Pryor Oklahoma Archives - Red Crown Credit Union

Account Takeover

Posted on January 14, 2022January 19, 2022

Have you ever experienced fraud or identity theft? If you haven’t, consider yourself lucky! Security.org says that banking accounts are the second most common type of personal accounts to be taken over, comprising 32 percent. Criminals have become more and more clever in how they get your information.

Below is a story of how a Red Crown member was almost a victim of an account takeover:

A member was contacted by a scammer claiming to be an online shopping representative saying there was an issue with her account. She gave the representative access to her computer to fix the problem. The scammer logged into her online banking and made her account look like it had more money in it, then asked her to send money back to them.

The member became suspicious and called Red Crown about her account. After listening to the member and reviewing her account, we believed that this was a scam. We suggested that she turn off her computer and disconnect from the internet. Luckily, she called us before sending money and did not fall victim to this scam. When something seems off about your account, contact your financial institution immediately.

Throughout this blog, we will be informing you on different types of account takeovers, criminal techniques, and prevention methods.

Type of Account Takeovers

Criminals can take over many types of accounts. Below are a few examples of different types of account takeovers.

Financials: They can take over your credit card, checking, or savings account.
Travel: They can use your frequent flyer miles.
Government Benefits: They can use your information to get money back or steal your incoming checks.
Insurance: They can use your information to get money from you and the insurance company.
Cell Phone Contracts: They can take control of wireless phone contracts, calling people and receiving calls and texts on your dime.

Criminal Techniques

Card cracking happens when someone responds to a solicitation for money through the internet. The scammer will get their account information to make purchases or withdrawals on their account. People who fall victim to card cracking will give scammers their debit card information, PIN, and online banking credentials.

Tip: Criminals are targeting people through social media platforms. They typically target college students, newly enlisted military, and single parents. Do not give your personal information through social media.

Hackers can figure out your password by using a computer program. The program will try different password combinations till it finds the correct one.

Tip: Make sure your password is strong by using more than eight characters, add a special character, use a different password for different accounts, and do not use a common password. On some accounts, you can use multifactor authentication or a face identifier. Doing this will provide extra security on your account.

Email phishing scams are when criminals send you an email that looks official in an attempt to get your data. The email will entice you to open a link or click an attachment that can cause harm to your computer. They may also ask for your data, such as credit card information, SSN, and online banking information.

Tip: When you first receive an email, check the domain for that company. You can hover over the email address and if it looks off, research it. Remember, do not open attachments from unknown sources.

Common Prevention Steps

Credit Report: Look at your report regularly.
Financial Statement: Always check your statement to see if you recognize the transaction.
Alerts: Set up alerts on your account.
Identity Theft Protection Program: Sign up for a program to help monitor your personal information and help detect any potential fraud.

Conclusion

Follow these tips to help decrease your chances of an account takeover. If you have fallen victim to identity theft, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/ or by phone at 1-877-438-4338. You should follow their recommended steps to make a recovery plan.

*Red Crown Credit Union is not a financial planner or advisor, and this blog gives general ideas on how to prevent identity theft. Individual results may vary.

6 Tips to Save Money While on Vacation

Posted on June 10, 2021June 10, 2021

It is safe to say we are all ready for a vacation! You might be dreaming of going to the beach, seeing a new city, or having a staycation. Whatever your dream vacation might be, we have six tips that will help you save money before and during this getaway.

Tip #1: Saving Early

Saving money might seem like a no-brainer, but people tend to forget. Start by opening a savings account. Next decide how much you can save on a regular basis and set up automatic transfers to your savings account. Finally, stay motived/excited by naming the savings account with the name of the vacation you’re going on.

Tip #2: Set a Budget

Creating a budget is based on an educated estimate – research is key. Start by researching flights, transportation, accommodations, food, and activities. The type of questions you should ask are:

How many times are you going to eat out?
What activities are on the top of your list?
Will you be shopping?
What area would you like to stay in?

