash flows, and net worth. In addition, comparisons between actual performance, budgeted goals, and projections would likely be drawn.

Rest assured, America First Credit Union has either met or exceeded our targets in all of these indicators during the first half of 2015. Assets will exceed $7 billion before the year ends, our income is on budget, and our net worth ratio is at its highest level in seven years. These favorable numbers demonstrate yet another 12 months of strong financial performance and have resulted in America First being ranked among the strongest of its peers.

Key to these excellent results and the real secret to our success is the relationship we build with each of our members. Because of our dedication to this core ideal, not only has the credit union seen consistent membership growth year after year, there has also been an expansion in the number of products and services being utilized.

This compounded membership growth only occurs when the credit union is able to offer a complete range of quality products and services. It is then enhanced by delivering them through a wide selection of convenient, world-class channels. Our goal is not only to provide our members with the finest financial services, but to make them available whenever, wherever, and however members choose to transact their business.

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America First Credit Union Offers Hot Rates,Cool Prizes – “Summer Better Than Others” Loan Campaign

Click-to-Tweet: @afcu offers hot rates and cool prizes during summer loan campaign. Members can enter to win prizes through Aug. 28! americafirst.com/summer

Riverdale, Utah – Diving head first into summer, America First Credit Union is offering low rates on auto, RV and home equity loans and will host a “Summer Better Than Others” campaign of giveaways, running through August 28. Members can take advantage of loan opportunities, while also being entered to win a selection of prizes awarded each day of the promotion, to include concert tickets, electronics, Disneyland vacations, and more.

Members can take advantage of low rates to make their summer purchases, including RVs, automotive and home equity loans. Individuals are automatically entered to have their loan payments made for a month, as well as to win a host of summer giveaways when they are approved for a loan, use an America First credit card or open a new credit card account, become a member or follow America First on its social media platforms.

Prizes will be drawn daily and include GoPro cameras, BBQ grills, Apple watches, iPad minis, beach cruiser bicycles, televisions, Intex above ground pools, Xbox One consoles and more with the grand prize of a $10,000 loan payment.

Members can enter to win a selection of prizes via the America First Facebook page, as well as at americafirst.com/summer. 

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

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Security Update: Let Us Know if You’re Planning a Trip

It’s that time of year: family vacations, day excursions, maybe even the trip of a lifetime when you’re flying to Europe.

There’s no better way to pay for these opportunities than with your America First Visa® Credit and Debit Cards.

But before you leave, it’s important that you inform us you’re going to be traveling so we can take steps to guard your resources.

Simply call 1-800-999-3961. That way, we can monitor and/or block transactions if they have a high probability of being fraudulent, and we can contact you if we see something that looks suspicious.

And please remember to visit us here for further information about your account security at America First.