Our Credit Union's name has recently been utilized for fraudulent purposes. If you have received a letter recently from Infiniti Research Group or Lightspeed Research Inc. indicating that you've been selected as a Customer Service Evaluator in your area, along with an accompanying cashier's check (purportedly from Finance Center Federal Credit Union) and a request to wire money through Western Union - do not attempt to cash or deposit this check or wire any money. We are currently working with the appropriate authorities on this situation. If you have encountered this fraud, please contact our Credit Union at 317.916.7700 or 800.473.2328 or by email at fraud@fcfcu.com.
Found this article and thought I should share.
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, a new and particularly nasty form of Internet phishing, called tab-nabbing, poses a new identity theft threat to web users.
Phishing happens when a scammer deceives you into giving away information about yourself, mostly account details such as username and password.
Usually via an email or a link on another web page, they direct you to a bogus site that looks exactly like the genuine article -- like PayPal or Amazon for example -- and captures your login details when you try to sign in.
The crook can then use those details to sign on and remove money or make purchases on your account.
All of these previous online phishing scams rely on the user being fooled into clicking a link, whereas the tab-nabber plays a different and much less obvious trick.
If you're a regular Internet user, you'll know how tabs work. In your browser -- for example, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or Google Chrome -- they allow you to have several pages open at once, and to hop from one to the other.
Sometimes, when you click on a link in one page, it opens the new page in a separate tab, and it's not unusual to have half a dozen or more tabs open at once.
You even forget which ones you had open, which helps the tab-nabber immensely.
The way this particularly evil form of Internet phishing works goes like this:
- You already have a couple of tabs open when you land on a page controlled by the tab-nabber (though you won't know this).
- While you're viewing this page, the tab-nabber accesses your browsing history to see which sites you regularly visit that have value to him -- again like Amazon, PayPal or an email account like Gmail.
- Tab-nabber then changes one of your tabbed pages to mimic one of these sites, complete with what looks like the genuine logo on the tab itself, hoping, when you return to this tab, you will think you must have visited that page earlier and just forgotten.
- Even better, from the tab-nabber's point of view, you may really have just visited the genuine site (your bank, for example), left it open in the tab, and then returned to it to discover you seem to have been logged out.
- Either way, the aim is to get you to think you're logging in again and, hey presto, the scammer has pulled off his cunning Internet phishing trick.
Two key aspects make this much more effective than previous online phishing scams:
First, you don't have to click a link to get to the bogus page; you just click on what looks like a genuine page tab.
Second, it uses sites you habitually visit whereas phishing emails often seem to come from organizations you've had no dealings with, so you would immediately suspect something was wrong.
Making this scheme more effective, if you do your banking online, the bank often will actually sign you out if there's no activity on their page, even if you still have it open in a tab. It's not unusual to be asked to sign on again.
However, two other things give the tab-nabbing trick away: First, although the page may look genuine, the Internet address or URL (the name of the site given in the address bar at the top of your browser) won't.
So, the real Amazon home page for instance will show "amazon.com" but a bogus page will have something quite different, even if it has the word "amazon" in it.
Third, the little padlock icon that appears in your browser (usually bottom right or beside the address bar), when you visit a secure website, will generally be missing.
Still, it's a wicked deception, highlighted recently by a specialist who works for Mozilla, the organization that makes the Firefox browser. You can see his video demonstration of tab-nabbing (sometimes also called "tabnabbing" or "tabnapping") here if you have Adobe Flash installed.
What can you do to ensure you don't fall victim to this new type of Internet phishing? To be doubly-secure, here's what you should do.
- Get into the habit of glancing at the address bar for every page you visit or revisit. This makes good secure-surfing sense anyway.
- Look for that padlock on what should be a secure site page.
- After visiting a secure page, close it when you're done, rather than keeping it open in a tab.
- If a site invites you to sign on again, close the tab and re-key the correct address.
Any one of these four steps should help steer you clear of a tab-nabbing scam -- and if you have security software integrated with your browser, that should flag bogus sites too. With Internet phishing, you just can't be too cautious.
