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Security Center
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Contact us at 888.800.3328 if your First Entertainment debit or Visa® credit card has been compromised, lost, stolen, or blocked.
(Out of the U.S., call 323.851.3673)
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Sometimes life is just like the movies: and committing check fraud by digging through your garbage searching for canceled or old checks, practicing forgery or using desktop publishing to create or duplicate financial documents does occur. However, the good news is that it is pretty easy to protect yourself from some of the common ways that criminals get access to your information and make you prey to check fraud. Here are a few easy tips:
- Store all of your checking account paperwork: checks, deposit slips, bank statements, and cancelled checks in a locked area: a filing cabinet, lock box, etc.
- Safeguard your credit card receipts and credit card convenience checks; the receipt may prove important in the event that when your statement arrives and the amount you were charged is different than the amount on your receipt.
- Always reconcile your bank statement within 30 days of receipt, making sure that the amount on the bank statement is the amount you can prove that you paid on your receipts.
- Safeguard your checking account information, ATM card, and PIN as much as you do any other personal identification information. Don't share that information even with a family member by asking them to take your ATM card to pick up some cash for you.
- If your home is burglarized, be sure to look through your check supplies closely. Often times criminals take one or two checks from the middle or back of the book, so it will take you longer to realize that some of your checks have been taken.
- Avoid using your checks or deposit slips as scratch paper.
- Don't write your check out to cash; if your wallet or purse is stolen, anyone can take that check to a bank to get your cash.
- Don't leave blank spaces on the payee and amount lines.
- Don't write your credit card number on the check.
- Don't ever endorse a check until you are at the counter ready to get cash or make the deposit – the information can be altered if it is lost or stolen.
- Shred all bank-related documents before throwing away; even if the account is closed.
It can take up to 120 days for fraud to be investigated on a Debit card. We may give provisional credit within 5 business days.
Reminder: Sending funds via Zelle is like using cash – once funds are sent, it can be very difficult or impossible to recover them. Zelle does not offer the same protections as using a credit or debit card. First Entertainment highly recommends that members use Zelle to send money only to people they know and trust. Once you send funds using Zelle, we cannot guarantee those funds can be returned.
- You may attempt to dispute a transaction sent via Zelle, but First Entertainment cannot guarantee the return of those funds.
- A Zelle transaction can be disputed up to 120 days from the transaction date
- A Zelle dispute will be researched and resolved within 7 business days
- To dispute a transaction, please fill out the Zelle Dispute Form on firstent.org. A physical copy is also available to fill out in the branch.
- The form includes relevant information around the dispute such as your name, phone #, member number, email, date they discovered the error, and an opportunity to provide a brief description of the disputed transaction. (see attachment)
- Once the DocuSign is completed, it’ll be sent to our Zelle Dispute Team for further review.
- Please allow up to 7 business days for the dispute attempt to be completed and funds returned, if recoverable. A representative from First Entertainment will follow up on the status of your claim.
Personal Information
- Contact our Member Experience Center at 888.800.3328.
- Inform the representative that you would like to delete your Digital Banking profile, and we'll take care of the rest.
We have multiple safeguards in place that meet or exceed required regulations to protect your money and personal information. Our network is continually monitored to ensure it is performing at the optimum level of protection. Here are some additional methods we use:
• 256-bit encryption of data.
• Unique username to provide authentication.
• Multi-factor authentication to verify you’re using our official website.
• Session timeouts when there is no activity for several minutes.
• Date/time stamp visibility so you can confirm your history of sign-ins.
• Numerous secure firewalls protect our digital banking and deter unauthorized network access.
• Secure Message Center lets you answer security questions privately via digital banking.
You may contact us at 888-800-3328 or visit one of our First Entertainment Branch locations. Click here to Book an Appointment to skip the line.
- Over the phone: Members can call in and request to have their name changed on their account. Documentation may be required.
- Message Center: Members can send a message through their online banking to request to have their name changed on their account. Documentation may be required.
- In Branch: Click here to Book an Appointment to skip the line.
