During the pandemic, we’re doing more online – working, connecting with family and friends, shopping, and banking. So, if something goes wrong with your device, you want to fix it right away. Scammers are preying on this, offering phony tech support services. Here’s what you should know about tech support scams.

How to spot tech support scams

Scammers take advantage of your reasonable concerns about viruses and other threats, but their real goal isn’t to protect your computer. Instead, they want to sell you useless services, steal your credit card number, or install malware, which lets them see everything on your computer.

How do you know if you’re being scammed? Here are three common scenarios:

Scenario #1: Unsolicited call from tech support

You get a call from someone who says he’s a computer technician. Maybe he claims to be from a well-known company. He says there are viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving him remote access to your computer or buying software you don’t need. He may ask you to pay by gift card or wire transfer.

Scenario #2: Unknown pop-up appears on your screen

A pop-up window appears on your computer screen with a message warning of a security issue on your computer and tells you to call a phone number to get help. The person who answers may pretend to run a diagnostic test and claim to identify more problems.

Scenario #3: Unsolicited email about a suspended account

You get an email saying your account has been suspended. In a recent twist, scammers are sending emails saying your Zoom account has been suspended or you missed a meeting. If you click on the link, it will install malware allowing the scammers to see what’s on your computer.

How to avoid tech support scams

Here are four tips to protect against tech support scams:

• Never give control of your computer to someone who contacts you out of the blue. Criminals can spoof phone numbers, so you can’t rely on Caller ID. Avoid giving anyone you don’t know access to your computer, or your credit card information.
• Don’t click links in unsolicited pop-ups or emails. If an unknown pop-up appears on your screen, avoid clicking on any links. The same is true for unsolicited emails. Instead, navigate to the company’s site by typing in their URL.
• Maintain your anti-virus software. Use trusted anti-virus security software and make sure to update it regularly.
• Recognize legitimate tech companies. Legitimate companies won’t contact you by phone, email or text message to say there’s a problem with your computer. Security pop-up warnings from real tech companies won’t ask you to call a phone number.

Act quickly if you’ve been scammed

If you’ve been scammed and you paid by credit or debit card, contact your credit card company or bank to ask them to stop the transaction. If you paid with a gift card, immediately contact the company that issued the card , and tell them you paid a scammer and ask if they can refund your money.

You should also report any tech support scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov .

For more information on fraud and scams, download the CFPB and FDIC’s Money Smart for Older Adults resource guide.

Article originally posted to the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) blog January 21, 2021. 

The new year is almost here and that means it’s time to think about resolutions for the year. After a year like 2020, financial resolutions are probably top of mind.

The beginning of the year is the prime time to focus on what’s going on with your money. With the right plan in place, you can stick to your financial resolutions and end the coming year in a better place than you started it.

To help you get started, here are 5 financial resolutions to set, along with expert tips on how to keep them.

1. Refinance your mortgage and/or your student loans

While the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on many parts of life this past year, it has also provided some opportunities. You can now secure record low mortgage rates, making this a prime time to refinance and lower your monthly payments.

As for student loan refinancing, federal student loans are in forbearance until Jan. 31, meaning interest is suspended and payments are not required. However, this does not apply to private student loans and you may want to consider refinancing these types of loans to lock in lower rates.

2. Pay down credit card debt

Consumer credit card debt dropped in 2020 for the first time in eight years. This data came as a bit of a surprise considering the pandemic-created recession, but it’s a hopeful sign that consumers are getting their debt under control.

If you have credit card debt, consider making it a goal to pay it off. AllCom Credit Union offers debt consolidation loans between $500 and $15,000 with the best rates possible. Learn more here.

3. Can’t stick to a budget? Create a spending plan instead

If you’ve had trouble sticking to your budget in the past, consider ditching the traditional budgeting method and create a spending plan instead.

A spending plan allows you to choose what you spend your money on instead of restricting yourself on what you can’t spend. Start by determining your monthly fixed income and then decide what spending categories are most important to you.

4. Automate your savings

One of the easiest ways to build your savings is automating your contributions.

When you automate your savings, you won’t have to think about how much money you want to set aside each month or be tempted to put less into savings.

5. Start an emergency fund

A Bankrate survey from June found that not having enough emergency savings was Americans’ top financial regret since the coronavirus began. Bottom line: Don’t overlook your emergency fund.

The new year is as good a time as any to start (or grow) your emergency fund. In general, experts recommend saving three to six months of living expenses. Start by opening a separate and dedicated high-yield savings account. After that, consider these four tips:

• Evaluate your spending and look for areas where you can save.
• Set a savings goal.
• Set up automatic contributions.
• Try to increase your contributions over time.

Once again we are moving towards another years’ end and the holiday season. For many, the year cannot end soon enough. Yet the holiday season gives us an opportunity to appreciate those things we have sacrificed this year as we look forward to 2021.

