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Sunstate Credit Union, Gainesville, FL Sunstate Lights the WayState-of-the-Art Security
IN TODAY’S WORLD, keeping your personal information secure without a trusted partner is like flying in the dark: You never know when tragedy could strike. Some estimates say that nearly 10 million Americans each year become victims of identity theft and online fraud — and this trend shows no sign of letting up. However, you can rest easy knowing SunState Federal Credit Union is lighting the way to even more secure online banking. SunState is moving quickly to further safeguard member funds and private account information with the best and latest technology available in support of its new Multifactor Authentication System (MAS).
If you’re a SunState member, you should know that, for your protection, new security measures are being added to your account as SunState continues to minimize the potential for fraudulent transactions. Robert Hart, SunState’s vice president of marketing, said the new system will make online banking more secure.
“SunState takes its commitment seriously to safeguard the privacy of its members’ accounts and personal information,” Hart said. “While the new system may cost more, we believe having the best security measures in the industry is well worth the extra cost we assume.”
Will the new system affect day-today activities?
“Members may notice a request for information on their receipt when they visit one of our lobbies,” Hart said. “This will help to ensure your transactions can be completed in a timely manner, including wire transfers and Visa and ATM card transactions. Home$Banking logon procedures will change as well. The new process will help to assure that members are really dealing with SunState and not an Internet imposter.”
The new MAS security system also randomly checks for unlikely transactions on your account. If the system can’t confirm the transaction at the phone number listed on your account or if the activity is happening in a foreign country, the transaction could be blocked to safeguard funds. (Chances are you’re not buying 100 Rolex watches in Latvia!) In fact, it’s a good idea to let SunState know your travel plans with a quick call – just as you would hire someone to watch your house or care for your pets when you travel. This will help to keep your account protected from cyber criminals and ensure that you can access your account and use your credit card wherever you are — with no red flags. Whether you’re at home or off to play, the bottom line is SunState is always carefully monitoring and protecting your account and personal information.
Watch for more information about SunState’s new security features when you access your account via Money$Line or Home$Banking. If you’re a member and haven’t signed up for Home$Banking, it’s easy, free and a smart way to keep an eye on your account activity. If you’re not a member, why wait or gamble with your personal information? If it’s time to open accounts, take out loans or start building or rebuilding your credit, contact SunState about great rates, great service and above all, protection of your personal information.
While SunState is always on the job with the best security available, there are also ways you can protect yourself. Here are some basic guidelines to help protect you from falling victim to fraud or identity theft:
• Be alert in the checkout line at retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores and other public areas for people standing near you who have a camera cell phone in hand or are “shoulder surfing.”
• Do not disclose information to someone you don't know over the phone, through mail or online. NEVER share personal information in e-mail or Internet chat rooms.
• Understand how information will be used before sharing it with merchants. Know if you have a choice in how your information is used and shared.
• Install firewall software on hour home computer. Always use a secure computer when accessing your account or providing personal information.
• Don't include your Social Security Number, driver's license or other information on checks, and use a reputable check vendor, like the credit unions preferred provider.
• Be cautious about providing confidential information or credit card numbers in any transaction in which you did not initiate contact.
• Shred or tear up preapproved credit card offers, bills, canceled checks, bank statements and other documents that contain personal or financial information before putting them in the trash.
• When using an ATM, make sure nobody can see the numbers you punch. If somebody is behind you, shield your hand when entering information.
• Don't carry your PIN numbers or Social Security card with you, and never give these numbers to another person.
• Don't use your mother's maiden name, your birth date or the last four digits of your Social Security number as a password for bank or credit card accounts. This information is too easy to obtain and can be used by thieves to access your accounts.
• Use a locked mailbox to prevent checks, credit card offers and other financial information from being stolen.
By following these tips and banking with a trusted financial institution such as SunState, you can help keep your information and your money safe. Everyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist or Levy County may join SunState, our community credit union. For more information about SunState membership, contact a member service representative at any branch, call 352-381-5200 or visit Sun-StateFCU.org for a membership application. SunState Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Member rules apply. G