Credit Union Don'ts

Priority One Credit Union recently sent election ballots to members. Printed on the outside of the envelope were some numbers...

Each member's account number and SSN.

Text from Letter of apology:

Important Security Message to Members

During the last week, we mailed our election ballots to members. Unfortunately, an error occurred during the distribution of this ballot, and personal information was inadvertently included above your address on the envelope. This information was not printed in a format that would be immediately recognizable, and we have no indication your personal information has been accessed or misused in any way.

We apologize for this distribution error, and deeply regret any inconvenience or concern it may cause you. Your privacy and security are our top priority, and we have taken precautionary measures to help ensure your protection.

New protocols are in place to thoroughly validate your identity before any account transaction can be made. New member authentication procedures will further ensure you are the only person who can open new accounts, apply for a loan or do business with our credit union.

We will provide, at no cost to you, a one-year membership in a credit monitoring service. Equifax will monitor your credit daily and immediately alert you if there is any unusual activity. You will soon receive a separate letter about Equifax explaining exactly how you can enroll and how the program works. If you have any questions, please call us at 626/441-1999 or 323/682-1999.

Additional operational and security enhancements will ensure this situation cannot happen again. We are committed to protecting your personal information, and will closely monitor your account for the next year. We are also happy to change your member number, upon your request.

We will take whatever steps are necessary to protect you and your confidential information, and your accounts remain safe and sound with your credit union. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 626/441-1999 or 323/682-1999 or visit your local branch if you have any questions or concerns about this issue.

In addition to the steps we are taking to protect you and your accounts, here are other security precautions you can take:

* Carefully review your accounts when you receive your statement for at least the next 12 – 24 months. You can also review your accounts online at www.priorityonecu.org. This is a good financial management practice, and an important part of keeping your financial information accurate and secure.
* Place a Security Alert on your credit bureau file. Security alerts provide added protection because they recommend creditors contact you before opening new accounts. To place a Security Alert or to obtain a copy of your credit report, please contact:
o Experian: 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com,
o Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com
o Transunion: 1-800-680-7289 www.transunion.com
* Contact the following resources for additional information and guidance relating to privacy and identity theft:
o Federal Trade Commission (FTC): 1-877-IDTHEFT www.consumer.govidtheft
o Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271
* Call us right away if you have any questions or concerns, or suspect any unusual activity, at 626/441-1999 or 323/682-1999.

We appreciate your continued support of Priority One Credit Union, and want you to know that “you are our first priority.”

Charles R. Wiggington, Sr. CEO/President