When I was selected as CEO I knew I was taking on a wide range of duties and responsibilities but I did not know how much of my time and attention would be focused on fraud and data security.  Each news story about fraud, hacking and data breaches increases the amount of time, effort and money the credit union must spend protecting member data.  

We want you to know we take fraud and data security very seriously.  As the frequency and variety of attacks on member data increase, we have to tighten security around our products and services.  We walk a fine line between trying to provide unhindered access to your account and maintaining the security of your information. We often have to place limits on many of your digital transactions such as daily debit card usage, mobile check deposit, bill pay and interbank transfers.  Although the limits don’t impact the vast majority of our members we sometimes end up limiting your ability to perform a valid transaction and for that, we apologize.  We understand sometimes the controls can be cumbersome.  We hope you agree the protections are worth the occasional inconvenience, but if you find our controls to be too restrictive give us a call.  We have the ability to modify many of the controls and, after reviewing your past activity, we can customize them to your situation.  As hard as we try, we cannot always see how these controls impact your credit union experience.  Your input is valuable and influences how we manage the cybersecurity risk. 
 
In addition to all Advantage Financial does to keep your account safe there are a number of things you can do to help:
 
1. Protect your debit and credit cards
2. Do not disclose your PIN or password.
3. Take advantage of the data security technology 
 
For instance, you can set up and receive alerts, via text and/or email for your Advantage Financial Visa Debit and Visa Credit Cards through Visa Purchase Alerts (https://purchasealerts.visa.com/vca-web/check). 
 
In addition, to purchase alerts, whenever we suspect a fraudulent debit or credit card transaction we try to contact you via telephone.  We have found a lot of people don’t answer the phone when they don’t recognize the number so in the next few weeks we will be expanding this notification service by adding text alerts to your debit card. To participate, you need to enroll so watch your email so you know when this feature is available.
 
In addition to alerts, the Advantage Financial mobile app gives you the ability to turn your debit card ON and OFF through the Card Controls function.  When the card is turned OFF, no one can use the card, even if they have the actual card and the PIN.  We have a similar tool for our Visa credit cards through the SecurLock Equip mobile app.  Both apps are available wherever you download your apps. 
 
In order to keep pace with the world, we continue to expand our digital footprint with the recent addition of text messaging capabilities and we are currently searching for a solution that will enable membership applications to be submitted completely online. 
 
Even with all of these digital options, we love when you visit our branches.  We understand the day will come when the branch is no longer a convenient option for you so we hope you will take advantage of our online and mobile technology so you can enjoy the convenience and benefits of your credit union membership long after you have retired or moved far from your local branch.  Advantage Financial can continue as your credit union for as long as you need us, even if it is no longer convenient to stop by.   
 
We truly appreciate your membership, your support, and your feedback. We hope you will continue to allow us to serve you.
 
Don Johnson
President/CEO