Member News

Best practices for your New EMV Chip Card:

Activate your new chip card by calling the provided activation number with your EMV Chip Card.
Once you have activated your new card you will need to discard your old magnetic stripe card, as it will no longer work, and start using your new chip card.
Your card number and PIN will not be changing, but you will need to update recurring payment information (utility bills, gym memberships, PayPal, Amazon, cell phone bill, etc.) with the new expiration date and CVV Code (3-digit code on back of card).

Follow these steps to use your card at a chip-enabled terminal:

Insert your card, face up and chip end first into the chip-enabled terminal.
Leave the card in the terminal during the entire transaction.
Follow the instructions on the screen and either sign your name or enter your PIN as needed. Be sure to remove your card and take your receipt when the transaction is complete.

Call us at 800-354-5511 with any questions about your new card, or stop in and talk with a Member Service Representative today.

EMV Chip Card FAQs
What is an EMV Chip Card?
An EMV Chip Card looks like a regular debit or credit card with a microchip. This chip is used to secure transactions, making your card almost impossible to duplicate at chip reading transaction terminals. Information programmed into the chip is personalized for your account and each transaction generates a unique code, adding an extra safeguard against unauthorized use and counterfeiting.

Will my debit or credit card number change?
No, your current card number will remain the same. Your card will have a new expiration date and new CVV Code, so you will need to update recurring payment information that is affiliated with your debit or credit card.

Will my Personal Identification Number (PIN) change?
No, your PIN will remain the same. You may change your PIN at any time by calling 866-642-0450.

Will my new expiration date impact my automatic payments?
You will need to update your expiration date and CVV Code with any automatic payments affiliated with your debit or credit card.

Can I use my card at a merchant’s terminal or ATM that is not yet chip-enabled?
Yes! Your chip card will also have the usual magnetic stripe on the back so you can continue using your card at ATM’s and Point of Sale Terminals while merchants in the U.S. are transitioning to new terminals.

What is the replacement cost for a lost, stolen or damaged EMV Chip Card?
The replacement cost is $5.50 per card.

ATM fraud is becoming more prevalent with the invention of smaller

computing devices. One of the methods that criminals use to access your

account is ATM skimming. Skimming occurs when a device is place into the

ATM machine and interferes with typical ATM transactions. This device

may be a substitute card reader inserted into the ATM or a touch screen

device may take the place of the original screen. The purpose of these

devices all have one goal: to collect your personal banking information.

Your credit union offers these tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of ATM skimming:

* Inspect the ATM. Be on the lookout for anything that looks strange

or out of the ordinary before using it, such as anything loose,

crooked, or damaged, or if you notice equipment or wires out of place.

* When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.

* Don't use an ATM that directs you to another machine with a card reader attached.

* If your card isn't returned after the transaction is completed or

after hitting "cancel," immediately contact your credit union.

* And, remember to check your account regularly to look for any unauthorized transactions.

If you do suspect an ATM has been tampered with, contact the

financial institution that operates the ATM machine. Your security is

important to us.

Mobile banking is gaining popularity with members because of its convenience and efficiency. Despite this, members are still concerned over hackers targeting mobile phones and apps on their phones using malware or other schemes. Nevertheless, you can protect yourself by following a few simple steps:

Use a Strong Password for mobile banking
Never use public Wi-Fi
Only use Official Apps from the app store
Keep your apps updated
Be sure to logout of mobile banking when you are finished
Don’t have your browsers save passwords

Rails West Federal Credit Union cares about the security of your personal information. Below are some helpful tips for keeping your personal information safe:
1. Use complex passwords: Using at least 8 characters or more, including a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. An example of a great password would be ak380KA36.
2. Use different passwords for each of your accounts.
3. Change your passwords on a regular basis for all online accounts. Do not use your name and birthdate as part of your password.
4. Keep your passwords private.
5. Do not write down your passwords and keep them in your wallet or purse. If someone was to steal your wallet or you lose it, they will have access to everything. Keep them in a safe place where no one would expect them to be.

Being able to file your taxes online may have simplified this April ritual, but it's also made it easier for cybercriminals to claim your tax refund. In the 2019 season, the IRS reported seeing a significant increase in cyberattacks on tax filers. There's no reason to believe the 2020 tax season will see any less crime. The Department of Homeland Security encourages consumers to protect themselves from online tax fraud by taking these measures:

* Avoid giving out personal information, unless it is to a trusted entity like Rails West Federal Credit Union.
* Watch for fake messages or websites purportedly from the IRS or tax preparation services; DHS warns that sites can look quite legitimate, so examine them carefully.
* Don't believe promises of "free money" from inflated refunds.
* Back up data and store your electronic tax files securely.
* Never share personal information over an insecure network. Look for "https:" in the URL and a lock sign.

Also, know that the IRS only uses written communications to connect with taxpayers to request personal information. Any electronic communication - email, text, or social media - is fake.

2021 is here and with it comes the start of income tax filing season. Although the filing deadline is not until April, being pro-active can make for a smoother, less stressful process.

You can begin preparing now by following some simple tax-time tips:
1. Round up your records. There are various documents you should begin gathering which will help to support income or deductions you plan to claim on your tax return. These include receipts, canceled checks, a copy of your Social Security card, tuition bills, and student loan statements.
2. Keep an eye out for tax-related mail. Important tax documents are sure to be making their way to your mailbox, including W2s and 1099s. These are essential to filing your return.
3. Consider your filing options. You have a variety of options for filing your return. You can go it alone or enlist the services of a tax preparer. Plus, for those who are eligible, there are free volunteer sites that exist to offer face-to-face tax help.