- Marriage certificate or
- a divorce decree, or
- a court order filed for a name-change proceeding
- Current government issued ID with updated name (please refer to our acceptable member identification procedures)
- SSN card with updated name
This can be done in person at any of our branches. Click here to Book an Appointment to skip the line. You may also call us at 888-800-3328 to request the form.
Protecting Your Privacy
How many credit cards do you carry? How many accounts do you have? A great many thousands of U.S. consumers have far more active credit card accounts (including retail, gas, loyalty cards, etc.) than they need to. And the more accounts you have, the greater the risk that one or more of those accounts can be compromised.
If you carry a First Entertainment Visa® Debit Card or Visa Platinum Card and you feel it has been compromised, take these steps:
- Contact First Entertainment Credit Union at 888.800.3328 .
- Contact each of the three major credit bureaus and ask for their fraud department then request that a fraud alert be placed on your credit file.
- Equifax: 800.525.6285
- Experian: 888.397.3742
- TransUnion: 800.680.7289
- Keep a record of your credit card account numbers, their expiration dates and the phone number to report fraud for each card in a secure place. You can keep them in a spreadsheet and password-protect the spreadsheet. Or keep the list in a safe deposit box.
- Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.
- Shred anything with your credit card number on it.
- Always cut up your old cards.
- Don't leave your cards, receipts, or statements around your home or office. As mentioned above, most of us have lots of cards that we don't use regularly. Make sure that you know the location of ALL of your cards.
- Carry your cards separately from your wallet. It can minimize your losses if someone steals your wallet or purse. And carry only the card you need for that outing.
- Don't give your account number to anyone on the phone unless you've made the call to a company you know to be reputable. If you've never done business with them before, do an online search first for reviews or complaints.
- Don't sign blank credit card receipts. Draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.
- Save your receipts to compare with your statement.
- Open your bills promptly – or check them online often – and reconcile them with the purchases you've made. Report any questionable charges to the card issuer. It takes just a few minutes to look over your credit card charges each month.
- Password-protect your phone if you conduct credit card transactions through an App or Mobile Browser. Make sure your phone (and iPad and office computer) is password- or fingerprint-protected.
- With the advent of RFID technology, many cards now have the ability to transmit data without the need to swipe the magnetic strip on the back of the card. You can deter thieves from exploiting this technology with the use of RFID blocking products.
We've enjoyed more than a few espionage thrillers where villains and heroes alike have to crack the code to access key information. Unfortunately, reality isn't all that intriguing when cyber threats occur. And what's easier to target than a home network? Suddenly "Mission Impossible" is more like "Mission Possible".
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take using off-the-shelf products to help you minimize the vulnerability of your home computing system:
- Change the factory-default services set identifier (SSID) from the wireless manufacturers default value. Intruders can access your network by using the known and commonly used default settings, which are published on the Internet.
- Do not share or communicate your SSID setting.
- Enable encryption: Wireless Protected Access – Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK) is the suggested encryption method for the home network.
- Ensure that your router's firewall is turned on. For extra protection, consider running personal firewall software on each computer connected to the router.
- Use a software firewall on all devices connected to your network – computers and tablets. Prevent cyber attacks by enabling the personal firewall that came with your operating system; or, buy and install a separate personal firewall.
- Do not automatically connect to open Wi-Fi networks; enable only in temporary situations.
- Limit access to shared files and folders on your computers and tablets; set passwords on file shares and provide access only to authenticated users.
- More seasoned computer users may want to consider using a bootable operating system when conducting online transactions. You could configure a bootable system on a USB Flash Drive with only the services and applications needed to perform financial transactions with First Entertainment Credit Union. When you need to access the online banking system to initiate electronic fund transfers, you would boot the "read-only" system on a USB Flash Drive attached to your computer. Any malware or spyware that may exist on your hard drive would not impact you in this scenario.
- Do not leave your computer network on and open during extended periods. When traveling or during extended downtimes, consider turning off your home network to prevent outside hackers from breaking in.