Source (http://www.scambusters.org/internetphishing.html or http://www.scambusters.org/ search for Internet Scambusters #395)
Indianapolis credit union Financial Center has partnered with Samaritan's Feet; an international humanitarian organization focused on providing new athletic shoes to children in need. All Center locations will be collecting new children's athletic shoes and donations through July 17th.Financial Center will donate a new pair of shoes for each checking account opened until July 17th. Shoes and monetary donations can be made in any Center location; in addition, monetary donations can be made through Secure Message within Financial Center Online.
To donate through Secure Message, type SHOES in the subject line of your message. In your message, indicate how much money you would like to donate and whether you would like it deducted from your savings or checking account.
You can also help by texting SHOES to 85944 to make a $5 donation to Samaritan's Feet.
All shoes and monetary donations will be used to support children in Central Indiana.
Help your local credit union help children in need. Donate today!
My son is 18 months old. One of our recent parenting challenges has been switching Landon from bottles to sippy cups. He was very attached to his bottle. We were worried that it wouldn't go well, and it was difficult to commit to making the switch.
To our surprise, Landon has done well. After explaining to him that bottles were for babies, he understood that using a cup was part of becoming a "big boy". It was hard, but it was time to make the change.
It's kind of like switching from an Indianapolis bank to an Indianapolis credit union.
Sure, there are challenges to switching financial institutions and many things that have to get done. Financial Center, our Indianapolis credit union, can help make the switch to our institution easy and pain free.
With our online switch kit, we can help you close your account with your current Indianapolis bank, change your direct deposit and any automatic withdrawals you may have set up. Our staff is also available to help you switch. Give us a call at 317.916.7700 or visit any of our Indianapolis credit union locations.
To our surprise, Landon has done well. After explaining to him that bottles were for babies, he understood that using a cup was part of becoming a "big boy". It was hard, but it was time to make the change.
It's kind of like switching from an Indianapolis bank to an Indianapolis credit union.
Sure, there are challenges to switching financial institutions and many things that have to get done. Financial Center, our Indianapolis credit union, can help make the switch to our institution easy and pain free.
With our online switch kit, we can help you close your account with your current Indianapolis bank, change your direct deposit and any automatic withdrawals you may have set up. Our staff is also available to help you switch. Give us a call at 317.916.7700 or visit any of our Indianapolis credit union locations.
Due to recent fraud activity, Financial Center is blocking debit card transactions where the card is swiped and processed as a credit in the following states:
We apologize for this inconvenience. Please call Member Services at 317.916.7700 or 800.473.2328 if you have further questions.
Please continue to check our website and blog for more information.
UPDATE (6/18) - This problem has been corrected and members should not be experiencing any problems using their card in Minnesota, North Carolina, or Texas.
- Minnesota
- North Carolina
- Texas
We apologize for this inconvenience. Please call Member Services at 317.916.7700 or 800.473.2328 if you have further questions.
Please continue to check our website and blog for more information.
UPDATE (6/18) - This problem has been corrected and members should not be experiencing any problems using their card in Minnesota, North Carolina, or Texas.
More than likely, if you are looking into HSA savings then you already know a thing or two about them. However, we thought we'd include a few additional benefits of such a health savings account plan:
- The coverage of the HSA health plan is extensive and you can use it to cover a variety of medical expenses, which include dental costs, annual physicals, mental health cost, over the counter medications, maternity costs and alternative medication like homeopathy.
- A very big advantage of an HSA is that you can continue with the health savings accounts, even when you lose a job or retire.
- If you do not take money from the account, it will continue to grow and you get added benefits in the future.
If you want to learn more about a bank health savings account, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
A health savings account plan can be used to save money for your medical needs in the present and in the future.
The biggest advantage of a health savings account plan is that they provide security against high and unexpected medical bills. Even if the funds are not utilized they will remain in the account with each passing year, earning interest on it.
The withdrawals from the account are also tax free, if they are utilized for medical purposes. Even when you are unemployed or move to a different state the funds will continue to remain in your account.
If you want to learn more about money education, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis.