These are basic questions to keep in mind when creating/researching a budget. Within each category, you can break down the expense more to help you create an overall and daily budget. Once a budget is final, you may want to add a little more cushion to the dollar amount to help you with any unforeseen expenses.

Tip #3: Flights

Flights can be expensive, but there are ways to make sure you do not overpay. First, plan your trip early. Depending on where you are going and what time, purchasing tickets in advance will help make them cheaper. Another factor to consider is that prices can be higher on certain days of the week or during tourism season. Be flexible with dates to avoid this. Second, look at different airlines and sites to help find the cheapest flight.

Tip #4: Accommodations

Finding a place to stay can be overwhelming. You do not want to overpay, but you want to be comfortable. An easy way to save money is by getting a hotel with just the basics or try renting an Airbnb.

Hotel

Before booking a hotel, you will want to search for the best deals. It can be as simple as typing the hotel name into Google or using a site to compare prices. Please note, some sites may not include extra hotel expenses, so make sure you research.

Airbnb

One great thing about Airbnb is that it can be an inexpensive alternative to a hotel. It works well when you are traveling with friends or family because you can split the price. When searching for an Airbnb, make sure you are close to the activities you want to do to save money on transportation.

Another accommodation tip is to find a place that has a kitchen or an area to keep food. This will help cut down your food expense by not eating out so much.

Tip #5: Food

Food can be one of the best parts of traveling, but it can be expensive too. To save some money, limit the number of times you eat out. Go to the local grocery store and pick up snacks or items for breakfast or lunch. You can also eat where the locals eat. Typically, prices are cheaper at local spots compared to tourist locations. Another way to save on food is by not having alcoholic drinks. Drinks can be expensive. If you want to drink, limit the amount to help with cost.

Tip #6: Experiences

The worst part of going on vacation is the cost of tourist attractions. Check the community calendar for free events and find attractions with free days. Look for deals on Groupon, TripAdvisor, and other sites.

Conclusion

These tips will help you have a great and fun vacation without breaking the bank. Remember, saving early and researching is key to having a successful vacation.

*Red Crown Credit Union is not a financial planner or advisor, and this blog gives general ideas on how to save money. Individual results may vary.

COVID-19 Scams

Posted on April 28, 2021April 28, 2021

During the pandemic, there have been new opportunities for criminals to commit fraud by attempting to take advantage of people through COVID-19 scams. Knowledge about these scams can help you avoid being victimized. Red Crown has made a list of tips to keep you alert about COVID-19 fraud.

Unemployment Benefits

One major scheme that criminals are doing is taking someone’s personal information and filing unemployment claims. They are targeting employed people. People learn about this scam when they receive a notice from the unemployment benefits office or their employer.

If this happens to you, the quicker you act on the issue, the better! Click HERE to learn more about how to protect your finances/credit from this scam.

Relief Check Scams

The IRS has said they will be distributing the third round of relief checks the same way they did for the first round. The IRS saw scams with the last round and want you to be aware of some red flags. Below is what the IRS will not do:

Claim you received an overpayment and ask you to return the money.
Send you a password to use online to access or verify your account.
Contact you by email or social media to gather personal information.

One important thing to remember is that the IRS will first contact you by mail. For more information, go to the IRS website.

Vaccine and Treatment Scams

Criminals are now selling fake COVID-19 test kits and unapproved treatments through phone calls, social media, and at your door. Two scams you should be aware of are COVID-19 Testing Schemes and COVID-19 Treatment Schemes.

COVID-19 Testing Schemes: The scammer will say you are required to take a COVID-19 test. They will try to get your health insurance and other personal information. Once they have your information, they will bill the health insurance plan for tests/procedures that you did not get. The scammer will then receive money off those fake bills.
COVID-19 Treatment Schemes: These scammers are selling fake cures, treatments, and vaccines. They will ask for your health insurance information and other personal information. Approved treatment will not be communicated to the public this way. When approved treatments become available, you will not hear about them through a phone call, email, or online advertisement.

