Beware of Spoof Calls & Texts This Holiday Season
Beware of Spoof Calls & Texts This Holiday Season
Your Safety Matters: BSCU Will NEVER Request Sensitive Information
At BrightStar Credit Union (BSCU), safeguarding your personal and financial information is our top priority. Please note:
- BSCU will never call or text you asking for your card number, expiration date, or CVV.
- If you receive such requests via call or text, do not respond. Instead, report the incident immediately by dialing 1-800-637-2728 (option 7).
- If you've already shared this information, contact us right away.
How to Spot Spoof Calls and Texts
Spoof Calls
Scammers often pretend to represent trusted institutions like BSCU. Here are some warning signs:
- They ask for sensitive information, such as your username, password, or secure access codes.
- They claim there's a fake transaction on your account and request verification.
Tip: BSCU will never ask for secure information over the phone.
Spoof Texts
Fraudulent texts can be tricky to spot but often contain red flags:
- Typos or misspellings. Legitimate messages from BSCU will always use correct spelling and grammar.
- Links in text messages. BSCU will never send clickable links via text. Do not click on suspicious links.
Take Action: Fraud Prevention Starts With You
Protect yourself further by setting up alerts in BSCU's online banking system. Navigate to the Alerts Settings to customize notifications and stay on top of account activity.
Additionally, check out our Fraud Prevention Videos, an excellent resource filled with practical tips and strategies to safeguard your finances against scammers.
Watch Fraud Prevention VideosStay Informed, Stay Protected
Fraud can strike at any time, but staying vigilant ensures you stay one step ahead. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy a secure and joyful holiday season!
Supervisory Committee Volunteer
Make a Difference
The Supervisory Committee is in search of one new member. The committee is responsible for working with management to procure and oversee audit services for the credit union. The committee reports to and presents audit findings to the Board of Directors.
It is the overall duty and responsibility of the committee to protect, look after and attend to the examination of affairs of the credit union. To report at least annually to the membership of any audits or examinations conducted during the preceding year. The committee must perform those specific responsibilities as prescribed by law.
The committee has multiple meetings per year, usually quarterly. In addition, the committee members are expected to attend the monthly board meetings and the annual planning meeting, which is held in October.
Experience in accounting, finance, auditing and/or technology is beneficial in performing the position’s responsibilities. Excellent communication skills and the ability to read and comment on examination reports are necessary.
Committee members are appointed to three year terms. Continuing education is expected and an annual budget can be used for this purpose. Several credit union affiliated organizations provide training.
If you wish to volunteer to serve your fellow members on the Supervisory Committee please submit your resume at the button below.
Thank you,
Supervisory Committee
Do Debt Differently with Changed
Do Debt Differently with Changed
Changed is a debt repayment app that uses your spare change from everyday purchases to pay down your debt faster. Available in your BrightStar Credit Union mobile banking app and online banking.
The Changed App set out with a simple mission: Make debt repayment easy. Debt repayment can feel overwhelming a lot of the time, no matter what stage you’re at in life.
42% of U.S adults report that money concerns and dealing with debt negatively impact their mental health, leading to a host of problems such as anxiety, stress, and depression. But with the right tools at your fingertips, you can take control of your debt once and for all.
Changed was built by founders who fated seeing their debt hold them back from their goals. Nick Sky and Dan Stelmach, two Chicago based brothers, sought to change the narrative around debt and took their idea to Shark Tank and got Mark Cuban on board. Since then, the Changed app has had incredible success with helping thousands of people become debt free.
How does Changed do it?
After gathering basic information about your debt and spending habits, a custom debt repayment plan is created for you. No more of the same old budgeting hacks that usually boil down to giving up the things you love. Changed makes space for the things you enjoy while paying off your debts and saving, one purchase at a time.
Every penny you have is put to work, Changed allows you to send micropayments toward your debt every time you go buy groceries, a cup of coffee or fill up your car by rounding up all your transactions. It also offers a Boost feature for members that want a more aggressive paydown plan but also fits a budget. You can set one-time Boosts when you have some extra cash or schedule small amounts every day. Changed makes your money work for you, by letting every penny count.
