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…

Be a Savvy Shopper This Holiday Season  

The holiday season is upon us, and the cheerful and festive atmosphere can be infectious! Between the lights, music, food, gifts, and spending time with loved ones, it can be the most joyful time of the year. It can also be the most expensive time of the year.   That’s why it’s more important than ever to check your list – and budget – twice! Even as prices continue to rise, there are still many ways to keep your spending in check and put huge smiles on the faces of friends and family.   In this article, we’ll help you become a…

November 27, 2024Wallet Wins No Comments
Be a Savvy Shopper This Holiday Season  

The holiday season is upon us, and the cheerful and festive atmosphere can be infectious! Between the lights, music, food, gifts, and spending time with loved ones, it can be the most joyful time of the year. It can also be the most expensive time of the year.   That’s why it’s more important than ever to check your list – and budget – twice! Even as prices continue to rise, there are still many ways to keep your spending in check and put huge smiles on the faces of friends and family.   In this article, we’ll help you become a…

Mortgage Closing Costs: A Guide for Homebuyers

Buying a home is one of the greatest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Aside from the sale price of the home, there are other expenses that many first-time homebuyers tend to overlook, such as moving costs and furnishing your new place. However, one of the most significant and misunderstood figures is mortgage closing costs.   In this article, we’ll break down mortgage closing costs, detail how much you can expect to pay, and provide ways you can save on this expense.      What Are Closing Costs?   Purchasing a home is a semi-complex process that involves a multitude of parties. Aside…

November 20, 2024Future Planning No Comments
Mortgage Closing Costs: A Guide for Homebuyers

Buying a home is one of the greatest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Aside from the sale price of the home, there are other expenses that many first-time homebuyers tend to overlook, such as moving costs and furnishing your new place. However, one of the most significant and misunderstood figures is mortgage closing costs.   In this article, we’ll break down mortgage closing costs, detail how much you can expect to pay, and provide ways you can save on this expense.      What Are Closing Costs?   Purchasing a home is a semi-complex process that involves a multitude of parties. Aside…

Credit Card Compromised? Here’s What to Do Next.

Imagine logging into your account to make your monthly credit card bill, and you come face-to-face with a slew of charges you did not make or authorize. Unfortunately, fraud happens. Despite top-of-the-line security on your accounts and the best identity practices, criminals still find a way.   Your first reaction to fraudulent credit card charges might be panic, fear, or anger. While emotional reactions are natural, it’s time to act logically and work toward solving the problem. Knowing the proper steps to take in the aftermath of credit card fraud can minimize damage and prevent future incidents.     Understanding Credit Card…

November 15, 2024Security Center No Comments
Credit Card Compromised? Here’s What to Do Next.

Imagine logging into your account to make your monthly credit card bill, and you come face-to-face with a slew of charges you did not make or authorize. Unfortunately, fraud happens. Despite top-of-the-line security on your accounts and the best identity practices, criminals still find a way.   Your first reaction to fraudulent credit card charges might be panic, fear, or anger. While emotional reactions are natural, it’s time to act logically and work toward solving the problem. Knowing the proper steps to take in the aftermath of credit card fraud can minimize damage and prevent future incidents.     Understanding Credit Card…

One-Minute Reads: Can Auto Loans Be Paid Off Early? 

Yes, in most cases, you can pay off a car loan early! Paying off your loan ahead of schedule can help you save on interest and free up your budget. However, it’s important to check your loan agreement for any prepayment penalties. Some lenders charge a fee for paying off a loan early, which could reduce or eliminate the savings you’d gain from paying it off faster. PEFCU does not charge a fee or a penalty for paying your auto loan off early.  If your loan doesn’t have prepayment penalties, making extra payments or paying more than the minimum can…

November 12, 2024One Minute Reads No Comments
One-Minute Reads: Can Auto Loans Be Paid Off Early? 

Yes, in most cases, you can pay off a car loan early! Paying off your loan ahead of schedule can help you save on interest and free up your budget. However, it’s important to check your loan agreement for any prepayment penalties. Some lenders charge a fee for paying off a loan early, which could reduce or eliminate the savings you’d gain from paying it off faster. PEFCU does not charge a fee or a penalty for paying your auto loan off early.  If your loan doesn’t have prepayment penalties, making extra payments or paying more than the minimum can…

One-Minute Reads: Are Credit Unions Nonprofit? 

Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations! Unlike banks, which aim to maximize profits for shareholders, credit unions exist to serve their members. Any earnings a credit union makes are returned to members in the form of better rates, lower fees, and enhanced services.  As member-owned institutions, credit unions are guided by their members’ best interests. Members have a say in how the credit union is run, typically by voting for a volunteer board of directors. This focus on people over profits is what sets credit unions apart.  Learn more about PEFCU here: https://www.pefcu.com/about/about-us/   

November 4, 2024One Minute Reads No Comments
One-Minute Reads: Are Credit Unions Nonprofit? 

Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations! Unlike banks, which aim to maximize profits for shareholders, credit unions exist to serve their members. Any earnings a credit union makes are returned to members in the form of better rates, lower fees, and enhanced services.  As member-owned institutions, credit unions are guided by their members’ best interests. Members have a say in how the credit union is run, typically by voting for a volunteer board of directors. This focus on people over profits is what sets credit unions apart.  Learn more about PEFCU here: https://www.pefcu.com/about/about-us/   

Fraud Alert: QR Code Scams

Many technological advancements are designed to simplify your life, providing an added layer of convenience to your everyday tasks. However, with new technology also comes the threat of exploitation by scammers. Unfortunately, this trend has stepped into the world of QR codes – stripping away protections once enjoyed by consumers.   QR codes are commonly used to share information quickly and easily with a simple snap of your phone’s camera. As businesses increasingly rely on this tool to communicate with their customers, criminals are stepping in to abuse these scenarios for their own gain.   In this article, we’ll highlight common QR…

October 29, 2024Security Center No Comments
Fraud Alert: QR Code Scams

Many technological advancements are designed to simplify your life, providing an added layer of convenience to your everyday tasks. However, with new technology also comes the threat of exploitation by scammers. Unfortunately, this trend has stepped into the world of QR codes – stripping away protections once enjoyed by consumers.   QR codes are commonly used to share information quickly and easily with a simple snap of your phone’s camera. As businesses increasingly rely on this tool to communicate with their customers, criminals are stepping in to abuse these scenarios for their own gain.   In this article, we’ll highlight common QR…

Your Ultimate Car Maintenance Checklist  

Most people don’t think of their car as a financial investment. It’s a means of transportation and part of your daily life. However, without proper maintenance and care, your vehicle could derail your finances with unexpected repair costs and more.   Most brand-new cars purchased today come with extensive warranties, and often include the first few years of maintenance. But what if you have a pre-owned or hand-me-down car that is an older model? Keeping your vehicle properly maintained is crucial to ensure your finances continue to run smoothly.  Here’s a guide that outlines standard vehicle performance checks. You can use…

October 25, 2024Future Planning No Comments
Your Ultimate Car Maintenance Checklist  

Most people don’t think of their car as a financial investment. It’s a means of transportation and part of your daily life. However, without proper maintenance and care, your vehicle could derail your finances with unexpected repair costs and more.   Most brand-new cars purchased today come with extensive warranties, and often include the first few years of maintenance. But what if you have a pre-owned or hand-me-down car that is an older model? Keeping your vehicle properly maintained is crucial to ensure your finances continue to run smoothly.  Here’s a guide that outlines standard vehicle performance checks. You can use…

One-Minute Read: Are Credit Union CDs Safe?

Credit unions call them “share certificates,” and yes, credit union share certificates are safe. Just like banks, credit unions insure their certificates. If your credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), your certificates are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per account type, making them just as secure as bank CDs insured by the FDIC.  In addition to safety, credit unions often offer higher interest rates on certificates than traditional banks. So, not only is your money protected, but you could also see better returns on your investment. Click here to see current PEFCU certificate…

October 24, 2024Future Planning, One Minute Reads No Comments
One-Minute Read: Are Credit Union CDs Safe?

Credit unions call them “share certificates,” and yes, credit union share certificates are safe. Just like banks, credit unions insure their certificates. If your credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), your certificates are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per account type, making them just as secure as bank CDs insured by the FDIC.  In addition to safety, credit unions often offer higher interest rates on certificates than traditional banks. So, not only is your money protected, but you could also see better returns on your investment. Click here to see current PEFCU certificate…

The Rise of Peer-to-Peer Payment Scams

With the advent of payment apps like CashApp, Venmo, and Zelle, sending and receiving money is now quicker and easier than ever. Whether splitting a dinner bill, sending a friend money for concert tickets, or handling your portion of rent and utilities, peer-to-peer payment apps provide convenient payment with just a few taps.   However, with convenience sometimes comes risk. A new scam is making the rounds targeting users of these peer-to-peer payment apps. This scam involves sending “accidental” payments to unsuspecting users. It may seem harmless at first glance, and you may even think, “What’s so bad about someone accidentally…

October 17, 2024Security Center 2 Comments
The Rise of Peer-to-Peer Payment Scams

With the advent of payment apps like CashApp, Venmo, and Zelle, sending and receiving money is now quicker and easier than ever. Whether splitting a dinner bill, sending a friend money for concert tickets, or handling your portion of rent and utilities, peer-to-peer payment apps provide convenient payment with just a few taps.   However, with convenience sometimes comes risk. A new scam is making the rounds targeting users of these peer-to-peer payment apps. This scam involves sending “accidental” payments to unsuspecting users. It may seem harmless at first glance, and you may even think, “What’s so bad about someone accidentally…