Protecting Yourself

As internet scammers and hackers advance, First Heritage wants to make sure you are well informed to protect yourself.

Don't Fall Victim to a Scam!

First Heritage will never ask for person information via phone, text message or email. However, if you contact us with a concern or issue, it may be necessary for you to provide that information. The information would only be used to further explore the problem and find a solution. If you are unsure whether a First Heritage FCU communication is legitimate or not, call First Heritage for verification. If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam or experienced fraud on your account, please contact us by calling 800.833.3338 or schedule an appointment to stop into one of our branches.

Cyber Security

The internet is a total different place than it was just a few years ago. Most websites push content from a variety of sources, which allows attackers to create a minefield of scams, schemes and malicious content. Criminal activity is more and more sophisticated.

Set intricate passwords and change them frequently.
Don’t reveal personal information.
Don’t download unknown files.
Don’t click on links from an unknown source.
Verify websites by making sure that the web page you’re visiting matches with the URL that you’d expect.
Log off rather than just closing the page when finished on a website.
Regularly monitor activity on all accounts.
Keep your web browser patches up to date by accessing your browser's website to download security patches.
Protect your computer with an updated antivirus program and personal firewall software.

Phishing Scams

Fraudsters continue to devise new schemes and scams to steal your personal information.

Phishing— Phishing is a term coined by Internet hackers who use email lures to "fish" personal information for purposes of identity theft.
Do not trust or act upon emails containing an urgent request for personal information such as usernames, passwords, account numbers, social security numbers, etc.
Avoid filling out forms in emails asking for personal financial information. Be sure that if you communicate any sensitive information that it is done via a secure website. To ensure you are on a secure site, check the beginning of the web address in your browsers address bar.
Regularly log into your accounts online and check your financial statements regularly to ensure all transactions are legitimate.
Smishing—This technique uses cell phone text messaging for the same fraudulent intent.
Vishing—Fraudulent calls are placed to phones using an automated random dialer and fake caller ID data.

Identity Theft

The good news is that people are more aware than ever of identity theft, and more cautious with whom they share information. The bad news, millions of Americans still fall victim to identity theft every year.

Keep personal information secure in your home or work office.
Avoid using passwords that contain easily available information such as a birth date or family member name.
Regularly monitor activity on all accounts.
Shred documents rather than place them in the garbage.
Notify us if sensitive documents are lost or stolen.
Notify us if card/checkbook/member card/PIN number is lost or stolen.
Order a copy of your personal credit report from the three major credit bureaus annually for review. Contact them if errors are detected.

Telephone Scam

The telephone scam consists of individuals receiving an automated call, that states that their credit union is trying to verify their debit card information, press #1 to verify and then enter your 16 digit debit card number. This is a phishing scam. If you receive a phone call like this, do not enter your card number.

Similarly, the cellphone scam entails individuals receiving a call or text message that their debit card has been blocked and that they need to reactivate their card. You are asking to either press '1' or call back and 800 number which will prompt you to enter your card number and pin. DO NOT DO THIS. This is a scam to get your card information. This is a nationwide vishing scam that is targeting financial institutions. Any call that asks you to input your card number and PIN number in not legitimate.

Please remember First Heritage would NEVER ask for this information via phone, text message or email.

Romance Scam

A romance scam is a type of scheme where criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to capitalize on their victim's desire to find companions. Once the scammer gains the victim's affection, they use that goodwill to get the victim to send them money under false pretenses or to commit fraud against the victim.

Digital Banking Scam

Some digital banking users are being prompted to enter sensitive information once accessing the Digital Banking sign-on screen. This screen is caused by malware or a Trojan on the user’s machine. The fraudulent screen asks for sensitive information such as your card number and PIN. If malware or a Trojan on your computer directs you to this screen DO NOT provide any information and have your computer scanned for malware or Trojans. Please be aware that First Heritage will never ask you for sensitive information when logging into internet banking. If you have provided your card number when logging in please contact us immediately at 1-800-833-3338.

Debit/Credit Card Fraud

First Heritage uses advanced technology to detect unusual activity on your Visa® cards.

Keep contact information on file with First Heritage current.
We offer 24/7 fraud protection monitoring service.
Adding travel notes to your credit or debit card ensures seamless transactions no matter where you're travelling to. You can add travel notes by logging into the First Heritage app.
Regularly monitor activity on all accounts.
Notify us if card/PIN number is lost or stolen.
Make an attempt to contact a merchant directly to resolve an issue.
Contact us to file a dispute if unable to resolve directly with the merchant.
Take full control of your cards with card

management, you decide when, where and who uses your cards.
With Mobile Wallet from First Heritage, you can safely and securely make purchases with your mobile device.

Mobile Banking Safety:

Avoid banking while on public networks as these connections aren’t very secure.
Keeping your devices backed up will be helpful if you somehow acquire ransomware and need to recover your data.
Download and install security software for your devices and be sure to keep your software updated for when other versions are released.
Keep track of your mobile device. We take them everywhere, which makes it easy to misplace them.
Use an official mobile banking app from your financial institution.
Install anti-virus software on your mobile device to protect your equipment and private information.
Rooting your phone allows you to modify the software code or install other software that the manufacturer wouldn’t normally allow.