- Keep your computer operating system up-to-date by allowing all updates on your security system to run.
- Install the latest software patches for your web browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
- Install updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer.
- Allow for automatic scanning and updates of all anti-virus and anti-spyware.
- Run anti-virus software on your computer after using a public Internet site or unsecured wireless connection.
Although the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has stepped up efforts to spot fraudulent tax returns filed by thieves, tax identity theft is still prevalent and the burden falls on you to protect yourself.
Be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and know the warning signs to avoid becoming a victim:
- Monitor the Mail.Have you received your W-2, 1099, and other tax forms? Follow up with the financial institution if you haven't received the forms and ask when they were mailed. If you suspect fraud, call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800.908.4490, ext. 245.
- Ignore IRS Emails and Texts. The IRS does not use e-mails or texts to contact you, so don't respond. If you click on an attachment that claims to be from the IRS, it may contain a virus or take you to a fraudulent site. Forward suspicious e-mails to phishing@irs.gov.
- Watch for Pop-ups. When filing taxes online, be suspicious of out-of-place pop-ups or a slow-running computer.
- Secure Your Refund.Choose direct deposit to avoid lost or stolen checks.
- Send Your Return Safely. File online if you can. If you file by mail, never put your return in an unsecured mailbox, office mailbox, or outgoing mail bin at work. The envelope says "tax return" and can easily be snatched. Take the return directly to the post office and use certified mail.
- Choose Preparers Carefully. Scammers may pose as tax-preparation companies offering to review your return for errors, but instead they steal your information and your refund. Verify the status of the preparer's license with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the IRS. Don't sign your return if the preparer didn't sign it, or if the return is incomplete.
In today's digital age, safeguarding your computer systems and personal information is crucial. Here is a list of the most common online fraud schemes and how to protect yourself from falling victim:
Keylogging: This method involves tracing the keys struck on a keyboard without the user's awareness. Keyloggers can be installed through deceptive links or attachments found in fraudulent emails. To protect yourself from this, be wary of dubious emails and use reliable anti-malware software.
Vishing: Criminals use voice over IP (VOIP) to gain access to trick individuals into revealing personal or financial details. Typically, these calls might falsely alert you about suspicious activities on your bank or credit accounts. Voice vishing is very difficult for legal authorities to monitor or trace. If you receive a call asking for personal or financial details, do not verify any information. Hang up and call the company back who claims to have made the call through a phone number listed on a bill statement or other official source. First Entertainment will never ask you for your full card number, passwords, one-time passcodes, or money to rectify an issue. If you suspect a fraudulent call or message, do not reply and contact us directly at 888.800.3328.
Phishing and Smishing: These tactics involve sending fraudulent emails (phishing) or SMS text messages (smishing), pretending to be from reputable sources to steal sensitive information. Never share personal details through these channels without verification.
Social Engineering: This broad term encompasses techniques where criminals exploit human psychology to obtain confidential information. This can range from direct interactions to observing your screen over your should in public places. Stay vigilant about your surroundings and skeptical of unsolicited requests for information.
SPAM: While often just a nuisance, spam can sometimes be a gateway to more harmful threats, such as malware. Regularly update your email filters to keep these at bay. These behaviors are also your best defense:
- Don't display your mobile phone number on a public platform.
- Be wary about entering your mobile phone number, email address or other personal information on unknown websites (even if it looks legitimate).
- Do not respond to unwanted or questionable texts or emails.
- Check with your mobile service provider about blocking future messages from specific senders.
- Use two email addresses: one for your personal messages and the other for newsgroups, chats, etc.
As the saying goes: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And what may seem like cumbersome details and paranoid practices can become those 'little things' you regret when you have been scammed or your personal identity has been compromised. Here is a list of 'little things' you can do to keep yourself safe:
Create and Maintain Strong Passwords and PINs
- Don't ever share your password or write it down.
- Make your passwords more secure by using the following combinations:
- Use a combination of letters and numbers. Typically, use a password that is at least 8 and not more than 20 characters, and use upper and lower-case letters.
