Tools & Resources
At Pacific NW Federal Credit Union, we're dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals. We want to provide you with as much information and assistance as possible, to help you make informed decisions for a secure financial future.
Managing your Money
Credit Unions: A Smarter Choice
Credit unions are an obvious choice for consumers who want to be smart about managing their money. Credit unions don't have shareholders, like banks, which means credit unions are member-owned. Credit unions are also non-profit financial institutions that give back to the communities they're a part of. Want to hear more about why credit unions are a smarter choice? Visit www.asmarterchoice.org.
Free Debt Analysis and Financial Tips
An unexpected job change or sudden layoff can put a strain on the family finances. Professional assistance is available-- Talk to your local Member Service Representative about our free debt analysis. It’s a complimentary service just for members, and it can help eliminate unnecessary stress over finances. We'll assess loans you may have at other financial institutions and let you know if a lower-interest refinance or loan consolidation is available through us. For more information, stop by your local branch, or call 800.444.5858 to speak with an Member Service Representative today.
Tools:
- American Consumer Credit Counseling
- Money Matters
- Free Annual Credit Report
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) provides credit counseling, debt management, debt consolidation and financial education services in English and Spanish to consumers nationwide
The FTC recently launched a new website called Money Matters, with valuable information for consumers who are battling financial distress. They include tips on looking for a new job, choosing the right credit card, avoiding scams, mortgage resources, and budgeting.
Avoid Foreclosure
If you are struggling with your mortgage payments or facing foreclosure, you most likely feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Fannie Mae has created KnowYourOptions.com™ to help homeowners just like you. Their website has options to help you get back on track to avoid foreclosure, as well as resources to find housing counselors in your area.
Preventing Fraud
ALERT: Phishing Threat
We have become aware that some of our members may be receiving phishing emails that references the "eNFact" product. The email directs recipients to click on a link that takes them to a mock-site that we presently believe may install malicious software. The phishing attack is contained in a fraudulent email identical or similar to the one that follows:
-----Original Message-----
From: eNFACT Notifications [mailto:noreply@enfactnotifications.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 11:34 AM
To: Recipients
Subject: eNFACT Case #29018
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.
An eNFACT Case was generated for the cardholder below:
Transaction 1 Information:
A charge on 10/23/2011 in the amount of $438.09 in ITALY Transaction Score: 981
Transaction 2 Information:
A charge on 10/23/2011 in the amount of $513.14 in ITALY Transaction Score: 918
Transaction 3 Information:
A charge on 10/22/2011 in the amount of $0.02 at O RANCH Transaction Score: 37
The eNFACT Case is generated when a suspect transaction is detected. If this transaction was not initiated by you as the credit card holder please follow the steps as shown at : http://www.efactnotify.com/
Please be sure to complete the Case Resolution Notification (CRN) Form at (http://www.efactnotify.com/) . If you have any questions, or would like additional information pertaining to this eNFACT Case, please contact the Card Processing Center at 800-262-2024.
-----End Message-----
If you receive this phishing attack via email:
1. Do not open the email;
2. Do not click on the link contained in the email; clicking on any of the links contained in the email may install malicious software on your system
3. Delete the email from your "Inbox" and "Sent" items
ALERT: Smishing Scams
SMiShing is a phishing attack sent by Short Message Service (SMS). SMS is a service that allows the transmission of short messages (AKA text messages) between mobile phones and handheld devices.
Some of our members have recently reported receiving a text message regarding their debit/credit card(s). The message requests that members call a toll-free number to discuss their account. Once the member calls the number, they are then asked to provide private information (ex. card number, social security number, etc.).
If you are solicited from someone stating to be PNWFCU via text, please do not give out any personal information. We encourage you to call PNWFCU directly to discuss any concerns with your account through the numbers listed on the contact page on our website.
Tools:
Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft
Home-buying Resources
First time home-buyer? Click here to view home buying counseling services.
Tools:
