Security

UNIFY offers eBanking secure email, live chat and phone access through the Contact Center to reach us safely when you have questions about accounts and transactions. It’s not safe to send confidential information such as your Social Security or account numbers using regular email. UNIFY may contact you by email from time to time; however, we will never ask you to update or provide personal information via email.

Secure Email
Watch for the “ask about” and “inquire” links when you are logged in to eBanking. Select them to get a fast, safe and secure message to us. Or, choose Messages from the Navigation menu.

Chat Now
Look for the Chat icon to appear along the bottom of your browser when a UNIFY team member is available to chat.

We take necessary precautions to prevent unauthorized use of your accounts. Under the USA Patriot Act, we are required to verify a member's identity by obtaining the member's name, mailing and residence addresses, tax identification number, date of birth and a copy of a government issued photo ID in order to open new accounts or services. To conduct account transactions, whether in person or over the phone, we will ask for a valid form of identification and/or one or more security questions to which the answers have already been provided before you can proceed. We understand this may be an inconvenience, but these precautions protect your accounts.

Check out our MemberPass app for added peace of mind.

UNIFY eBanking permits safe and secure online account access. eBanking is quick and easy to use. Any member can join. You’ll need a Username, Password to access each eBanking session. We use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt your personal information. You know you are on a secure page when you see "https://" in the URL on your web browser. In addition, a small lock icon in your web browser denotes a secure online session.

Login In to eBanking

UNIFY is committed to the privacy, security and confidentiality of our members' personal information. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information.

UNIFY is required to collect Social Security numbers to establish financial accounts. It is our policy to use Social Security numbers in accordance with the law, while preventing unlawful use and disclosure of this information.

See below for a list of some popular scam acts used by fraudsters in an attempt to gain your personal information and access to your accounts. Take special caution if any request seems out of the ordinary or you are asked to disclose sensitive identification information.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  A UNIFY representative will never ask you to verify your member number, full Social Security number, ATM, Debit/Credit Card number, PIN or any other sensitive personal financial information via email, pop-up window or text message. We recommend you never provide this information elsewhere unless you have specifically initiated such contact.

• Telephone “Spoofing” Scam: 
  Be aware of fraudsters claiming to be calling from UNIFY’s Contact Center phone number (877.254.9328). Typically, the fraudster states he/she is part of the UNIFY fraud prevention team and wants to verify fictitious transactions on your account. The fraudster then asks for personal information such as your credit/debit card number, PIN, eBanking username, and secure access codes. If you provide this information, the fraudster may have the opportunity to gain access to your eBanking and start transferring funds out of your account.  
   
• Loan Scam: 
  This scam usually starts with the fraudster attempting to offer a “quick cash” loan solution. The scam results in unknowingly providing the fraudster personal information under the guise of qualifying you for a fake personal loan. 
   
• E-Skimming:
  Scammers attempt to exploit weak links on websites which can result in redirecting you to a malicious domain where the “skimming code” can capture your individual data in real time. Your personal information can then be sold or used to make fraudulent purchases. 
   
• Social Media Scams: 
  Fake online stores can be set up through social media sites and be advertised along the platform; payment is then taken for goods you will never receive.
   
• Fake Donations/Charities:
  Similar to social media scams, donation fraud attempts often try to replicate a charity’s website to persuade you to donate money. 
   
• Shipment Update Scams:
  In this con, the fraudster sends a fake email notifying you of a delivery failure or the request for updated shipping information. The email is made to look like it’s from the original sender, but will most often contain a link with malware.

As much as we can do to safeguard your accounts and personal data, you can do quite a bit to help protect yourself.
 

Always Monitor Your Accounts
Check your accounts frequently for any irregular activity or unknown purchases, and be sure to review your month-end statements. If you keep close watch of your account, you should be able to recognize inconsistencies quickly. You can also sign up for alerts through eBanking.

Please update us with any changes to your primary address and contacts, so we have the most current information to reach you.

Change Your Passwords/Make Them Strong
Changing passwords and using a mix of special characters/numbers on a regular basis is one of the easiest ways to help protect your information.  Also, never use the same password on financial-related sites that contain any of your account information.

Protect Your Online Devices
Make sure your devices have current anti-virus/malware protection and download the latest updates when they’re available. Also, it’s important to download or accept the updates for the operating systems on your devices to ensure your protection is current as possible.

If you make purchases online,  always confirm there is a “lock” icon on the status bar on the site you are visiting before you share your personal information.

Watch Your WiFi
Avoid using WiFi hot spots at public spots like cafés, libraries, and airports that require you to enter personal or account information.

Review Your Credit Report
Check your report carefully for errors or inconsistencies that don’t make sense. If you find any, contact both the credit reporting bureau and the company that sent the information.

You can request a free credit report annually at annualcreditreport.com. Review for information you weren’t aware of or does not make sense. Check all of your lines of credit to ensure they were opened by you and not someone trying to use your information.

Cover Your Plastics
Protect your ATM, debit, and credit cards from “skimming.” Before you swipe your card for a purchase transaction, cover as much of the keypad as you can to make it difficult for an unauthorized device to capture your PIN.

No Phishing
Guard yourself against phishing scams which try to get you to provide personal or financial information to a person or business claiming to be legitimate. Most phishing scams are conducted through email, with messages containing links that ask for your personal data or download spyware to your computer or mobile device. Bottom line, if a message looks at all suspicious don’t click the link.

What does freezing your credit mean?
Requesting a freeze on your credit means the primary credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, will no longer release your information to potential lenders who make a legitimate inquiry. Freezing your credit, however, will not block authorized creditors and debt collectors from requesting your credit information. Also, you can continue to access your own credit records.

The main benefit of using a credit freeze?
A credit freeze guards against potential identity thieves and other unauthorized users from accessing your credit report to open new accounts.

The main drawback of using a credit freeze?
Applying and getting approved for a loan takes more time because potential lenders will not be able to immediately access your credit report with your credit being frozen.

It’s important to keep in mind, especially for larger loans like vehicles or homes, if you request a credit freeze, your lender may be “stuck” to advise and/or work with your loan request until the freeze is removed.

How to freeze your credit

• You’ll need to contact the primary credit bureaus separately (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and request a credit freeze; all three bureaus are necessary to ensure your credit reports are covered in full.
• Each credit bureau will send you a confirmation with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) as secure reference for your requested credit freeze.
   

Removing a credit freeze

• You’ll need to request a temporary (known as a “thaw”) or permanent removal of your credit freeze, through the three credit bureaus, so potential lenders/creditors can review your credit report.
• Depending on your state law, the credit bureaus are required to unfreeze your credit within a specified time frame; time frames can vary from within an hour up to three days.
• The removal of the credit freeze can be done for a set amount of time or for a specified creditor; once the review of your credit takes place, the freeze goes back in place.
   

Information to know

• A credit freeze does not negatively affect your credit score.
• Freezing credit is for protecting access to your credit information moving forward; existing creditors can continue to review your credit report to assess your current loans/lines of credit.
• A credit freeze won’t protect your credit, debit, and/or ATM cards if they are lost or stolen.
• Because removing a credit freeze takes time, you may want to hold off on your request if you know you’ll be applying for a loan or having your credit reviewed; once your credit is frozen, a quick response for review of your loan and/or approval is highly unlikely.

Credit Bureau Contact Information
Equifax:  800.349.9960
Experian:  888.397.3742
TransUnion:  888.909.8872
 

You can get a free copy of your credit report once a year at annualcreditreport.com.

To learn more about protecting your personal/financial information visit idtheftcenter.org.

Keeping your accounts and personal information safe in today’s environment is challenging. We’ll always focus on protecting your accounts and personal information, and we encourage you to take proactive steps to protect your information as well. If you notice anything out of the ordinary about your accounts or need help, call us at 877.254.9328—we’re here for you 24/7.

You can learn more about protecting your information at idtheftcenter.org.

Protect Your Online Identity

Email Offers and Online Shopping

Many email offers are scams to lure online users into disclosing personal information.

Enjoy safe online shopping and avoid email scams with these tips:

• Protect personal information. Only give personal or credit information to companies you know and trust. Call their customer service prior to purchasing to check customer responsiveness. Also read their privacy policy to ensure your information will not be sold.
• Resist immediate action. Scams usually include a limited-time offer designed to elicit a fast response. Take time to check credentials and read consumer reviews and complaints.
• Know what it will cost. Know the exact price, including shipping and handling. Make sure the company doesn't make automatic substitutions. Ask for an exact delivery date. Use a credit card to purchase as it offers consumer protection.
• Get it in writing. Get a printed guarantee and receipt. Read the fine print about prices and returns.
• Don't email financial information. Never email personal information like credit card or Social Security numbers or passwords. Pay through a secure website by confirming a lock icon on the browser's status bar or that the URL begins with "https."
   

Spam, Botnets and Hackers

Spam can also contain attachments, links, or images that can turn your computer into a “bot.” Botnets are hacked computers unknowingly sending spam to other computers. Once hackers reside on your computer, they can spy on your Internet surfing and your information.

You can limit access to your computer by:

• Using anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Available online, in stores, and from many Internet Service Providers (ISP), look for brands that offer automatic daily updates and remove or quarantine viruses and worms.
• Keeping your operating system up-to-date and enable firewalls. Set preferences to automatically install security patches and updates. A properly configured firewall blocks incoming communications from unauthorized sources.
• Avoiding opening email attachments. Delete emails with attachments unless you know what it contains and who sent it.
• Exercising downloading discipline. Use caution when downloading free software, toolbars, and games. They may contain malicious software known as malware that can track your surfing and gather information. If your computer has slowed down, has problems starting or shutting down or gets a lot of pop-up ads it may be infected. Run an up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware program and report any malware incidents to your ISP.
• Protecting Passwords. Choose random passwords that contain both letters and numbers. Don't use the same password for every account.
• Take immediate action if you think your computer has been compromised. Disconnect from the Internet and scan all your drives with a current anti-virus and anti-spyware program. Change passwords immediately and report unauthorized accesses to your ISP and the FBI at www.ic3.gov.
   