A medical savings account Indianapolis will help you save money for medical expenses. You can open a medical savings account in the local credit union of Indianapolis.
The funds deposited in an HSA in Indianapolis are tax deductible and in certain cases the state may offer a higher tax deduction based on the tax structure prevalent in that state.
In order to qualify for a medical savings account you must have a high deductible health plan, which has nearly 20% to 50% lower premiums and this depends on the place of your residence.
All these reasons make opening a medical savings account with a local credit union a very good financial decision.
If you're interested in learning about medical savings accounts, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Financial Center of Indianapolis. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
What are reasons to have a medical savings account?
- It provides tax benefits and retirement options.
- You can use the funds deposited in the plan for alternative and preventive care.
- The money deposited is totally yours.
- Current and future medical expenses are covered by tax free savings.
- Low insurance premiums.
- The health savings account is yours, even if you change jobs.
- Dental, eye, prescription drugs and over the counter medicine expenses are covered by the medical savings account.
- You are in total control of your money and decisions regarding using it are completely yours.
- You can decide on what type of investments you can make with the money in order to make it grow.
- The contribution limit varies with each year and is different for individuals and families.
- You can save the money in your account till the age of 65 after which the money will be taxed as per the normal income tax rules.
If you're interested in learning about HSA Indianapolis, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Financial Center of Indianapolis.
Even when you switch jobs, the money in your HSA is yours. The money that is contributed to the HSA account is as safe as putting it in your individual savings account. The money from the account can also be used for medical treatment anywhere in the country or in another country.
The money that you have in your HSA accounts can also be used to pay for health insurance premiums and may be tax deductible.
Individuals who are over the age of 65 will be able to withdraw money from the account, and it is only taxed as ordinary income. The funds in the account under all circumstances remain with the individual and will never belong to the insurance companies or to the employer, even if the individual changes his/her job.
If you want to learn more about a bank health savings account, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
HSA accounts can be used to supplement you current health insurance coverage and allow you to make substantial savings on your health plan. There are a number of plans that are available and factors like age, previous medical history and area of residence that will determine the features of the plan.
You can choose the best HSA plan available depending on your individual needs and requirements. If an individual makes contributions on a yearly basis and does not use the funds saved, then the HSA savings will accumulate over the years. This money can be utilized to invest in stocks, bonds and mutual funds.
These funds can be used for qualified medical expenses like visits to the doctor, eye doctor and dental care as well as for buying prescription drugs and over the counter medications.
If you want to learn more about a bank health savings account, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis. You might also be interested in Reward Checking which earns dividends.
HSA health plans cover costs that are normally not covered by traditional health insurance policies like dental expenses, mental therapy, physical therapy, alternative treatments (acupuncture, aromatherapy and homeopathy and ayurvedic treatments), transportation and lodging expenses related to health care and maternity expenses.
HSA benefits include saving money on insurance premiums and on your income tax. In fact, you can call it a double bonanza of sorts. Individuals who stay healthy get a lot of benefits as the un-utilized money is yours, even when not used for medical purposes.
HSA health plans encourage people, to stay healthy as they can get substantial savings if the money is not used and it is a powerful incentive, which encourages people to opt for the health plans.
If you want to learn more about a bank health savings account, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
The funds in your HSA account can also earn interest and the earnings are tax free if the money is used for medical purposes. An individual account can also be assigned to the spouse through a power of attorney.
If you don’t withdraw the money from your bank health savings account the funds can grow from year to year and the entire amount of money is yours. There is no maximum limit to the amount of money that can be in the account.
If you want to learn more about HSA savings, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
A bank health savings account helps individuals and families get tax savings, earn interest, reduce insurance premiums and encourage long term savings.
HSA banks have the option of opening an account quite easily. An individual can either apply for the account online or visit the nearest bank that offers the account.
HSA information like eligibility forms and the income limits can all be accessed online. In order to qualify for a HSA, you must also be covered by a high deductible health plan. Individuals who are 18 years and above can opt for the health plan and there are no income limits to subscribe to it.