Never give your personal/health information to someone you do not know or trust. You should only share your information with a trusted medical professional.

For more information, go to https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-warns-of-emerging-health-care-fraud-schemes-related-to-covid-19-pandemic.

Other COVID-19 Related Scams

Fraudsters have always used emails, phone calls, or in-person methods to scam people. Below is a list of cons being used to get your medical/personal information:

Scammers are imitating the IRS through phone calls, emails, social media, and texts.
Robocalls making fraud offers to sell respiratory masks and other medical equipment/devices.
Fake emails to your personal/business account that appear to come from a trusted source.
Creating a non-existent charitable organization that is trying to get your money/or personal information. Make sure you do your research before clicking on links to donate.

Conclusion

Criminals will continue to find new methods to exploit people through COVID-19 scams. Remember, do not give out your personal or bank information – stay alert. For more information, go to fbi.gov/coronavirus and the FTC at FTC.gov/coronavirus.

*Red Crown Credit Union is not a financial advisor. The FBI, Consumer FTC, and IRS websites were used for writing this blog. This blog gives general ideas on ways to stay alert for COVID-19 fraud. Individual results may vary.

Tax Mistakes to Avoid

Posted on March 3, 2021March 4, 2021

It’s tax season. Tax season can cause us to feel anxiety, stress, confusion, and/or procrastination. These can lead to mistakes on your tax return, which can lead to late filings and even some penalties. Red Crown wants to help you avoid all of this with some basic tips. When researching common tax mistakes, we found the following:

Incorrect Status

Selecting your status is a big part of determining how your taxes are calculated. Deciding your status can be easy if you are single with no children, but for people who are married, single parents, or even caretakers, it can sometimes be difficult.

If you need help figuring out what your status is, go to https://www.irs.gov/help/ita.

Social Security Number

Who would have thought that one of the most common mistakes in filing your taxes is putting the wrong Social Security Number (SSN)? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses your SSN on your taxes to match what your employer and financial institutions have paid you. Putting in the wrong SSN happens more when you’re writing or typing your spouse’s and dependent’s numbers. Simple Tip: double check- then triple check to ensure that your information is correct.

Math

According to Block Advisors, there are about 2 million math mistakes made on taxes. The mistakes range from simple addition to complex calculations. These math errors can happen when people are doing their taxes by hand. Why go through all of that when you can use a free tax filing software at https://apps.irs.gove/app/freeFile/.

Incorrect Bank Numbers

If you get a refund, you have the option for your money to be refunded by direct deposit – it’s the fastest way to receive your money! By choosing direct deposit, your refund will go right into your bank account. To go this route, you will need the financial institution’s routing number and your account number. Again, to avoid this mistake and possible delays on receiving your money, double-check your numbers.

Unsigned Tax Return

You made it to the end and everything is correct! Make sure you don’t forget to sign your tax return. If you submit an unsigned return, the IRS considers it invalid and your return will not be processed. Also, don’t forget that both spouses must sign a joint return.

Missing the Deadline

Make sure you file on time! The normal deadline to file is April 15^th of each year. Start early, get it done and filed to avoid penalties.

Conclusion

Taxes season is no fun, but if you take the time to understand your tax situation you can get it done and avoid costly, frustrating mistakes. There are many helpful tools on the internet, such as: https://www.irs.gov/. If you are member of Red Crown, you can use TurboTax online at a discounted price. Click here for more information.

*Red Crown Credit Union is not a financial planner or advisor, and this blog gives general ideas on how to save money. Individual results may vary.

MidAmerica Industrial Park Location

Posted on August 12, 2020August 19, 2020

This image is of a modern-looking Red Crown Credit Union building. The building will be white with an accent of red, black, and gray. This building will be located in the MidAmerica Industrial Park.

Red Crown Credit Union is proud to be opening a new location in the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor, Oklahoma. Our new branch will be in “The District”, a new development with over 32,000 square feet of retail space.