- Do not use any obvious information as a password: zip code, year of birth, phone numbers, address, relative's name, pet's name or nicknames. And never use personal information, such as your Social Security number as a password.
- Do not click on the "Remember Me" option and avoid using password managers.
- Use individual passwords for each site.
- Change your passwords every 30 to 60 days.
- Choose to protect your other electronic devices such as tablets and phones from unauthorized access with passwords as well.
- Avoid using public computers when conducting any online banking transactions.
- Do not have multiple browsers open while banking online.
- Never leave your online banking account open while your computer is unattended.
- Always sign out (log off) after your online banking session and close out of your browser.
- Do not share any of your banking information to any other party or website.
- Consider using a dedicated computer for daily online banking activity.
- Disable file sharing software to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your computer.
- Be cautious about accessing sites if you are online through an unsecured or unprotected network.
- Never use your debit card for an online purchase through a free Wi-Fi network. It is too easy for hackers and scammers to log on and steal your data.
- When banking and shopping, check to make sure the site is security enabled: look for the web addresses with "https:// or shttp://", which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information: "http://" is not secure.
- Clear the browser cache and history before and after you make online banking transactions.
- Never share any personal information such as: name, Social Security number, driver's license or identification card number, bank, credit cards, or debit cards account numbers; mother's maiden name, security codes, access codes, passwords, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), or any other information that allows identification and access to your account(s).
- Examine your financial statements and/or account activity on all of your accounts: First Entertainment's, credit cards, and investment statements on a monthly basis.
- Dispose of any sensitive documents by first shredding them.
- Ditch your debit card when shopping online. When your card is lost or stolen, credit card users are protected by the Truth in Lending Act that protects you from liability for any debts if you report your card has been lost or stolen before unauthorized transactions are made. And if you notify your financial institution within two days of realizing that your card has been lost or stolen, according to the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, you could be liable for only $50.
- Here are other places not to use your debit card:
- Rental or security deposits: Because the business will take the money out of your checking account, the money is just "frozen" but not actually charged and you won't ever notice that it's gone.
- Restaurants and bars: When the waiter takes your card from you and walks away, you have lost total control of your card's safety. It's better to use cash when dining out.
- Businesses love to transition one payment on your debit card to a regular electronic fund transfer. It's better to use a credit card so that if there is a dispute, the business won't take the cash right out of your checking account, and you can bring the support of the credit card company to bear in disputing inaccurate charges.
Practicing safe computing is all about thinking ahead and taking precautions. Some of the more common safe computing and email practices include:
Practice Safe Computing
DO's:
- DO sign out (log off) after your online banking session and close out of your browser.
- DO avoid using public computers when conducting any online banking transactions.
- DO consider using a dedicated computer for daily online banking activity.
- DO disable file sharing software to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your computer.
- DO be cautious about accessing sites if you are online through an unsecured or unprotected network.
- DO make sure a banking and shopping site is security enabled when you use it: look for the web addresses with "https:// or shttp://", which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information: "http://" is not secure.
- DO clear the browser cache and history before and after you make online banking transactions.
- DO avoid having multiple browsers open while banking online.
- DON'T ever leave your online banking account open while your computer is unattended.
- DON'T share any of your banking information to any other party or website.
- DO open a new browser window and enter the URL of the trusted site to secure your transactions.
- DO delete emails with account-sensitive information, even if they contain only partial account identification information.
- DO be aware of questionable emails: What looks suspiciously like legitimate bank/credit union emails with legitimate logos and structured to look like the communications you typically receive from First Entertainment, can be fake emails that direct you to questionable Internet addresses. Read carefully, and watch for incorrect spellings and poor grammar; and NEVER enter your password or personal information.
- DO save your attachments in the portable document format (.pdf) to be read by nearly anyone, and to safeguard your documents.
- DO reduce your chances of picking up a computer virus by reducing the amount of SPAM:
- Cut your vulnerability to SPAM by being cautious about where you post your email address; avoid posting them on every web site or organization that asks for it.