The contribution that an individual makes each year varies and for the year 2010 it is $3,050 for an eligible individual and $6,050 for family coverage. Contributions can also be made by your employer.
If you want to learn more about a medical savings account Indianapolis, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
If you are looking for financial services Indianapolis, you've come to the right place.
We will help you handle your money in a better manner, which will help reduce debt. The world has witnessed one of its worst ever recessions and people with bad money management skills have accumulated debts and their credit history ratings have taken a fall.
The question, of course, is "how to manage money?" Here are some wonderful tips that will help you manage your finances better.
- Pay your bills on time and avoid late fees. Most people end up paying late fees every month, which when saved will help you get rid of your debt quickly.
- Follow a monthly budget. Prepare a financial plan and stick to it.
- Avoid unnecessary expenses and do not indulge in impulsive shopping.
- Try getting a best deal on your mortgage by consolidating it. You can also reduce your mortgage cost by refinancing it.
If you want to learn more about money literacy, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
HSA health plans offer individuals the benefits of a savings account for medical expenses either now or in the future. Most people are not aware of the HSA benefits and are unsure about the entire process of opening an HSA account and the contributions to be made.
Health savings accounts FAQ which is provided by HSA banks and credit unions like ours will offer a comprehensive guide regarding details about health savings accounts, the limit on contributions and other HSA benefits.
If you want to learn more about HSA Indianapolis, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
These are some of the most common Health Savings Account FAQ you'll want to know the answers to when you're considering HSA health plans.
- What is a health savings account?
- How does a health savings account work?
- How much does the HSA health insurance cost?
- How much can be contributed to an HSA in 2010?
- What are the eligibility requirements for contributing to an HSA account?
- For what purpose can HSA funds be utilized?
- Can the entire contribution to an HSA be made at the beginning of the year?
- If you have a medical history, can you qualify for an HSA health plan?
- What happens at age 65 to my HSA plan?
- Can health insurance premiums be paid from the HSA account?
- What are the investment options allowed?
- How will a spouse health plan affect your contribution limits?
The answers to these questions will help you plan accordingly.
HSA banks and credit unions like ours will usually have detailed answers to these FAQs, which will help individuals and families make the right decision about an HSA.
Contact us at Financial Center of Indianapolis for questions that you have about HSA savings. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
The high costs of medical care can be offset in a smart way, by opening health savings accounts with any bank or credit union authorized for this purpose. HSA banks that offer an IRA (individual retirement plan) usually offer health savings accounts too.
The banks that offer these health savings accounts provide the customers with a debit card or check book, so that the money can be utilized easily.
You can also use these plans to supplement your current health insurance coverage and this will enable you to save substantial amounts of money on your health care costs. You can also earn interest on the money saved. Take care of all your future health care needs by choosing a plan that is right for you.
Contact us at Financial Center of Indianapolis for questions that you have about HSA savings. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
What is a health savings account? A health savings account is a medical savings account with tax benefits, which is available to taxpayers in the United States. These medical plans are the least expensive in comparison to all others available.
HSA banks give individuals the option to save money, which will help them pay for their current and future medical bills and the money saved in the health savings accounts banks, is totally tax free.
Businesses can also open health savings accounts for their employees. Most HSA banks provide online access to the accounts, which enables you to keep tabs on your medical expenses.
The savings in these accounts can be utilized for annual medical physicals, prescriptions, over the counter medicines, health care products, dental care, eye glasses and laser eye surgery to name just a few.
Contact us at Financial Center of Indianapolis for questions that you have about HSA information. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
A health savings account plan will help take care of all your health care needs. Contributions that you make to this account are tax free and are subject to certain restrictions.
You can check the various plans that are available and choose the one that best suits your individual requirement. The features of the plan may vary due to your age, previous medical history and place of residence. There are different plans for various places of residence.
Even when you change your employer, your funds in your health savings account will continue to remain with you. The contributions to the fund if not utilized will help you earn interest on it.
You can even do tax planning with your health savings account plan. Banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other financial institutions are authorized to operate and open these accounts for individuals and families.
If you want to learn more about a medical savings account Indianapolis, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis. You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
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