Take Advantage of Rounding Up:
Save On Interest:
Since your interest is calculated on your remaining loan balance, making additional principal payments or a payment that is larger than the required monthly payment will significantly reduce your interest payments over the life of the loan. Even small additional principal payments can help you reduce the amount of interest you’ll pay.
Shorten the Loan Term
Making additional principal payments will shorten the length of your loan term and allow you to become debt free faster. Because your balance is being paid down faster, you’ll have fewer total payments to make, in turn leading to more savings.
Improve Credit
In most cases saying more than the minimum payment improves your credit by lowering your DTI (Debt to Income) ratio and by showing your ability to lenders that you can afford to pay more. They call it your minimum monthly payment for a reason, it’s the minimum obligation.
Who Changed Benefits
Whether you are a recent college graduate paying off student loans, a new homeowner, or you have other debts Changed benefits you. BrightStar Credit Union partnered with Changed to benefit all members, working to pay off debts or loans.
BrightStar Credit Union strives for members to have financial freedom, financial independence, and financial stability.
Learn more about Changed by visiting our Marketplace.
Don't Fall for the Fake
Don't Fall for the Fake
At BrightStar Credit Union, your financial security is our top priority, and we want to ensure you stay protected from scams and other fraud attempts.
Don’t fall for the fraudulent calls and messages claiming to be BrightStar Credit Union Your financial safety remains our priority.
- BSCU will NEVER call, text, or email asking you for your Secure Access Code, Debit or Credit Card number, expiration date, CVV, username, or password. Imposters claiming to be from BrightStar Credit Union’s Fraud Department are contacting members via calls and text messages, requesting banking information to “secure” an account. They use a spoofed caller ID that shows BrightStar’s name. Once they obtain necessary information, they access member accounts and move funds fraudulently.
- If you receive a request for any of this information, it is FRAUD, do not provide the information! If you receive a call you believe to be suspicious, hang up and contact the Credit Union directly. If you receive a link which then requests a response to an “alert”, this is also FRAUD.
Remember, BrightStar Credit Union is here to help safeguard your financial well-being. You can set alerts in our online banking by navigating to the Alerts Settings to better protect your account.
Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams
Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams
‘Tis the season for giving, but unfortunately, scammers are also in the spirit of taking. At BrightStar Credit Union, your financial security is our top priority. As you embark on your holiday shopping adventures, we want to ensure you stay protected from Scams and other fraudulent activities.
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Stay Skeptical of Unsolicited Links: If you receive unsolicited messages or emails with questionable links, resist the temptation to click. When in doubt, contact the party directly, even if it’s your Credit Union.
- Protect Your Credentials: BrightStar Credit Union will NEVER ask you for your username, password, debit/credit card PIN, or Secure Access Code. If you ever receive a suspicious message, report it promptly here.
- Gift Cards are NOT Payment: Be cautious if someone requests payment in the form of gift cards. Legitimate entities, including BrightStar Credit Union, Amazon, Apple, PayPal, or government agencies, will NEVER ask for gift cards as payment.
- Be Wary of Unexpected Wins: If you didn’t enter a sweepstakes and suddenly win, it’s likely a SCAM. Legitimate sweepstakes will not ask for money or personal information to claim your prize.
- Question Urgent Requests: If you receive urgent requests with specific instructions on sending funds, pause and verify the legitimacy of the communication.
- Additional Resources: Whether you’re in the giving spirit, pursuing a new job, or searching for love during the holidays, stay informed about potential scams. Explore additional resources on scams at FTC Consumer Information.
Home Warranty Letters Scam
Home Warranty Letters Scam
BrightStar Credit Union members have received letters from “Lender Services Home Warranty Division” in the mail urging them to renew their home warranty, stating their current coverage is nearing expiration. It is important to note that BrightStar Credit Union is not associated with these companies. The Credit Union keeps all member information confidential. We strongly advise exercising caution if you receive such communications.