- Never forward chain messages revealing coworkers' or colleagues' email addresses.
- Avoid opening unsolicited email.
- DO protect your coworkers' and family's email addresses by using the BCC feature; and delete their addresses before you forward an email.
- DO reduce the chance for virus outbreaks by managing your attachments:
- Don't attach large files to emails.
- Limit the number of file attachments to five or less
- Save attachments to your hard drive and then delete the email message containing the attachment.
- Don't open unexpected attachments or those sent by unknown parties.
- Always scan files with an anti-virus program before opening an attachment.
- DON'T follow a link to a site through an email and then proceed to enter personal information, such as account numbers or passwords.
- DON'T open links or attachments contained in emails from unfamiliar sources.
Financial, identity, and health care identity fraud are some of the fastest growing forms of fraud. Here's an area where you can really take charge of your own safety:
Passwords and PINs
Since everyone knows you should never share either your passwords or PINs with anyone, here are a few things you might not know to strengthen your defense:
- Change your passwords frequently.
- Create individual passwords for every device and every account.
- Avoid common passwords, like "password", "1234", etc.
- If you have to write down your passwords, keep them in a safe place and not readily available to your family or co-workers.
- Review and protect your credit scores: review and check your scores with each of the three credit agencies on a regular basis - Experian, Equifax, TransUnion.
- Monitor all of your brokerage, bank, credit card statements, health insurance benefit statements, and medical bills monthly. If there is anything you don't recognize, immediately contact the appropriate institution.
- Safeguard your documents in a lock box or locking filing cabinet in your home: store all extra checks, deposit slips, Social Security Card, canceled checks, and any credit cards you don't need to carry with you on a daily basis.
- Safely destroy financial sensitive information by shredding old account documents – brokerage, credit cards, checking and savings account statements; old social security statements, all credit card mail offers; and all tax documents older than seven (7) years.
- Promptly track all incoming and outgoing mail. Do not let your outgoing mail sit in your residential mailbox.
- Track the time of month you should receive your monthly bills; if they stop arriving, be proactive in contacting the company, review your monthly statements and make sure you can account for all of the bills on your statement. Immediately alert the company of any unidentifiable purchases.
- Report any lost or stolen credit cards and ATM cards immediately. Carry the 800 numbers of your bank and credit card company with you; never store the card numbers in your portfolio, phone, laptop, or tablet. Close accounts that you do not use.
With the predominant use of mobile banking, consumer's concerns over the safety and security issues rarely wane.
At First Entertainment Credit Union, we constantly monitor the latest online security issues and take every precaution to secure all of our online services help protect you and your finances.
However, the first line of defense is you and the first step is simple: don't lose your mobile devices! Their small size is greatest vulnerability. Thousands of laptops, smart phones, tablets, and USB sticks are lost at airports every year. And if your device contains personal identification information that is not secured, you are setting yourself up to be compromised. ALWAYS engage your mobile device's keypad lock when you aren't using it. And lock your laptop in public places with a security cable. You can also provide your own line of defense by following these guidelines to secure your mobile banking transactions on a tablet, phone, at an ATM, or when using your debit card:
Practice Safe Mobile Device Usage
DO's:
- DO secure your mobile devices with a strong pass code to power on or to wake it from the sleep mode.
- DO keep track of your mobile devices when you are traveling; never leave them unattended anywhere, in your car, or stored on the floor, such as in a coffee shop.
- DON'T store any usernames, passwords, or PINs on your mobile device.
- DON'T modify your mobile device in any way that disables important security features.
- DON'T enable Android's "install from unknown sources" feature on mobile devices using the Android operating system.
- DON'T conduct any online financial transaction on an App that you are not completely certain is legitimate.
- DON'T open links in emails that ask you to supply personal or financial information. First Entertainment WILL NEVER ask you to supply this kind of information with an email link.
- DON'T bank online in a public setting. However, if you have no other choice, use a privacy screen protector, such as those made by 3M, and make sure to erase any personal information once finished.
