Member Alerts

Board Nominations

(January 13, 2012) The Board has announced the 2012 Annual Meeting date and submitted nominees for expiring Board seats. To view the letter, click here.

Attention E-Statement Users – Important Tax Information
(1/3/2012) Your December statements contains important tax information that is being reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on your behalf. No paper copy of the 1099-INT tax will be mailed, but you will be able to view it electronically.

To read the "Instructions for Recipient" information from the back of a standard 1099-INT form, visit www.abccu.org and click the Form 1099 INT Instructions link. These instructions explain how to read the tax information that will appear at the end of your December statement.

If you have any additional questions, please call a Member Service Representative
at (713) 755-5160.

Protect Yourself While Holiday Shopping

(December 1, 2011) Many consumers will be using their mobile devices and computers to conduct their holiday shopping and so will the cyber scammers!  Mobile device scams are a top threat this year based on the increase in mobile malware and malicious apps. Consumers should be aware of all potential threats in order to safeguard their funds and personal information this holiday season.

Here's a list of potential scams and tips to be aware of:

• Watch for mobile malware – especially deals used on black Friday and cyber Monday.
• Be cautious when looking for free mobile apps - may be an attempt to steal information.
• Watch for malicious screensavers, ring tones and e-cards.
• Watch for purchase offers of fake anti-virus software – this scam may trick you into purchasing the software.
• Secure your computer – at a minimum, have anti-virus, anti-spyware and a firewall.
• Remember to turn off your computer when you're done shopping.
• Watch for social media scams – phony Facebook and Twitter sites or other online promotions and contests.
• Beware of scammers advertising popular holiday items.
• Check out the seller of items – research before you buy.
• Don't fall for the mystery shopping scam asking you to shop for $XX dollars (ex: $100).
• Online coupon scams may ask for your personal or financial information using e-mail.
• Holiday phishing scams – Don't fall for emails, text messages or phone calls asking for personal or financial information.
• Monitor credit, debit and account numbers used for your holiday shopping to help identify any unauthorized usage.
• Vacation scams – don't post holiday pictures until you are back home.
• Lighted parking lots – survey the parking lot surroundings. Make sure you have your car keys in your hands before entering the parking lot.
• If an offer or item sounds too good to be true, it's probably a scam.

Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or call toll-free 1 (877) FTC-HELP (382-4357).

Beward of Fraudulent Emails

(November 11, 2011) With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us, it is still important to remember to beware of phishing e-mails. The holiday seasons are a peak time of year for fraudulent e-mails because of the high levels of online and in-store shopping.

A member recently alerted us of a suspicious e-mail received from NACHA, the Electronic Payments Association, concerning an ACH item. NACHA has been the victim of sustained and evolving phishing attacks in which consumers and businesses are receiving emails that appear to come from NACHA. The attacks are occurring with greater frequency and increased sophistication.

Be aware that the NACHA itself does not process nor touch the ACH transactions that flow to and from organizations and financial institutions. NACHA does not send communications to persons or organizations about individual ACH transactions that they originate or receive.

If you receive an e-mail that you suspect of being fraudulent, do not reply to the e-mail and feel free to forward it to an HCFCU employee for verification.

You're Covered

(August 12, 2011) In light of Standard & Poor’s (S&P) recent downgrade of the U.S. government and numerous government programs’ credit ratings, we at Harris County Federal Credit Union want to reinforce our commitment to you and your financial well-being.

Despite the recent credit rating downgrades, the U.S. credit union system is strong and well-capitalized. Credit unions maintain an aggregate capital buffer of nearly 10 percent—substantially higher than the seven percent threshold to be defined as "well capitalized" by law.

Most importantly, federally insured credit union deposits—like those made at HCFCU–remain safe and protected as always. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) continues to insure deposits up to $250,000 per account at all federally insured credit unions.

Please take comfort in the fact that you are covered with HCFCU. Our strength and stability offer a safety net in these uncertain times and we are 100 percent committed to keeping you and your finances safe.