E-Services

Online shopping is certainly convenient, but be aware of potential threats to the security of your account. Know that Beacon FCU will never email, call or otherwise ask for your username, password, or other electronic banking credentials.

Other tips to consider when shopping online:

• Be sure to choose an adequate username and password that, at a minimum, uses small case letters, uppercase letters and numerals.
• Periodically change your password. We recommend changing it every 90 days.
• Keep your username and password away from others.
• Ensure that you have a firewall in place when conducting financial transactions.
• Logoff your computer after you’ve finished shopping.

Also, monitor your account activity regularly and quickly report and errors or unauthorized purchases. See the Electronic Fund Transfer disclosures that you received when you opened your Beacon FCU account to learn more about federal regulations that protect you.

If you become aware of suspicious account activity, you should immediately contact the authorities and Beacon Federal Credit Union at 281-471-1782.

It’s easy to add an extra layer of protection to ensure your Beacon accounts remain secure.

To prohibit online attackers from impersonating you and accessing your accounts, Beacon FCU has created a login process with enhanced security measures. To log into Online Banking, members now need to enter their Member Number and Random Security Code.

Here’s how our Multi-Factor Authentication works:

1. The first time you log in, you’ll be asked to enter five challenge questions and corresponding answers, as well as a Security Key Image.
2. During subsequent logins, you may be asked to answer a challenge question and verify the Security Key Image that you select.

This system provides peace of mind for members when using Online Banking.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information—such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other personal identifying information—to commit fraud or other crimes.

Identity theft can result in a damaged credit record; loss of job opportunities; refused loans for education, housing or vehicles; and a large amount of time spent to clear you name and regain your identity.

Identity thieves don’t choose their victims based on age sex or race.

Best practices for identity theft protection:

• Sign up for E-Statements to reduce mail fraud.
• Learn about Online Banking and Multi-Factor Authentication.
• Don’t give out personal information when asked over the phone or through email.
• Protect your personal information (PIN numbers, birth certificates, passports, financial statements, etc.) in a secure place at home.
• Shred documents with personal information including credit card offers that come through the mail.
• Protect your Social Security number.
• Instead of having checks mailed to your home, pick them up at the credit union.
• Mail bills from locked mailbox or Post Office as your check and information can be stolen from an “open” mailbox.
• Be on the lookout for those peaking over your shoulder when entering your PIN at ATMs and store checkouts.
• Use electronic deposit for paychecks, and other payments.
• In a safe place, keep a list of credit/share draft account numbers, expiration dates, and phone numbers to report identity theft.

Detecting Suspicious or Unknown Activity:

Be alert to protect yourself from identity theft. By routinely checking your account and billing statements, you can be aware of any suspicious or unusual activity. Here are a few examples of suspicious activity:

• You notice fraudulent charges on your monthly credit card or financial statements.
• You don’t receive your statements as usual or any mail for several days.
• You begin receiving bills from unknown companies you did not open accounts with.
• Credit collection agencies call regarding debts you do not have.

What to Do if You become a Victim:

If you believe you have become a victim of identity theft, it's important to act quickly.

First, contact the fraud department from one of the three credit bureaus. Ask them to place a fraud alert on your accounts. Also, get a free copy of your credit report to see if and how many fraudulent accounts were opened in your name. If you see any, close them immediately.

Experian
Order Report: 888-397-3742
Fraud Unit: 888-397-3742

TransUnion
Order Report: 800-888-4213
Fraud Unit: 800-680-7289

Equifax
Order Report: 800-685-1111
Fraud Unit: 800-525-6285

Next, file a police report and get a copy of the report for your records. This will help you get information from the creditors about the fraudulent accounts.

From there, close all the accounts opened or used fraudulently by contacting the company’s fraud department. Follow up in writing and send copies of the documents that support your claim, including the police report. Remember to send copies of the documents, not originals.

Once you have resolved a disputed charge, ask for a letter stating that the matter has been closed. Remember to keep all copies and originals of your documents and correspondence with companies where accounts were opened or used fraudulently.

Finally, file a complaint online with the FTC by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT. This will help law enforcement officials across the country with their investigations. In addition, the FTC provides counselors to help you through this difficult time.

You may also call Beacon FCU at 281-471-1782 or 800-868-6939 because we are here to help, too.

To guard against theft of your card or account information, follow these tips:

Keep your card secure

• Treat your debit card like cash. Always keep your card in a safe place. It’s a good idea to store your card in a card sleeve. The sleeve protects the card’s magnetic stripe and helps ensure the card functions properly.
• Keep your “secret code” a secret. Your debit card will only work with your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Memorize your code. Never write it on your card or keep it with your card. Never tell your code to anyone. And never let someone else enter your code for you.
• Take your ATM receipt with you. Do not leave it at or near the ATM.
• Do not give out any information about your debit card over the phone. No one needs to know your PIN; not even your financial institution.
• Report a lost or stolen debit/credit card at once by calling Beacon FCU at 281-471-1782 or 800-868-6939. After hours, call 1-800-442-4757. Acting quickly reduces the chances your card will be used improperly. You will be issued another card.
• Check your receipts against your monthly statement to guard against ATM fraud. You get a receipt every time you make an ATM transaction. Verify each transaction by checking the receipts against your monthly account statements.

Remain secure at walk-up ATMs

• Always observe your surroundings before conducting an ATM transaction. If you are driving to an ATM, park as close as possible to the terminal. Observe the entire area from the safety of your car before getting out. If you see anyone that appears to be suspicious, leave the area at once.
• If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another ATM. Report the problem to the financial institution that operates the ATM.
• When possible, take a companion along when using an ATM, especially at night.
• Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your card out and ready to use. If the ATM is in use, give the person using the terminal the same privacy you expect. Allow them to move away from the ATM before you approach the terminal.
• Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting to use the terminal so that others cannot see your PIN or transaction amount. Once you have completed your transaction, take your money, card, and receipt, and immediately move away from the terminal.
• If you see anyone or anything suspicious while conducting a transaction, cancel your transaction and leave immediately.
• If anyone follows you after making an ATM transaction, go immediately to a crowded, well-lit area, and call the police.