After ten years of providing financial services as the only credit union in Mayes County, this commitment to the MidAmerica Industrial Park was an easy decision for Red Crown. “We are happy to be presented this opportunity to serve the current and future members of Mayes County,” said Mike Moyer, President/CEO of Red Crown.

“We decided to build a location in the industrial park because there is an opportunity to serve almost 5,000 people that work within the park; as well as serve people in the Locust Grove and Chouteau communities,” said Deanne Waguespack, COO of Red Crown.

This branch will be a full-service location with a lobby and drive thru which will give the community access to savings, checking, and lending products.

Red Crown Breaks Ground at MidAmerica Industrial Park

Posted on September 24, 2018September 25, 2018

Red Crown Credit Union (Red Crown) is happy to announce our partnership with MidAmerica Industrial Park. Red Crown was chosen as the first retail location to break ground in MidAmerica’s new multi-use development called “The District,” combining retailers, housing and public recreation areas.

Set to open in 2020 The District will include 32,000 square feet of retail space, a 100-unit, multi-story living complex, 100 residential homes and 10 acres of parks and outdoor spaces connected by walking and biking trails, officials said. “Red Crown will occupy a space in The District and will be able to provide financial products and services to individuals who live and work in the industrial park,” said Mike Moyer, President/CEO – Red Crown. “Mayes County has been a great community for Red Crown. We are happy to be presented this opportunity and happy to serve the community members of Mayes County,” said Moyer.

Picture includes, Mike Moyer: Red Crown President/CEO speaking at the MidAmerica Industrial Park ground breaking.

Pryor Tigers Donation 2018

Posted on September 24, 2018September 25, 2018

Red Crown Credit Union (Red Crown) is happy to announce our first full fiscal year donation to Pryor Public Schools (PPS) for their participation with the Pryor Tigers Debit Card. Red Crown made a $1500 donation to PPS, due to the debit card activity with the Pryor card. “Each debit card swipe counts and the Pryor card has 212 active debit cards,” said Jeremy Daggs, Vice President, Marketing – Red Crown. “Just think how large the donation could be with 500 cards,” said Daggs. Members of the Pryor community can stop by any Red Crown location to order their Pryor Tigers debit card. With every debit card swipe, Red Crown makes a donation to PPS.

Picture includes, left to right: Jennifer Back: Red Crown Assistant Vice President – Mayes County Branch Manager, Don Raleigh: PPS Superintendent

Pryor Community Donation

Posted on February 2, 2018March 14, 2018

As a sponsor of the Pryor Invitational Tournament, Red Crown Credit Union gave back to the Pryor community by donating the 2018 Pryor Invitational Tournament shirt proceeds to Blue Star Mothers and Saving Whiskers and Tails of Pryor.

Blue Star Mothers of Pryor is an organization of mothers who have children serving in the military or who are veterans. Their mission is to provide care packages to active troops.

Saving Whiskers and Tails of Pryor rescues abused and abandoned animals. Their main mission is to give animals a safe place to live through adoption.

As a company, we strive to continually give back to our community. With the purchases of t-shirt sales we were able to donate $500 to each organization.

Pictures include: Jennifer Back: Red Crown Assistant Vice President – Mayes County Branch Manager, Roy Kerns: Red Crown Mayes County Assistant Branch Manager, Representatives from Blue Star Mothers and Saving Whiskers and Tails of Pryor.

Pryor Tigers Debit Cards

Posted on August 30, 2017March 14, 2018

Pryor Debit Cards From Red Crown Credit Union

Red Crown Credit Union (Red Crown) is happy to announce our partnership with Pryor Public Schools (PPS) and the Pryor Tigers Debit Card. Red Crown has made a donation to PPS to show our appreciation of their partnership. Members of the Pryor community can stop by any Red Crown location to order their Pryor Tigers debit card. With every credit-based swipe, Red Crown makes a donation to PPS.

Picture includes, left to right: Jennifer Back: Red Crown Assistant Vice President – Mayes County Branch Manager, Don Raleigh: PPS Superintendent and Gerald Osborne: PPS Athletic Director.