Minimize Identity Theft Damage

Quick action can lessen the damage of a stolen identity or compromised personal information.

• Place a Fraud Alert on your credit reports. Call any of the consumer reporting companies below to place an initial 90-day fraud alert:
• Equifax: equifax.com 1.877.726.7311
• Experian: experian.com 1.888.EXPERIAN (397.3742)
• TransUnion: transunion.com 1.800.888.4213
• Immediately close any compromised accounts. Alert the security department at each company (follow up with a written request) and ask for written verification that the accounts have been closed. Keep all documents and a contact log of each communication.
• File a police report and contact the Federal Trade Commission. Creditors may want a police report to help you claim your rights as a victim of identity theft. The FTC tracks online identity theft nationwide, reach them at ftc.gov/idtheft or 1.877.438.4338.

BLUEJACKING, BLUESNARFING AND BLUEBUGGING… OH MY!

As Bluetooth technology gets smarter, so do hi-tech hackers. The best defense against becoming a victim of online identity theft is to educate yourself on the latest trends targeting Bluetooth-enabled devices, and as a result, do what you can to help keep thieves away from your hands-free connection.

Bluejacking, Bluesnarfing, Bluebugging—What’s the Difference?

BLUEJACKING

Think of it as a high-tech version of ding-dong-ditch, where savvy pranksters push unsolicited messages to engage or annoy other nearby Bluetooth users by taking advantage of a loophole in the technology’s messaging options.

BLUESNARFING

More damaging than bluejacking is bluesnarfing. With bluesnarfing, thieves wirelessly connect to some early Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices without the owner’s knowledge to download and/or alter phonebooks, calendars or worse.

BLUEBUGGING

Bluebugging goes beyond bluejacking or bluesnarfing, allowing thieves to take full control of a device. A crafty bluebugger can wirelessly direct a mobile phone to make calls without the owner’s knowledge. Similarly, a bluebugger can set call forwarding and receive calls intended for the unsuspecting victim.
 

How to Safeguard Your Devices

UPDATE YOUR DEVICES

Early Bluetooth-enabled devices defaulted to “discoverable” mode, leave connections vulnerable. This loophole has since been corrected in newer devices. If you’re using an older device, connect by using the “non-discoverable” mode (usually a menu option on your device). This is especially important when you’re in an unfamiliar hot-spot area.

BE HANDS ON

Limit use of your hands-free connection, especially when you are exchanging sensitive data.

BE AWARE OF STRANGER DANGER

Criminals use unsolicited messages or business cards to try and engage victims within range. Don’t engage if you see a strange message like: “I like your hat” or “Enjoying your meal?” Delete!

MONITOR YOUR DATA USAGE

Know your average data usage. If you see a spike, it could be a sign that a hacker is using your device remotely.

LOOK FOR SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

If your device starts behaving unexpectedly—turning off or on, or suddenly disconnecting and then reconnecting—it may be a sign you’ve been hacked. If you suspect this is the case, reset your device to factory settings. This is usually a “settings” option on your device that will erase all data and applications, including those that have been criminally installed.

HELP! I’VE JUST BECOME A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT

Unfortunately, it can happen to the best of us. If you discover that someone has stolen your identity to make unauthorized financial transactions, act fast to minimize the damage:
 

1. PLACE A FRAUD ALERT: Place an initial fraud alert with one of the major credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Explain that you are a victim of fraud and confirm that the other two agencies will be notified. Placing an alert is free and good for 90 days. The Federal Trade Commission also offers an abundance of information on Placing a Fraud Alert.
    
2. CONTACT UNIFY AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OR CARD ISSUERS IMMEDIATELY: We can only help you if we know there’s an issue. Don’t hesitate to report fraud or any lost or stolen cards or checks to us and any other financial institution you do business with.
   .
3. ORDER A CREDIT REPORT: You’re entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the credit reporting agencies at www.annualcreditreport.com. Order one every month, rather than all three at the same time to monitor your credit at no cost over a three-month period.
    
4. CREATE AN IDENTITY THEFT REPORT WITH THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION: An Identity Theft Report (The FTC Identity Theft Affidavit and a Police Report) will help you deal with credit reporting companies, debt collectors and businesses that gave the identity thief credit or opened new accounts in your name. You can use the report to remove fraudulent information from your credit report and stop a company from collecting debts. Visit the FTC’s website for more information on Identity Theft. Or, reach them by phone at 1.877.ID THEFT (1.877.438.4338).
    
5. FILE A POLICE REPORT: To complete the Identity Theft Report, you’ll need to contact your local law enforcement office and report the theft. Be sure to get a copy of the police report and/or the report number. Both your police report and the FTC Identity Theft Affidavit combine to create your Identity Theft Report. Your Identity Theft Report will help you when working with the credit reporting agencies or any other companies the identity thief may have used to open accounts in your name. 
    
6. KEEP GOOD RECORDS: Resolving identity theft isn’t easy. It takes multiple phone calls and letters, and varies by the severity and depth of the crime. Create a system to organize your papers and calls, and to track deadlines. You will need this information later when dealing with companies where fraud has been committed.