One-Minute Reads: Don’t Get Caught in a Hurricane Scam

After a hurricane, scammers are quick to take advantage of people who are stressed, distracted, or in need of help. Stay alert and protect yourself from these common hurricane-related scams:  Fake FEMA or Utility Calls Scammers may pose as government agencies or utility companies, asking for personal information or payment. Remember: FEMA will never ask for money to apply for assistance. Bogus Contractors If someone offers quick repairs for cash or shows up without credentials, be wary. Only work with licensed, insured contractors—ideally those recommended by someone you trust. Phony Charities Scammers often pose as disaster relief charities. Before you…

April 25, 2025One Minute Reads, Security Center No Comments
One-Minute Reads: Don’t Get Caught in a Hurricane Scam

After a hurricane, scammers are quick to take advantage of people who are stressed, distracted, or in need of help. Stay alert and protect yourself from these common hurricane-related scams:  Fake FEMA or Utility Calls Scammers may pose as government agencies or utility companies, asking for personal information or payment. Remember: FEMA will never ask for money to apply for assistance. Bogus Contractors If someone offers quick repairs for cash or shows up without credentials, be wary. Only work with licensed, insured contractors—ideally those recommended by someone you trust. Phony Charities Scammers often pose as disaster relief charities. Before you…

PEFCU Gives Back to the Planet and the Community

At Publix Employees Federal Credit Union, we believe that giving back to our planet is just as important as giving back to our members and communities. Every year on April 22, people around the globe come together to celebrate Earth Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about environmental protection and inspiring actions that make a difference. At PEFCU, the environment is one of our three main community pillars, and this Earth Day, we took action! This year, PEFCU marked Earth Day by partnering with Keep Polk County Beautiful for a park clean-up, a hands-on initiative that brought team members together for the day. Associates from different departments within…

April 22, 2025Community Engagement, We Are PEFCU No Comments
PEFCU Gives Back to the Planet and the Community

At Publix Employees Federal Credit Union, we believe that giving back to our planet is just as important as giving back to our members and communities. Every year on April 22, people around the globe come together to celebrate Earth Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about environmental protection and inspiring actions that make a difference. At PEFCU, the environment is one of our three main community pillars, and this Earth Day, we took action! This year, PEFCU marked Earth Day by partnering with Keep Polk County Beautiful for a park clean-up, a hands-on initiative that brought team members together for the day. Associates from different departments within…

Tips to Maximize Your Tax Refund

With tax season upon us, taxpayers are looking for ways to maximize their potential refund checks. While this time of the year can often feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to reclaim your hard-earned money. Whether you’re filing for the first time or looking to optimize your return, understanding key deductions, credits, and strategies can make a significant difference.   In this article, we’ll walk you through practical tips to help you maximize your tax refund, reduce your taxable income, and take advantage of every dollar you’re entitled to. Get ready to file with confidence and make the most of this…

March 24, 2025Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
Tips to Maximize Your Tax Refund

With tax season upon us, taxpayers are looking for ways to maximize their potential refund checks. While this time of the year can often feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to reclaim your hard-earned money. Whether you’re filing for the first time or looking to optimize your return, understanding key deductions, credits, and strategies can make a significant difference.   In this article, we’ll walk you through practical tips to help you maximize your tax refund, reduce your taxable income, and take advantage of every dollar you’re entitled to. Get ready to file with confidence and make the most of this…

Staying Scam-Savvy: Fraud Risks Gen-Z Should Watch Out For

As digital natives, Gen Z spends much of their time online—scrolling through social media, shopping, or simply staying connected. While the internet offers plenty of opportunities, it also comes with risks. Fraudsters are becoming more creative, targeting young users in new and sophisticated ways. Here are some of the most common types of fraud that Gen Z should be aware of:  1. Social Media Scams  Fraudsters often use social media platforms to spread scams, like fake giveaways or fraudulent investment opportunities. If a post claims you can double your money instantly or win high-value prizes just by sharing personal information—it’s…

February 26, 2025Security Center No Comments
Staying Scam-Savvy: Fraud Risks Gen-Z Should Watch Out For

As digital natives, Gen Z spends much of their time online—scrolling through social media, shopping, or simply staying connected. While the internet offers plenty of opportunities, it also comes with risks. Fraudsters are becoming more creative, targeting young users in new and sophisticated ways. Here are some of the most common types of fraud that Gen Z should be aware of:  1. Social Media Scams  Fraudsters often use social media platforms to spread scams, like fake giveaways or fraudulent investment opportunities. If a post claims you can double your money instantly or win high-value prizes just by sharing personal information—it’s…

Crafting Financial Goals for the New Year & Beyond

New Year’s Day marks one of the most popular moments when it comes to setting goals. Resolutions allow you to start the year off with personal improvement on your mind, giving you something to strive for in the months ahead.  One of the most popular goals people set is improving their financial situation. The challenge with financial goals is that they are usually longer term, meaning it’s often difficult to stay motivated when the prize is so far away.   In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to break longer-term goals into bite-size pieces to significantly improve your odds of…

December 18, 2024Future Planning No Comments
Crafting Financial Goals for the New Year & Beyond

New Year’s Day marks one of the most popular moments when it comes to setting goals. Resolutions allow you to start the year off with personal improvement on your mind, giving you something to strive for in the months ahead.  One of the most popular goals people set is improving their financial situation. The challenge with financial goals is that they are usually longer term, meaning it’s often difficult to stay motivated when the prize is so far away.   In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to break longer-term goals into bite-size pieces to significantly improve your odds of…

Employment Scams: How to Identify Them & Stay Safe

As technology continues to grow and evolve, more and more of our lives move online. This trend also extends to our jobs, especially when it comes to searching for and applying for work. Unfortunately, this shift can lead to eager employment seekers unknowingly becoming targets of scams.   With the rise of online job searches and applications, there has also been a substantial increase in employment scams. Understanding how to spot these scams and knowing the steps you can take to prevent falling into fraudsters’ traps is essential.   Understanding Job Scams  A recent surge in employment scams has been circulating on…

December 2, 2024Security Center No Comments
Employment Scams: How to Identify Them & Stay Safe

As technology continues to grow and evolve, more and more of our lives move online. This trend also extends to our jobs, especially when it comes to searching for and applying for work. Unfortunately, this shift can lead to eager employment seekers unknowingly becoming targets of scams.   With the rise of online job searches and applications, there has also been a substantial increase in employment scams. Understanding how to spot these scams and knowing the steps you can take to prevent falling into fraudsters’ traps is essential.   Understanding Job Scams  A recent surge in employment scams has been circulating on…

Summertime Scams are Coming in Hot

Temperatures are rising, and summer fun is here. But that’s not the only thing heating up. Scammers know that vacation season places people in unfamiliar locations, has them looking for ways to save money, and more – providing ample opportunities to enrich themselves.  Amid the excitement of your summer plans, don’t forget to stay vigilant about protecting yourself and your finances. Whether you’re globetrotting this summer, coming home from college to work and relax, or planning an epic staycation, here’s a glimpse at some of the more common summertime scams – and ways to keep you and your money safe. …

July 1, 2024Security Center No Comments
Summertime Scams are Coming in Hot

Temperatures are rising, and summer fun is here. But that’s not the only thing heating up. Scammers know that vacation season places people in unfamiliar locations, has them looking for ways to save money, and more – providing ample opportunities to enrich themselves.  Amid the excitement of your summer plans, don’t forget to stay vigilant about protecting yourself and your finances. Whether you’re globetrotting this summer, coming home from college to work and relax, or planning an epic staycation, here’s a glimpse at some of the more common summertime scams – and ways to keep you and your money safe. …

Financial Tips to Prep for College

Going off to college is both exciting and intimidating. You’ll likely be on your own for the first time, facing new responsibilities and freedoms, meeting new people, and enjoying new experiences.   As you’re taking steps to prepare for college and making lists of everything you need to do to get ready, don’t forget to add a few money-saving checkboxes to your list. Here are some tips to help you cut down on costs and keep up with your finances while attending college.   Explore Available Student Discounts   Never overlook the money-saving potential of student discounts. Many local and chain businesses offer…

June 21, 2024Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
Financial Tips to Prep for College

Going off to college is both exciting and intimidating. You’ll likely be on your own for the first time, facing new responsibilities and freedoms, meeting new people, and enjoying new experiences.   As you’re taking steps to prepare for college and making lists of everything you need to do to get ready, don’t forget to add a few money-saving checkboxes to your list. Here are some tips to help you cut down on costs and keep up with your finances while attending college.   Explore Available Student Discounts   Never overlook the money-saving potential of student discounts. Many local and chain businesses offer…

Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing: How to Protect Yourself

In today’s digital age, where everything from shopping to banking is done online, the threat of scams looms larger than ever. Imagine receiving an email, a text message, or even a phone call that seems legitimate, only to realize later that it was a trap set by cybercriminals. These tactics, known as phishing, smishing, and vishing, are more than just annoyances – they’re sophisticated schemes designed to steal your personal information and drain your financial accounts.   In this article, we’ll dive into the world of these deceptive practices, unravel their intricacies, and equip you with the knowledge you need to…

May 22, 2024Security Center No Comments
Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing: How to Protect Yourself

In today’s digital age, where everything from shopping to banking is done online, the threat of scams looms larger than ever. Imagine receiving an email, a text message, or even a phone call that seems legitimate, only to realize later that it was a trap set by cybercriminals. These tactics, known as phishing, smishing, and vishing, are more than just annoyances – they’re sophisticated schemes designed to steal your personal information and drain your financial accounts.   In this article, we’ll dive into the world of these deceptive practices, unravel their intricacies, and equip you with the knowledge you need to…