• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Contact Us
  • Locate Us
  • Apply For A Loan
  • Events

SafeAmerica Credit Union

  • Checking
  • Savings
  • Loans
  • Services
  • Autos
  • Payments
  • Join
  • Log In

2020

October 10, 2020 • By Kevin Alvarez

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), which is a collaborative effort between government and industry sectors to raise awareness of the importance of cyber security. With the added need for objectivity with navigating through a pandemic, handling working from home, child care and more recently; the start of the academic school year for children-which now happens to demand a new added level of responsibility for parents in regards to online learning-many people have and could fall victim to the influx of online security breaches. Working from home means even more attention is needed for your work space security, especially with the fact that your IT department isn’t readily available to assist with issues as they would in the office. Fortunately, there are plenty of preventative actions that can be done to keep any and all information properly secured.

Cybersecurity IT Professionals

Cybersecurity Basics: What To Do

Your password is the first line of defense from keeping people out of your personal/sensitive online accounts. Passwords should be lengthy, mixed with upper and lower case letters as well as numeric and special characters such as (!@#$%^&*_). These all add to making it difficult for unauthorized access.

Cybersecurity Password Management

Wi-Fi management dashboards have been a growing provided resource from internet service providers that assist with monitoring your internet connection. This allows you to view who and what devices are connected to your network, allowing you to instantly identify and disconnect any unauthorized device(s) connected to your Wi-Fi network. If you come across any challenges with finding such page/service on your internet service provider’s website, consider finding a customer support phone number to call directly for assistance with finding a Wi-Fi management dashboard.

Cybersecurity Working from home

Most routers come with encryption enabled from the start (WPA2 or WPA3). If for any reason you notice that there are no encryption labels when logging onto your Wi-Fi network or read a disclaimer in the router set-up booklet, then reach out to your internet service provider to assist with properly encrypting your internet connection to prevent unauthorized usage/access of your wireless network.

Where you store your laptop/smart devices should be secured. Consider storing your laptop in the less public areas of your home to avoid the possibility of intruders running off with the possible access of your online accounts. Given how the pandemic has kept everyone at home, people have been making more purchases with online retailers, so both computers and smart devices should be seen as sensitive items if they are not already.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) also known as two-factor authentication, this serves as an added layer of security for the login process. This is done by verifying the login attempt through another unique account by a verification text, call or even an email. For example, if someone is attempting to log onto an account that has MFA in place, they would need to have access to the location of the second factor authentication. Unless they have access to your phone or email, the login attempt will be stopped due to being unable to provide the security code sent to the second factor authentication. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommend using multi-factor authentication on all accounts that have your personal data, such as your primary email, financial accounts, as well as health records.

Cybersecurity Two step authentication

Fraudulent Emails/Texts, What To Look Out For

Approach COVID-19 related emails, texts and/or links with caution. Many scammers have been taking advantage of the biggest stand-still as an excuse to target people’s vulnerabilities through emotions. Scammers have always come up with deceitful and malicious strategies of obtaining personal information. The latest method being used in light of COVID-19 has been “Phishing”, which is when fake emails are sent to people trying to pose as a legitimate company or person that they may have some sort of social relationship with.

An example of such practice is scammers sending an email or text message saying “We suspect an unauthorized transaction on your account. To ensure that your account is not compromised, please click on the link below, and confirm your identity.” Never click on links of emails that you deem fraudulent. To verify, call the company directly from a number you have used previously. Never use lines of communication listed in suspicious emails, such as customer support numbers. They will most likely direct to the scammer in an attempt to convince you they are legitimate.

Cybersecurity Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scams

There are many key indicators for spotting a fake email. Scammers seem to be in quite the hurry when typing their fake emails, and that alone serves in our favor for identifying the real from the fake. From the subject line to the closing of the email and everything in between, there is plenty of opportunity for spotting obvious errors. There are several key identifiers that can help to uncover what is and isn’t a phishing email attempt, such as :

  • Grammar – Phishing emails often contain grammatical mistakes that make it obvious it’s some sort of illegitimacy. Names, email addresses, as well as the body of emails are all prone to OBVIOUS grammatical mistakes. If you are skeptical of any received emails, simply reach out to the known legitimate source in the manner you usually do to conduct your communication with, in order to verify if the email is legitimate or not.
  • Logos – When it comes to branding, companies use their logo to be as clear as possible to assure brand awareness. A logo that is pixelated, blurry or simply low quality often means that scammers copied and pasted the logo onto their email, meaning they do not work for the company. So remember, companies and organizations would not let a bad image of their logo be displayed to their consumers, a blurry logo is a sign of a scammer attempting to steal your information.

Take the time to make the needed adjustments to help ensure a safe and reliable home internet network as well as taking the necessary steps towards preventing scammers from breaching your personal accounts.

Additional Resources

Tips and resources for reducing cybersecurity risks and protecting yourself online >>

SafeAmerica Website Privacy Policy >>

Coronavirus Scams
5 Tips for Managing Your Finances Through Covid-19 and Beyond

September 29, 2020 • By Kevin Alvarez

Napa Valley Glass Fire

Learning of the news regarding the Glass Fire in Napa County, we are all devastated but more importantly wishing for the shelter of all those who are affected. We wish for the upmost safety of all the evacuees as well as all first responders.

SafeAmerica Credit Union wants to help those impacted as much as possible.

If you have been personally impacted and may be in need of assistance in keeping your financial obligation or you need financial assistance, SafeAmerica Credit Union is here to help. Contact us about options that are available for your specific situation.

