Member Protection & Education
BE CAREFUL OF THE ROMANCE SCAM
Social distancing has increased the popularity of online dating. As a result, fraudsters have been breaking victims’ hearts and their finances.
Watch this video to learn more about how these scammers try to get serious.
For more information on what you need to know about this Romance Scam visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website.
BEWARE OF SPOOFING
Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity.
There are three main ways scammers use spoofing:
- Phone Cloning – Using similar or exact numbers of companies you know.
- Sweet Talking – Claiming to be a helping hand to gain your trust.
- Password Swiping – Requesting your login credentials to provide assistance.
Proponent would never call to ask for your Digital Banking information.
Click the image to watch this short video for more details.
To learn more about spoofing and how to avoid being scammed click here: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id
BE AWARE OF THE GRANDPARENTS SCAM!
This is how it works: you receive a call from someone claiming to be a bail bondsman, a lawyer, or a member of law enforcement. That person tells you that your grandchild or other loved one is in trouble and in need of money. You are directed to withdraw a large amount of cash and told that a courier will pick up the money from you at your home.
If you receive this type of call, remain calm and resist the pressure to act quickly. Get as much information as possible, including the phone number, if possible, of the caller. Hang up and call a family member to verify the information or call a trusted friend to ask for help.
For additional details visit the FBI’s website: www.fbi.gov/news/stories/the-grandparent-scam
Checks From The Government
In March, the President and Treasury Secretary announced a plan to send Americans checks of up to $1,000 in the hopes of stimulating the economy. Before it’s implemented, there are three very important things to know to avoid getting scammed:
- The government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this money
- The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number.
- These checks aren’t a reality yet. Anyone telling you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
For more information on these scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website.
Call member support immediately at 800.457.8058 if you’ve encountered this type of activity.
Don’t fall for the “GET PAID TO DRIVE” scam.
You may have seen the notices claiming claiming you’ll receive $250-$350 a week just for driving around with an advertisement wrap or sign. If you say yes, they’ll send you a check to deposit into your account. Then, ask you to spend some of it on a so called “specialist” who will put the wrap on your car. You would then deposit that amount directly into the “specialist’s” bank account. This is definitely a scam as determined by the Federal Trade Commision.
If you think you’ve been a part of activities like this, call member support immediately at 800.457.8058.
Beware of vishing scams out to get your personal information.
Imposters posing as “Security Officers” call to ask you to confirm suspicious transactions on your account. They attempt to verify your information by asking for a login ID and Secure Access Code (SAC). As a reminder, PROPONENT WILL NEVER CALL YOU TO ASK FOR THESE DETAILS.
If you believe you’ve encountered this type of activity, call member support immediately at 800.457.8058.
We’re a strong advocate for financial education and account security.
This page is a reference for added protection, education and awareness. All of your accounts and card transactions are monitored and secured by Proponent 24/7.
We’re in this together.
When you make a purchase using a card, your payment data information is temporarily stored by the retailer. If that retailer experiences a data breach, this may cause your card to be compromised. Financial institutions can also fall victim to data breaches. Customers of the following retailers and financial institutions had their information exposed due to recent data breaches.
- Wawa Data Security Breach December 2019
- Zynga – Words With Friends: October 2019
- Moe’s: September 2019
- McAlister’s Deli: September 2019
- Schlotzky’s: September 2019
- Capital One: August 2019
- Sonic Drive-In: August 2018
- Saks Fifth Avenue: April 2018
- Lord & Taylor: April 2018
- Panera Bread: April 2018
- Chili’s: March/April 2018
What is a data breach?
A data breach is a security violation which results in sensitive, protected or confidential data being copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen or used by an unauthorized individual. In the case of retailer data breaches, this often includes unauthorized access to payment card data.
Tap to learn about account security.
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Update Your Info -
Credit Reports -
Fraud Alert -
Password Protection -
Protect Your Info -
Text Updates
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Check Credit Report
Free annually at annualcreditreport.com (beware of “fake” free credit report sites)
Security Freeze
Placed by credit bureaus, will set up PIN for credit report access by lenders
Fraud Alert
Placed by credit bureaus, will require permission for lenders to open new accounts
Identity Theft Protection
Services are available including Triple Bureau Credit Monitoring
Beware of phony disaster-related charities and organizations
Use security and privacy settings on social media
Be wary of offers that require fast action
Don’t click unknown email links or attachments
Don’t act on requests for unknown electronic transfers
Beware of fraudulent checks, cashiers checks, and money orders
Password Do’s
Use 10+ alpha-numeric characters, symbols and cases
Change it every 90 days
Verify with a Password Checker
Store in a Password Manager
Password Dont’s
Share, re-use or write down
Use obvious or common phrases
Log-in on public computers or WiFi
Use “Remember My Passwords” features
Review your account often
Report unknown transactions ASAP
Check for missing or unexpected bills
Have mail held when traveling
Shred sensitive financial forms
International Transactions
Purchases over $100
Card not present
Out of state usage
Declined Authorization
Improving Your Credit Score
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Pay bills On-Time -
Keep Balances Low -
Pay Off Your Debt -
Use Existing Cards -
Keep Existing Lines Open
Pay Bills On-Time
Addition to credit cards and bank loans, other bills (rent, utility, phone, etc.) are equally important. Even late payments should be made as quickly as possible. Many lenders have a grace period, e.g. Proponent waits 10 days before reporting to credit agencies. You can also set up automatic payments in online banking.
Keep Balances Low
Don’t max out or maintain high credit card balances on your credit cards. Try to keep balances below the half way mark of credit limits. If you’re close to your limit, consider requesting a limit increase.
Pay Off Your Debt
Don’t just shuffle balances between credit cards. Consolidating debt into a Personal or Home Equity Loan could help you pay it off faster with one monthly payment.
Use Existing Cards
Don’t apply for more credit cards, unless it’s really needed. Instead use the credit you already have to show that you can manage your credit responsibly. Instead of opening a new card, consider a credit limit increase. This may give you access to more funds while not affecting your credit score negatively.
Keep Existing Lines Open
Closing out credit cards could affect your credit utilization ratio. This is the proportion of your available credit you’re currently using and it’s responsible for 30% of your FICO score. Credit score companies typically like to see this ratio below 30%.
Resources, like consumer credit counseling, are available to assist you. If you are overwhelmed by your credit situation, seek professional assistance. You can locate a credit counseling agency through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.