I am most grateful for the opportunity you have given AllCom to remain your trusted partner during these unprecedented times. My number one goal will continue to be to keep you and our staff safe while still being able to meet your financial needs as conveniently as possible.

While we are very excited to unveil the long awaited results of our facility renovations, to ensure everyone’s well-being, our branch lobby will remain closed until it is safe to re-open. We are confident that you will love our new look and that the updates will better serve your needs.

We will continue to communicate with you and look forward to guiding you  through life’s many stages. AllCom is committed to the communities we serve and will move the credit union forward by providing the best financial products and services designed to improve your financial lives.

From all of us at AllCom Credit Union, we wish you a healthy, warm and safe holiday season and New Year.

Debbie Guiney, President/CEO, AllCom Credit Union

The recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the United States is a serious reminder of the strength and longevity of this pandemic. 

Many people may have “covid fatigue” and miss living the lives we once did. We shouldn’t let our guard down or it may be much, much longer before we will be able to live those lives again. While communities have focused on avoiding large gatherings, which is appropriate, the spread of the infection in this second surge has been attributed to smaller, casual gatherings that are deceptively safe.

With the holidays upon us, it has never been more important to double down on our efforts to exercise good judgment with our behaviors. These behaviors may contribute to our ability as a community to limit the continued spread of coronavirus.

Be vigilant in your actions by doing the following for the foreseeable future:

• Wear a mask
• Wash your hands, frequently
• Keep physical distances
• Avoid social gatherings of those outside your immediate household
• Stay home when you are sick

Still mailing your deposits to the credit union? Is remote work and COVID making travel to the branch more difficult?

With the AllCom Credit Union mobile banking app, you can quickly and securely deposit a check from anywhere in the world directly to your AllCom account. Using the same credentials as online banking, log into the app and click “Mobile Deposit”. Choose your desired account, enter the individu­al check amount and take a photo of the front and back. Be sure to sign the back and write “For Mobile Deposit at AllCom CU”. Submit the deposit.

Funds are normally received in two business days, faster than the postal mail and more secure because your personal details never leave your side.

Have a large deposit above the typical mobile deposit limits or need assistance with mobile banking or mobile deposit? Simply contact us at 888.754.9980 during regular business hours and one of our Member Service Representatives will gladly assist you.

Learn more about mobile deposit and mobile banking.

“We remain committed to providing a level of service not commonly found today, never losing sight of our roots and the fact that the Credit Union is owned by its members.

This ideal, which is the foundation on which we were built almost 100 years ago, guides us every step of the way. We are stronger than ever and prepared for the future.”

Debbie C. Guiney
President & CEO

1.Our Members are Our Most Important Asset
• All Members share ownership in AIICom Credit Union.
• We work to serve you and your needs, not those of stockholders.

2. We Value Your Business
• We realize that membership in a credit union is a choice.
• We promise to show our appreciation when you visit our branch,
contact us by phone, visit our website or email us.

3. Every Dollar of Your Deposits is 100% Insured
• Federal NCUA insurance provides up to $250,000 of coverage.
• Funds in excess of $250,000 are fully insured by MSIC.

4. Confidence in Our Legacy of Safety & Security
• Since 1922, we’ve been a trusted financial resource.
• President & CEO Debbie Guiney has served our members for more than 40 years. Many other employees have been with AllCom for
over 20 years.

5. We are Committed to the Central Massachusetts
Community
• All those who live, work or attend school here* are welcome.
• New members are vital to our institution and we welcome your
referrals.

6. We Offer a Superior Level of Service
• Employees know you by name when you visit the branch.
• Your call is always important. REAL people answer our telephones.

7. Our Deposit & Loan Products are Competitively Priced
• We shop the competition regularly; comparing their rates to ours.
• Special offers give our members the opportunity to save and earn
more money.

8. Your Loan Application is Given Priority
• Decisions on auto loans and other consumer loans can be provided
in as little as 15 minutes – apply in person, online or over the phone.
• Can’t make it to the branch? We can come to you to close your loan.
• Qualified borrowers may be eligible for electronic loan closings.

9. We are Making AllCom More Convenient for Members
• CO-OP Shared Branching gives members access to more than 5,600
credit union branches nationwide.
• SUM & CO-OP ATM networks give members access to thousands of
surcharge-free ATMs with more added each day.
• Online and mobile banking with deposit capture is available to all
members.

10. We Want to be Your First Choice for Mortgage Lending
• A wide choice of rates, terms and products are available to fit your
borrowing needs.
• Programs include home mortgages, home equity loans, FHA/VA
mortgages and more.

We’d love to meet your friends and family!
Your friends and family can earn you money.
Visit allcomcu.org for more information.