- DON'T share your password with anyone.
- DO use common sense when you connect: Be cautious about the sites you visit and the information you provide if you're online through an unsecured or unprotected website.
- DO check to be sure the site is security-enabled when banking and shopping on a mobile browser. Look for web addresses with "https:// or shttp://", which means the site takes extra precautions to secure your information. "http://" is not secure for online transactions!
- DO clear the browser's cache and history before and after using a mobile browser for an online banking session.
- DO remain aware of your surroundings when banking on a mobile device. Avoid typing in any sensitive information if others are around and can see your screen.
- DON'T provide any of your banking information to any other party or website if you have reason to believe that it has an insecure connection – this includes using a connection through a public Wi-Fi service or a "hot spot," sometimes provided through another person's smartphone or personal computer.
- DON'T conduct your mobile banking transactions on someone else's Smartphone!
- DO update the antivirus software and spyware installed on your mobile device; and, allow for automatic scanning and updates of all anti-virus and security software.
- DO install software patches, mobile operating system updates, legitimate third-party application updates and hot fixes.
- DO install the latest updates and/or patches for your mobile web browser.
- DO run anti-virus software after using any public Internet or unsecured connections.
- DO create passwords using a combination of letters and numbers, and combine upper and lower-case letters that are at least 8 and typically not more than 20 characters long.
- DO create passwords that are unique to you and difficult to guess.
- DO change your passwords every 30 to 60 days.
- If you suspect your accounts or personal identification numbers have been compromised, report the incident to First Entertainment Credit Union at 888-800-3328 immediately and change your passwords.
- DON'T write down your passwords or PINs.
- DON'T share your passwords with anyone.
- DON'T create passwords that contain obvious information, such as your zip code, year of birth, phone numbers, address, relative's name, pet's name or nicknames – NEVER use personal information like your Social Security number.
- DON'T use password managers and DON'T store passwords in your device when offered the "Remember Me" option.
- DON'T use the same password for multiple devices; create unique passwords for each device.
- Personal Identification information includes your name, Social Security number, driver's license number or identification card number, account number, credit card number, debit card number, mother's maiden name, security code, access code, password, Personal Identification Number (PIN) or any information that would permit access to your account(s).
- First Entertainment Credit Union will never ask you for personal information in an email or text message.
- Stay current at all times on the status of your accounts:
- Examine your financial statements on a regular basis.
- Information about electronic transactions is provided within your statements. To protect your account, notify us immediately if you see any errors or unauthorized transactions.
- Stay on top of your transactions in between statements by signing up for Alerts that will inform you when changes have been made to your accounts.
- If you believe your online banking PIN has been lost or stolen, if someone has used your account without your permission, or if you have provided personal information to an unknown source, immediately notify First Entertainment Credit Union at 888-800-3328.
- Shred any documents containing any personal information prior to disposing.
- Be savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots: limit the type of business you conduct on your mobile devices and adjust the security settings to limit who can access your phone.
- Don't use public Wi-Fi networks for credit union transactions.
- Turn off your Bluetooth connection when not in use to limit the vulnerability of your device to remote access.
- DO download Apps only from trusted sources like Google Play and the Apple iTunes App Store.
- DO review the privacy policy and understand what data the App can access on your device before you download.
- DO download the official First Entertainment Mobile Banking App from the Google Play and the Apple iTunes App Store links on our Mobile Banking page.
- DO always sign out of any App after you have completed your transactions.
- DON'T set the App, web, or client-text service to automatically log you in to your Credit Union account. If your phone is lost or stolen, someone will have access to your accounts.
- DON'T set your banking App to auto-populate your username and password.
- Whenever possible, avoid using a smartphone or tablet browser to make transactions at firstent.org. Instead, utilize the official First Entertainment Mobile Banking App found on Google Play and the Apple iTunes App Store.
- To use a mobile device web browser to make a transaction, open a new browser window and enter the URL of the exact, trusted site.
