Technology Safety

Multi-Factor Authentication

Keep your account information safe.

Beacon Federal Credit Union supports multifactor authentication for online banking and mobile apps. 

Here’s how it works:

• Unique one-time passwords are required to register for online banking, login, and perform certain account maintenance or transactions. Members can receive these one-time passcodes via email, text, or voice call to the email and phone numbers on file with the Credit Union.

• Members also have the option to link an authenticator app to their Beacon account for even more protection.

• Utilize all four delivery options or only the option(s) you want. Performing certain account maintenance activities, like changing an email or phone number, will send an email letting you know the maintenance was performed.

Usernames and passwords should be kept confidential. Beacon Federal Credit Union will never ask you for your one-time passcodes. One-time passcodes expire after 5 minutes. You should never share your one-time passcode with anyone.

Online Security

How to stay safe online.

Online shopping is certainly convenient and a time saver. But it’s good to remain aware of online threats.

To help ensure the security of your online transactions, know that Beacon Federal Credit Union will never email, call or otherwise ask you for your username, password, or other electronic banking credentials.

Here are some other ways to protect yourself while shopping online:

• Make sure you choose an adequate username and password that, at a minimum, mixes in small case letters, upper case letters and numbers.
• Change your password periodically, such as every 90 days.
• Keep your username and password information away from others.
• Make sure you have a firewall in place when conducting financial transactions.
• Log off your computer when you’re done shopping.

Also, monitor your account activity on a regular basis and quickly report any errors or purchases you didn't make. See the Electronic Fund Transfer disclosures you received when you opened your Beacon 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

ID Protection

Protect your identity.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. Your personal information can include:

• Your name
• Social Security number
• Credit card number
• Other personal identifying information
• The use of your personal information can have a serious impact on your personal and financial life.
• Damaged credit record
• Loss of job opportunities
• Refused loans for education, housing or cars
• Large amount of time and money to clear your name and regain your identity
• Identity theft can happen to anyone. Identity thieves don't choose their victims based on age, sex or race. It is very easy to become a victim of identity theft if you:
• Don’t take precautions about providing others with your personal information.
• Are careless about using your ATM card or credit cards.
• Dispose of financial documents such as bank financial statements and receipts without shredding them.
• How to prevent identity theft

  • Sign up for eStatements 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.
  • Keep your personal information (PIN numbers, birth certificates, passports, financial statements, etc.) in a secure place.
  • Shred documents with personal information including credit card offers that come through the mail.
  • Protect your Social Security number.
  • Instead of receiving checks by mail at home, pick them up at the credit union.
  • Use a locked mailbox or Post Office box, since thieves can steal your check and information from an “open” mailbox.
  • Make sure others cannot see your keypad PIN entry at ATMs and at store checkouts.
  • Use electronic deposit for paychecks and other payments.
  • Keep a reference list of credit

  Detecting suspicious or unknown activity

  Remain aware of any suspicious or unusual account activity by routinely checking your account and billing statements. 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 listed below. Ask them to place a fraud alert on your accounts. Also, get a free copy of your credit report to check for fraudulent accounts 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 or 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. We’re able to provide assistance as well.

Debit Card Security Tips

Guard your debit card.

While debit cards and convenient, using one requires responsibility and diligence. To guard against someone stealing your card or account information, follow these helpful tips:

Keep your debit 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 its proper function.
• 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. We will issue another card to you.
• 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.

Security 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.