Safety & Security

• Use passwords that have at least eight characters.
• Use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. This will create a much stronger password. For example, [email protected] is a better alternative than TIMCHICAGO. However, it is important to create a password that you can still remember without having to write it down.
• Another clever trick you can use to create a strong, yet still memorable password is to think of a phrase or a poem and convert the first letters of each word in the phrase into your password. For example, "How much wood could a woodchuck chuck" would become [email protected]
• Using common data such as your name, family member's names, hometown, your birth date or any word that can be found in the dictionary make your password less secure (hackers often have programs that will try every word in the dictionary in order to crack your password).
• Using the same ID/password combination for several different accounts means that if one of your combinations is stolen, all of your accounts are at risk. For instance, if someone steals your password for your online photo site, they will be then able to access your online accounts. Try to use different combinations for your various online accounts.
• Never share your passwords with anyone.
• Be sure to "logout" of online sites when you are finished conducting your business. Don't just close the browser or "X" out of the page.

Hold on to it!
When you are in a public area, don't set your phone down or leave it exposed in an open bag. It only takes a second for a thief to walk off with your little lockbox of personal information. If a stranger asks to borrow your cell phone, offer to help them find a public phone they can use instead.

Lock it up
Whether it's with a password or a thumbprint, using a unique entry requirement will make it difficult or impossible for anyone else to enter your phone's data. It might be an inconvenience now, but if you lose your phone or have it stolen, you'll be glad to know the person who has your phone doesn't also have free reign over your sensitive data. Make your password tough to guess for even someone who knows you well.

Slow down a bit
When you're pinballing around between apps, the internet, your text messages and any number of other items, there's a tendency to click without a lot of thought. But like with your other computers, it's important to be very careful about the links you click on. If you don't recognize the sender of a link in a text message or email, or even if you aren't 100% sure about the origin of a link, you're better off leaving it alone.

Use extra security
While you're loading up on games, tools and other cool apps, be sure to also get yourself some security software designed for smart phones. On top of that, check regularly for updates that will keep you ahead of the criminals trying to pry into your phone. Remember though that you should always check to make sure anything you download to your phone is from a trusted source and has been reviewed for problems by other users.

Be network careful
If you're tech savvy, you may know that you can potentially save money by using a public wi-fi network when it's available instead of your phone's data service. However, it's best to avoid using these networks when you plan to access sensitive information of any kind.

Mind what's in your phone
With smartphones likely becoming more and more inextricably intertwined into your life, it may seem like it makes sense to keep your account numbers, passwords and other hard-to-remember information in a notepad document on your phone for easy access. But you should consider this only as safe as having the same information on a piece of paper loose in your pocket; it could very easily end up somewhere you don't want it to be.

Clean it up before you turn it in
When you trade in an old phone, use a "wipe" app and reset your device to the factory default settings to avoid sending a treasure chest of your data out into the world. Also check to see what kind of precautions phone recyclers use to prevent stolen information.

In case it is stolen
You may at some point find your phone gone despite all your best efforts to keep it in your possession. But it doesn't have to stay missing. If you download a "Find My Phone" app ahead of time, you can use this handy tool to figure out where your phone has found its way to. In a similar vein, an erase app installed before your phone absconds can remotely wipe the data from your phone before it falls into the wrong hands. No matter what precautionary measures you have taken, though, you need to contact your wireless provider immediately if you lose your phone.

Information security for your smartphone isn't that different from keeping your other repositories of data safe. By taking a few basic steps now, you can save yourself some major problems later on.

To protect your account, we monitor your ATM and debit card transactions for potentially fraudulent activity which may include a sudden change in locale (such as when a U.S. issued card is used unexpectedly overseas), a sudden string of costly purchases, or any pattern associated with new fraud trends around the world.

If we suspect fraudulent ATM or debit card use, we will call you to validate the legitimacy of your transactions. Your participation in responding to our call is critical to prevent potential risk and avoid restrictions we may place on the use of your card.

• Our automated call will ask you to verify recent transaction activity on your card.
• You'll be able to respond via your touchtone keypad.
• You'll also be provided with a toll-free number to call should you have additional questions.

So that we may notify you as quickly as possible, it is important that EFCU has your cell phone number and accurate email address. Call 850.862.0111 x1402 or update your Contact Information electronically inside of Home Branch.

In the meantime, please be diligent in monitoring transaction activity on your account and contact us immediately if you identify any fraudulent transactions.

Here are some additional tips on protecting yourself from debit card fraud:

• Be Proactive with Alerts: In Home Branch under 'eServices', you have a choice of 29 alerts to help monitor your account activity.
• Unless absolutely required for a legitimate business purpose, avoid giving out your:
  
  • Address and ZIP code
  • Phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Card or account number
  • Card expiration date
  Your PIN is private; never give it out.
• In stores and at ATMs, always cover your card and PIN, and watch for:
  
  • Cell phone cameras, mirrors, or other tools used to view cards and PINs
  • People watching your transactions
  • Cashiers taking your card out of sight; take it to the register yourself
  • Any unusual activity at ATMs; if you feel uncomfortable, go to another ATM
• Online, you should never respond to unsolicited emails that:
  
  • Ask you to verify your card PIN or account number; such emails are not sent by legitimate businesses
  • Link to websites; such sites can look legitimate but may collect data or put spyware on your computer

For added security, please make sure we have your cell number on file and that it is current.

In order for us to provide you with the best service and security possible and to prevent interruption to services related to your account, it is important that you provide us with a cell number and keep your contact information updated.

Please take the time to add a cell number to your account. To do so:

1. Log in to Home Branch or the EFCU Mobile App.
2. Select "Contact Information" under the "My Profile" tab.
3. In the field labeled "Cell Phone" add your 10-digit cell phone number. (note: please do not add your cell phone number to the "Home Phone" field.)
4. Once you have added your cell number, be sure to click "submit" at the bottom of the "Contact Information" page.

Why is this important?
We're glad you asked! There are several new security features we intend to roll out very soon.

We will be implementing text authentication as a new security feature to Home Branch/Mobile which will require a cell phone number on file. We will also be implementing text fraud alerts for members with an EFCU credit card. Both of these features are designed to better protect you and your finances but will not work without a cell number on file. We will provide more information on both of these features as we approach their launch dates.

Even if you are not interested in these new features, it is always in your best interest to maintain your current contact information with any financial institution you have an account with.

* APR = Annual Percentage Rate. There is a range of rates for each loan type. The rate received will be determined by an evaluation of the applicant's credit. The above rates are current as of Sunday, March 29, 2020 and are subject to change

1. Requires EFCU Membership.
2. Requires an EFCU checking account and a Home Branch password.
3. Bill Payer is free with an EFCU checking account and a minimum of 3 completed transactions each month.
4. When you have less than 3 completed transactions each month a $5 fee applies.
5. You can schedule payments up to a year in advance.
6. No maximum limit to number of payments scheduled.
7. Payments may be added or changed at your convenience.
8. You may enroll in eBill to receive your bill summary from eligible payees electronically to your Bill Payer Account. eBill will notify you when a bill is available to review. eBill stores up to 84 months of eBill history.

EFCU's Routing & Transit Number for Direct Deposit or any other electronic transfer of funds is 263178070.