- DO be aware of questionable emails. Some may even contain legitimate looking bank/credit union logos and the information is structured to look like the official communications you receive from First Entertainment Credit Union. These questionable emails often contain grammatical or spelling errors. Delete without responding to their request for your personal identification information.
- DO delete account sensitive emails that contain any information regarding your account activity.
- DON'T follow a link in your email to a web site and then enter personal information, especially personal identification information.
- DON'T open attachments or click on links contained in emails from unfamiliar sources.
- DO frequently delete text messages received from First Entertainment.
- DO verify the phone numbers that appear in a text message before you place a call or reply.
- DO understand the criminal activity of SMShing that occurs via a SMS text message. SMShing occurs when a criminal sends out a text message encouraging you to reply with financial or personal information or to click on links that will sneak viruses onto your mobile device.
- DON'T respond to a text message that requests personal or financial information. Assume any unsolicited text request is fraudulent.
Whether you visit one of our branches, use our ATMs, or choose to experience the freedom and convenience of banking online, at First Entertainment Credit Union, our goal is to provide you with the best all-around banking experience.
To ensure that your finances are as safe as possible, we secure all of our online services. But what you do to help secure your finances is just as important. When you choose to have the freedom and convenience that comes with putting First Entertainment at your fingertips, there are some extra safety precautions that we suggest you put in place to protect yourself from viruses or cyber attacks:
- Information about your electronic transactions is provided within your monthly statements. To protect your accounts, we encourage you to regularly review your statements and account activity. Immediately notify First Entertainment Credit Union at 888-800-3328 of any error or unauthorized transactions.
- Keep an eye on your accounts online. Be sure to report anything that appears to be suspicious.
- If you suspect your First Entertainment accounts, user names, passwords, or Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) have been compromised, contact the Credit Union immediately at 888.800.3328 and change your passwords.
- Change the factory-default services set identifier (SSID) from the wireless manufacturers default value. Intruders can access your network by using the known and commonly used default settings, which are published on the Internet.
- Do not share or communicate your SSID setting.
- Enable encryption: Wireless Protected Access – Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK) is the suggested encryption method for the home network.
- Use a software firewall on all devices connected to your network – computers and tablets. Prevent cyber attacks by enabling the personal firewall that came with your operating system; or, buy and install a separate personal firewall.
- Limit access to shared files and folders on your computers and tablets; set passwords on file shares and provide access only to authenticated users.
- More seasoned computer users may want to consider using a bootable operating system when conducting online transactions. You could configure a bootable system on a USB Flash Drive with only the services and applications needed to perform financial transactions with First Entertainment Credit Union. When you need to access the online banking system to initiate electronic fund transfers, you would boot the "read-only" system on a USB Flash Drive attached to your computer. Any malware or spyware that may exist on your hard drive would not impact you in this scenario.
- Install real-time updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer.
- Allow for automatic scanning and updates of all anti-virus and anti-spyware.
- Run anti-virus software on your computer after using a public Internet site or unsecured wireless connection.
- Keep your computer operating system up-to-date by allowing all updates on your security system to run.
- Install the latest software patches for your web browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc.).
- Do not follow a link to a site through an email and then proceed to enter personal information, such as account numbers or passwords.
- To secure your transactions, open a new browser window and enter the URL of the trusted site.
- Do not open links or attachments contained in emails from unfamiliar sources.
- Beware of questionable emails: What look suspiciously like legitimate bank/credit union emails with legitimate logos and structured to look like the communications you typically receive from First Entertainment Credit Union, can be fake emails that direct you to questionable Internet addresses. Read carefully, and watch for incorrect spellings and poor grammar; and NEVER enter your password or personal information.
- Always delete emails with account-sensitive information, even if they contain only partial account identification information.
- Don't ever share your password or write it down.
- Make your passwords more secure by using the following combinations:
- Use a combination of letters and numbers. Typically, use a password that is at least 8 and not more than 20 characters, and use upper and lower-case letters.
