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Privacy & Security
Phishing
To better protect the privacy of your personal and financial information, Ascentra Credit Union would like to keep you informed of potential online scams. Increased awareness about fraud can help you make better choices online.
Many financial institutions have reported that their customers have received e-mails claiming to be from their bank or credit union. The e-mail often states that their account has been disabled due to security reasons, and asks that they provide required personal information to keep their credit card, debit card or online banking account active. These e-mails typically contain a link to a fraudulent Web site that looks exactly like their financial institution's legitimate Web site. When the recipient clicks on the link in the e-mail, he or she is directed to a fraudulent Web site asking for sensitive account information such as name, account number, credit or debit card numbers and other personal information to keep the account active. This type of fraudulent activity is known as "phishing."
Another example of a phishing scam is an e-mail requesting personal information in order to enhance account security when accessing accounts online. Though these e-mails may appear legitimate, remember that Ascentra Credit Union will never send you an email regarding a compromised account nor will we ask you to verify any information regarding accounts via email. We will always contact you directly via mail or phone if this type of information is needed. If you doubt the authenticity of any e-mail you receive, do not reply and do not click on any links in the message.
As part of our ongoing efforts to maintain online banking security, we have incorporated Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) into Online Account Access, our Internet banking service. MFA is a collection of security processes for Online Account Access that helps protect your account from fraudulent transactions. Additional authentication factors, combined with your account number and password, provide additional layers of security. Most of these security enhancements are happening automatically and do not require any action on your part.
Ascentra Credit Union continues to work diligently to keep your account and personal information safe.
As a reminder, Ascentra Credit Union will never send you an email regarding a compromised account nor will we ask you to verify any information regarding accounts via email. We will always contact you directly via mail or phone if this type of information is needed. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us at 1-800-426-5241.
You can take an active role in keeping your confidential information safe by following these steps:
Step 1
We strongly recommend that you keep your computer software updated with security patches provided by the software manufacturer.
Step 2
Review the following tips on how to protect your personal information:
- Be suspicious of any e-mail asking for personal information or containing a link to a Web site requesting that you enter your personal information such as your name, account number, password, PIN or Social Security Number. Companies should not ask you for this information via an e-mail. Ascentra Credit Union will never send you an e-mail containing a link to a Web site where you are required to "Sign On" to Online Account Access.
- Never reply to a suspicious or unexpected e-mail informing you that your account will be closed, shut down or made inaccessible unless you confirm your account information. Do not click any links in the e-mail.
- If you are uncertain about the request, contact the company that sent the e-mail through an address or telephone number you know to be genuine.
- Never provide financial information to anyone via e-mail.
- Forward suspicious e-mails to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov, and file phishing complaints with the State Attorney General's office or through the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.
Step 3
If you suspect that you unknowingly supplied personal or financial information on your Ascentra account(s) by responding to an e-mail or on a fraudulent Web site, contact the Credit Union at (563) 355-0152 or 1-800-426-5241, Ext 0 immediately!
