First Tech CU

Celebrate the new Rose Hill Branch and win

You’re invited to join First Tech Credit Union and celebrate the grand opening of the new Rose Hill Branch in Kirkland, Washington. You could win some great prizes. Learn more.

Biometrics meets Online Banking on November 6

Coming November 6, 2007, you’ll experience a new layer of Online Banking security. We’re adding a new security feature that uses a combination of your username, password and biometrics to verify your identity. Yes, we said biometrics!

How does it work? When you login to Online Banking using your username and password, this new feature also measures the rhythm at which you type your password to authenticate your identity. Since each person has a unique typing rhythm, this feature provides you enhanced online security. It does not keep track of your actual password; it simply recognizes the rhythm in which you type it.

What if it doesn’t recognize me? If you enter the correct username and password, but we are unable to recognize your typing rhythm, you may still access you accounts. However, we will ask you to answer a challenge question to complete certain Online Banking transactions. 

What is my challenge question? The first time that you login to Online Banking after November 5, 2007, we will ask you to establish three challenge questions of your choosing to prepare you to use this enhanced security feature. You will only need to do this once. After that, you will login as you always have using your username and password. 

We invite you to visit the Online Banking login page at online.firsttechcu.com and view the demo for this new feature so you know what to expect. If you have any questions, please visit firsttechcu.com or call 800.637.0852.

Avoid Phishing, Vishing and SMiShing

It’s all over the news: Phishing, Vishing, and SMiShing scams are quickly becoming commonplace. As a First Tech member, you probably have a good handle on these scams and can avoid them. But as a refresher, and to keep up with the latest scams, it’s a good idea to visit our up-to-date scam page at least once a week. There you’ll get all the information you need on the latest fraud alerts. For more information on phishing attacks and trends visit the Anti- Phishing Working Group at http://www.antiphishing.org/.

Phishing is probably the most common scam. Emails and phony websites that realistically mimic the branding of a company are used to trick you into giving out your account numbers, passwords and more.

Vishing is when you receive a call with a recorded message that states your credit card has been breached and to call the following phone number immediately. When you call the number, another message tells you to enter your 16-digit card number. If you enter those digits, you’ll find yourself a victim of credit theft.

SMiShing is a phishing attack sent by Short Message Service (SMS). SMS is a service that allows the transmission of text messages between mobile phones and handheld devices. The message includes a link that, when accessed, takes you to a phishing site where you are prompted to download a program—a Trojan horse that may give the criminals access to your personal information.

Tips to safeguard yourself from Phishing, Vishing and SMiShing:

• Never respond to unsolicited e-mails or text messages; especially coming from people or companies that you do not have a relationship with or regarding services for which you have not contracted. Contact the financial institution or merchant via the regular channels you use to communicate with them.
• Remember, for privacy and security, financial institutions do not arbitrarily solicit non-public information from you. Typically they would already have information based on the relationship you have previously established with them.
• When you are accessing any accounts online, make it a habit to check for the small yellow lock in the bottom right of your screen. If it’s unlocked – you are not in a secure area of the Website.
• If you receive a Vishing message, and you do want to check your account, disregard the recorded number and contact your financial institution through the customer service phone number on your statement or credit card.
• Pay attention to the URL. Fraudsters cannot exactly mimic a company’s website URL, but will often insert one letter or symbol to make it appear legitimate.
• Keep a record of services you sign up for on your mobile devices. If you receive a SMiShing message for a service you don’t think you signed up for…you probably didn’t. Disregard the message.
• When in doubt, do not respond to an email, voicemail or text message regarding an account. Contact your financial institution through regular channels.
• If you receive multiple phishing, vishing or SMiShing messages from a financial institution, bring it to their attention to help them uncover the fraud.

New Telephone Scam Targeting Visa Cardholders

First Tech has recently learned that a phone call and subsequent voicemail is being placed to members and non-members with Visa cards advising that their card data must be updated.  The voicemail asks for the recipient to dial an 800 number and then enter their 16 digit card number.

First Tech will never ask for confidential account information via voicemail, such as:

• Social security number
• Credit card number
• Expiration dates
• PIN numbers and/or passwords

If you have received and responded to this voicemail, please contact our Fraud Department at 503.672.3878 or email them at accountmanagement@firsttechcu.com

Website Maintenance

First Tech's website, www.firsttechcu.com, will be intermittently unavailable from 6:00pm on Tuesday, 2.20.07 until 3:00am on Wednesday 2.21.07 for system maintenance. You will still be able to access Online Banking during this time by visiting https://online.firsttechcu.com. Thank you for your patience.

2006 IRA Contribution Deadline Extended

If you have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), Coverdell Educational Savings Account (ESA), and/or a Health Savings Account (HSA) with First Tech, you now have until April 17, 2007 to make 2006 contributions.  Click here for the full story.

Updates to Online Banking

First Tech has recently made some improvements to Online Banking we think you’ll really like.  Now, you can view images of checks that have cleared in the past 12 months.  Also, if you have a question about First Tech, visit the Online Banking login page.  There, you’ll find a link called “Find an Answer.”  After clicking on that link you can now type in your question or search through a list of frequently asked questions and easily find the answer you’re looking for.  (P.S. There’s a link to the “Find an Answer” section in the upper right hand corner of firsttechcu.com, too!)  Click here to visit Online Banking now!

Seattle Region Branches Affected by Power Outages

UPDATE: The Overlake branch in Bellevue and the RidgePointe branch in Redmond are now open for business as normal.  However, the Bella Bottega branch in Redmond is closed due to the power outage which resulted from severe storms on Thursday, December 14.  Bella Bottega patrons are advised to visit the Overlake or RidgePointe branches.  Another option is to use a Shared Branching location in your area.  To find the Shared Branching location closest to you, click here.

Puget Sound energy estimates power could be restored to the Bella Bottega branch by Wednesday or Thursday (December 20 or 21). We will provide updates on the status of our Seattle Region branches at www.firsttechcu.com.  We apologize for any inconvenience you may be experiencing at this time.

Seattle Region Branches Have Limited Access

Due to the severe storms on Thursday, December 14, First Tech branches in the Seattle region are currently operating with limited access.  The Bella Bottega branch in Redmond is closed.  The Overlake branch in Bellevue and the RidgePointe branch in Redmond are operating without phone or internet access.  Members can perform limited transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and loan payments at the Overlake and RidgePointe branches.  Another option is to use a Shared Branching location in your area.  To find the Shared Branching location closest to you, click here.

Puget Sound energy estimates power could be restored by Wednesday or Thursday (December 20 or 21).  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.  You can find updates on the status of our Seattle Region branches at www.firsttechcu.com.

Credit Unions for Kids Auction a Success

A big thank you to everyone who helped out with and attended Zoofari for Kids, this year’s Credit Unions for Kids auction.  First Tech staff and friends donated or solicited almost 60 items for the auction!  Those efforts helped raise a whopping $90,000!  Proceeds benefit Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.  Click here to learn more about Credit Unions for Kids.