We are actively monitoring the Glass Fire and at this time, all of our branches are up and running and have not been impacted. You can check back here for updates about possible branch closures.

We can be reached at (800) 972-0999 or via email at onlinerequests@safeamerica.com.

September 22, 2020 • By Kevin Alvarez

5 Tips for Managing Your Finances Through COVID-19 and Beyond

Information brought to you by our partner, Greenpath Financial Wellness

There’s a lot to get used to in these challenging times. As the pandemic crisis continues, and many are dealing with financial uncertainty—from an income reduction to total job loss— it can be hard to know how to move forward.

Having a defined set of options and a clear understanding of your finances not only helps to better prepare you for the future, but can also make you feel more confident and less stressed about factors outside of your control.

To help you navigate these difficult times, we’ve partnered with trusted non-profit GreenPath Financial Wellness to provide you with some guidelines for managing your finances in times of uncertainty:

1. Prioritize your bills

Changes to our financial lives can often result in stress and mental fatigue, making decisions even more challenging. We have a natural tendency to avoid choices that feel like we are giving something up. Instead, we may try our best to take each day as it comes without a plan.

Getting the most important bills paid first is the most important thing in a time of crisis.

If you are one of the millions of Americans who have enrolled in a forbearance program (programs placing a temporary pause on payments toward credit cards, mortgages and other loans), it’s important to think about how (and when) you will pay these bills as these programs come to an end.

2. Start a Budget

Many people find that the journey to financial wellness is smoother when they take the time to create a budget. It might sound complicated, but there is a way to break down the process.

The number one key to setting your budget? Creating a spending plan. A spending plan can help you to:

  • Figure out how much money you have
  • Understand how much money you need to set aside each month for bills and expenses
  • Setup a plan to meet your financial goals

3. If you’re having trouble paying off credit card debt, consider a Debt Management Plan

Credit cards are important tools for the majority of people, especially in times of financial challenge—but it can be all too easy to spend over your means, and if you have high interest rates on your credit cards, debt can add up quickly.

If you want to get out of debt and get your finances on track, you may find debt relief through GreenPath’s Debt Management Plan (DMP). A DMP is designed to pay off the entire amount that you owe, usually within three to five years. It can help you pay off credit card debt faster and save money on interest charges.

4. Build up an emergency fund (no matter now small)

Never in a million years would you have made a specific financial plan expecting a new virus to disrupt the global economy or your paycheck. Unfortunately, our savings accounts do feel the ripple effect of larger-than-life forces and events across the globe. Preparing yourself for a financial setback, such as an unexpected loss of income, can set you up to handle it with less stress and bounce back more quickly. It is especially helpful to think about these plans at a time when things feel “normal,” so that we get the full advantage of perspective on a potentially frightening and stressful event.

5. Connect with the Financial Counselors at GreenPath

If your finances have been affected by COVID-19, our partners at GreenPath offer free consultations and guidance to help people manage debt, save money, and meet their financial goals.

As a SafeAmerica member, you have access to GreenPath Financial Wellness that offers:

  • Free Financial Counseling
  • Debt Management Programs
  • Housing Services
  • Credit Report Review
  • Student Loan Counseling

We invite you to explore your options and begin your journey towards a financially healthy life with the help of GreenPath Financial Wellness—just one of the many benefits of being a member of SafeAmerica Credit Union.

Learn More

Footer

Home

Home

  • Contact Us
  • Find A Branch
  • About SafeAmerica
  • SafeAmerica Leadership
  • Careers
  • COVID-19 Updates

Services

Services

  • Online Banking & Bill Pay
  • Mobile Banking & Mobile Deposit
  • Direct Deposit
  • Mobile Wallets
  • VISA® Debit Card
  • STARS Telephone Banking
  • eStatements
  • Investment Management
  • View Your LPL Account
  • Enterprise Car Sales
  • Order Checks

Banking

Banking

  • Checking
  • MoveUP Rewards Program
  • Savings
  • Money Market
  • Certificates
  • IRAs
  • Account Insurance
  • Youth Program

Community

Community

  • College Scholarship Program
  • Events
  • CU@Work Program

Resources

Resources

  • Rates & Fee Schedule
  • Calculators
  • Educational Videos
  • Financial Education
  • Discount Programs
  • Newsletter
  • Switch Kit
  • Travel Notification Form
  • Blog
  • Forms & Applications
  • Secure Document Upload
  • Financial Hardship
  • Foreclosure Prevention Strategies
  • Privacy
  • Disclosures
  • Report Website Errors

Loans

Loans

  • Auto Loans
  • Home Loans
  • VISA® Credit Card
  • Personal Loans & Lines of Credit
  • Student Loans
  • Refinance Your Existing Loan
  • VISA® Balance Transfer
  • Vehicle Release Information
  • Skip-A-Pay Program
  • Make A Payment

Protection & Insurance

Protection & Insurance

  • Auto, Home & Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death Insurance
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Debt Cancellation
  • Vehicle Protection
  • Verify Insurance

Buttons

Follow Us

Follow Us

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram

Phone

(800) 972-0999

  • No. California: (925) 734-4111
  • Lost or Stolen Card 
  • Debit and Credit: (833) 933-1681

Routing Number: 321171757

NMLS#: 746366

Log In »

Logos

SafeAmerica is an Equal Housing Lender American Share Insurance Logo

Your savings insured to $500,000 per account. By members’ choice, this institution is not federally insured, or insured by any state government.

© 2023 SafeAmerica Credit Union. All rights reserved.

We use cookies to give you a more relevant browsing experience and improve our website. Using this site means that you agree with our Use of Cookies Policy. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT