Don’t Get Hooked by a Phishing Attack

If you have Internet access, you may be under attack–a phishing attack, that is. This high-tech scam involves three components:

Spoofing is creating a replica of an existing Web site.

Spamming is unsolicited, or “junk” e-mail.

Phishing is the act of using spoofing and spamming to lure unsuspecting victims, hoping to deceive you into disclosing your Social Security number, credit card and checking account numbers, passwords, or other sensitive information.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends the following tips to help you avoid getting hooked:
1. If you get a pop-up or e-mail message requesting personal or financial information, don’t reply or click on the link in the message. Legitimate companies won’t ask for this information.
2. Be cautious about opening attachments or downloading files from e-mail messages.
3. Never send personal information via e-mail. Look for a closed padlock at the bottom of your browser window, or a URL that begins with “https”–the “s” stands for secure. However, some phishers forge these security icons.
4. Review statements for accuracy as you receive them. If they’re late, call the company to confirm billing address and balance.
5. Use antivirus software and keep it up-to-date. Run a firewall, particularly if you have a broadband connection. Take advantage of free software “patches.”
6. Report suspicious activity to the FTC at http://www.ftc.gov, and forward suspicious messages to spam@uce.gov.

 

Please be advised, if you recently received the text below, Hopewell Federal Credit Union DID NOT send:

HOPEWELL F.C.U. ALERT:  Your CARD starting with 5510 has been DEACTIVATED.  Please call 614-XXX-XXXX. 

Remember, DO NOT provide any information.  This is a SCAM. Hopewell Federal will NEVER request your account information via text, phone or email. 

A Long, Cold Winter? Simple Energy Projects Can Save You a Bundle

With heating prices up, it’s time to consider saving energy with programmable thermostats, insulation, weatherstripping and upgrading windows and doors.

Programmable thermostat …Electronic thermostats that lower the temperature while you are in bed or away from home are the fastest, easiest way to save energy. In a cold climate, you can save about 5% for a 5° setback that lasts for eight hours. Most of these thermostats sell for less than $100, and they’re ultra-easy to install.

Insulation

Floor of unheated attic: Check recommended insulation levels, and lay new insulation at right angles to the old.

Basement or crawl space: Fasten foam or fiberglass panels to the walls and cover with drywall. Either glue panels to the wall or fasten them to furring strips.

Heating ducts: Insulate in unheated attic or basement by wrapping with fiberglass insulation.

Weatherstrip… Weatherstripping is a flexible sealer for the moving parts of windows and doors. Many new windows and doors require a specific type of weatherstrip, which you may locate in hardware stores or on the Web. The generic “V-strip” adapts to many doors and windows and can even be applied in cold weather. The weatherstrip at the threshold often needs replacement. If the door bottom is still leaky, add a door sweep to seal against the floor or threshold.

Caulking… Caulking seals exterior cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and vents. Scrape away old caulking and dirt, then squirt caulking into the crack.

Replace windows… Jamb kits are an easy way to update double-hung windows, with a product that can be installed and cleaned from the inside. You can install a jamb kit in less than an hour without touching the storm window, jambs, or casing molding. Order a kit to match the size of your window. Nail the vertical tracks inside the side jambs and insert the replacement sash.

Replace storm door… Battered storm doors are easy to replace on a standard-size door opening. A wooden door has better durability and will insulate better. Strip off the old door and follow directions while screwing the new one to the jambs, using a drill and other basic tools.

Copyright 2006 Credit Union National Association Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.

HOPEWELL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION’S FIRST EVER CAR SHOW GREAT SUCCESS

Proceeds to Be Donated to Ohio Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

 Hopewell Federal Credit Union recently held its first ever Car Show in Newark, Ohio.  The event held Saturday, July 30th, 2011 at its branch office on North 21^st Street benefited the Ohio Children’s Miracle Network.   Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a founding member of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of health care for children.  100% of funds raised in central Ohio through CMN benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  Hopewell Federal Credit Union’s Car Show event raised over $300 dollars for this worthy cause. 

The event, sponsored by This Week Licking County, Hasseman Marketing and Communications and Trinity Massage & Wellness Center LLC, was coordinated by Jim Matheny of Kar Shoz LLC and longtime Hopewell Federal Credit Union member John Wallace.   The event was host to sixty cars featuring a variety of years, makes and models.  The top winners for the day included:   

Employees Choice:  Tom Roberts of Newark, Ohio for his 1965 Ford Mustang

Directors Choice:  Graden Thomas of Frazeysburg, Ohio for his 1950 Ford Pick Up Truck

CEO Choice:  Jim Specziale of Pataskala, Ohio for his 1961 Corvette

DJ’s Choice:  Linda Kibler of Newark, Ohio for her 2005 Corvette

Attendees of the event enjoyed free admission, DJ music, 50/50 raffle and door prize drawings.  Food was available from The Grill on Twenty First Street with a portion of the food proceeds being donated back to Ohio Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.    “We were pleased that this first ever event was such a wonderful success.  The event was entertaining and provided an opportunity for community members to support a worthwhile cause.  We are hopeful that we can make this an annual event that continues to grow each year.”   Jim Johnson, President and CEO, reflected about the recent event.