- Do not use any obvious information as a password such as: zip code, year of birth, phone numbers, address, relative's name, pet's name or nicknames. And never use personal information, such as your Social Security number as a password.
- Do not click on the "Remember Me" option and avoid using password managers.
- Use individual passwords for each site.
- Change your passwords every 30 to 60 days.
- Choose to protect your other electronic devices such as tablets and phones from unauthorized access with passwords as well.
- Avoid using public computers when conducting any online banking transactions.
- Do not have multiple browsers open while banking online.
- Never leave your online banking account open while your computer is unattended.
- Always sign out (log off) after your online banking session and close out of your browser.
- Do not share any of your banking information to any other party or website.
- Consider using a dedicated computer for daily online banking activity.
- Disable file sharing software to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your computer.
- Be cautious about accessing sites if you are online through an unsecured or unprotected network.
- When banking and shopping online, check to make sure the site is security enabled: look for the web addresses with "https:// or shttp://", which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information: "http://" is not secure.
- Clear the browser cache and history before and after you make online banking transactions.
- Never share any personal information, which includes: name and numbers for your Social Security account, driver's license or identification card, bank accounts, credit cards and debit cards; mother's maiden name, security codes, access codes, passwords, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), or any information that allows identification and access to your account(s).
- Examine your financial statements and/or account activity on all of your accounts: First Entertainment's, credit cards, and investment statements on a monthly basis.
- Dispose of any sensitive documents by first shredding them.
We are aware that some members receive text messages and calls that appear to be originated from First Entertainment's phone number. These notifications ask the recipient to verify a recent transaction that supposedly occurred on their debit card account. Once the cardholder replies to the message, the member receives a follow-up phone call asking them to provide their full or partial credit or debit card number, card expiration date, CVV code, PIN, and/or online banking login information.
Please note, these messages are NOT from First Entertainment. We recommend that you NEVER provide your personal or account information to anyone in circumstances where you did not initiate the communication.
First Entertainment Credit Union has a Fraud Prevention Service that monitors debit card transactions 24/7. So, you may receive an email, text, or phone call to verify transactions. Our Fraud Prevention Service phone number is 866.602.8209. It is the only number used to verify transactions on a debit card, not for reporting a card lost/stolen.
Help us Protect You
- First Entertainment's Fraud Prevention Services will never ask for your PIN, Account Number, CVV code, SSN, or online banking credentials.
- A text message from our fraud alert system will come from a 5-digit number, not a 10-digit number resembling a legitimate phone number.
- Our text message verification system will ask you only to reply Yes or No when asked if you recognize your account's transaction.
- It will not include a link to a website.
- If we need to speak with you, we will ask you to call us at 866.602.8209 to speak with an agent who can assist you. An email from our Fraud Alert System will come from noreply@cardfraudalerts.com. The email may ask you to respond to whether a charge is legitimate by selecting one of two options.
Here are some important reminders to help you safeguard your First Entertainment Credit Union accounts, and together, we'll outsmart scammers!
- We will never call/text/email you for your username, password, PIN, or a one-time passcode.
- If someone is claiming to be from First Entertainment and requests money to fix an account issue, don’t do it.
- Bookmark firstent.org on all devices so you always navigate to our official site.
- Use our digital banking and mobile app to remain updated on your balances.
- Set up fraud alerts and email/text notifications on your accounts.
- Use strong passwords, change them often, and never share them.
- Register with AnnualCreditReport.com, which is free, and set fraud alerts.
We have multiple safeguards in place that meet or exceed required regulations to protect your money and personal information. Our network is continually monitored to ensure it is performing at the optimum level of protection. Here are some additional methods we use:
- 256-bit encryptionof data.
- Unique usernameto provide authentication.
- Multi-factor authenticationto verify you're using our official website.
- Session timeouts when there is no activity for several minutes.
- Date/time stamp visibilityso you can confirm your history of sign-ins.
- Numerous secure firewallsprotect our digital banking and deter unauthorized network access.
- Secure Message Center lets you answer security questions privately via digital banking.