Financial Safety and Security

Cybersecurity Tips for First Harvest Members

At First Harvest Credit Union, your financial safety starts with you. While we safeguard our systems with advanced technology, the most powerful defense is an informed and alert member. Check out our blog posts for additional and timely articles about financial safety and more!

Use these best practices to keep your money and personal information safe:

1. Guard Your Login Information

  • Use strong, unique passwords for your First Harvest Online Banking and Mobile App.
  • Never share your password or verification code, even if someone claims to be from First Harvest.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) if available. It adds a vital layer of protection.
  • Change your password immediately if you suspect it’s been compromised.

2. Spot and Stop Scams

  • Beware of phishing or fake emails and texts pretending to be from First Harvest.
  • We’ll never ask for your password, full Social Security number, or one-time passcode by email, text, or phone.
  • Check the sender’s address carefully. Fraudsters often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones.
  • Hover before you click. On computers, hover your mouse over a link to see the true destination before clicking.
  • When in doubt, call us directly at the number on our website (800.582.7640) not the one in the message.

Pro Tip: If it feels urgent, secret, or too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

3. Stay Safe on Your Devices

  • Keep your phone, computer, and apps updated. Security updates fix known weaknesses that scammers exploit.
  • Install reputable antivirus or security software and allow automatic updates.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing online banking. Use cellular data or a trusted network instead.
  • Lock your devices with a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition.

4. Monitor Your Accounts

  • Check your accounts regularly, both online and via monthly statements.
  • Set up alerts for deposits, withdrawals, and online logins.
  • Report suspicious activity immediately. The sooner you act, the easier it is to limit damage.

If you suspect fraud: Call us or visit your local branch right away.

5. Protect Your Cards

  • Avoid sharing photos of your card, checks, or account numbers online.
  • Inspect ATMs and payment terminals for tampering before inserting your card.

6. Watch for Identity Theft

  • Check your credit reports.
  • Add a fraud alert or credit freeze if you believe your identity was stolen.
  • Review mailed statements, even paper mail can contain sensitive information. Shred what you don’t need!

7. Report and Recover

If you think you’ve fallen victim to fraud, take these steps immediately:

  1. Change your passwords for online banking and any related accounts.
  2. Contact us and we will help secure your account.
  3. Notify your credit card companies and credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax).
  4. File a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and your local police department.
  5. Monitor your accounts for any new activity.
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