Super Shredder Thursday

Posted by Joshua English on Apr 1st, 2010 | View Comments

2010 Undy Run

Posted by Chris Sievers on Mar 29th, 2010 | View Comments

We are big supporters of the American Cancer Society here at the credit union. It’s become one of our major fundraising efforts and a cause that is near and dear to our heart. Last year our employees raised over $4,000 for the ACS.  On Saturday, two credit union employees, Amy Ragan, compliance officer, and Josh English, teller and marketing intern, ran in the 2010

Credit Union volunteers (at left) were part of the registration team. Above, Amy Ragan and Josh English competed in the race for SIU Credit Union.

Undy Run, an effort to stamp out colorectal cancer and an extension of our support for the American Cancer Society. Several credit union employees also volunteered their morning to help with race registration. SIU Credit Union was a major sponsor of the event.

We’re proud of our employees who go out into the community to serve a cause they are passionate about.   

Identity Theft: You Have a Lot to Lose

Posted by Chris Sievers on Mar 19th, 2010 | View Comments

SIU Credit Union Marketing Director Chris Sievers talks about identity theft prevention with WPSD Local 6 Anchor Beth Bradley at the WPSD, SIU Credit Union Super Shredder Thursday Event at SIU Credit Union in Marion. SIU Credit Union collected over 6,000 pounds of documents on Thursday that was securely shred by DataLock.

Armed with little more than the name, address, birth date, and Social Security number of a completely unknowing person, thieves are illegally obtaining credit cards and access to checking accounts. Others use their newfound identities to apply for employment, an auto loan, or a driver’s license or even to commit a serious crime. Worse, that unknowing person might be you.

Consumer advocacy groups, such as the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse in San Diego, are receiving an increasing number of requests for help from victims of a crime that most law enforcement officials call identity theft.

For victims, the nightmare might begin when someone steals a wallet or check. Or when someone pilfers financial or other records with identifying information from a trash can. Or it might occur when the perpetrator legally obtains credit bureau records while working for a credit grantor (a financial institution, auto dealer, insurance company).

The lengthy process victims endure to untangle the web of fraud is draining both financially and psychologically.

So, what have you got to lose?

* Access to credit. A bad credit rating can virtually prohibit you from getting a credit card or any type of loan.

* Use of your checking account funds. You’re likely to show up as a bad risk on retailer’s check verification systems.

* Employment opportunities. A damaged credit report or driving record could take you out of the job market.

* Work time. With passage of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998, victims finally have a federal law that gives them the right to file police reports and recoup damages. But it takes time to be persistent and assertive in clearing their names.

* Money. Costs can mount when you retain the services of legal counsel.

Report any suspected identity theft to SIU Credit Union as soon as you realize it has occurred. And visit the Federal Trade Commission identity theft Web site (ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/) to view a copy of its publication, “Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft.”

Super Shredder Thursday at SIU Credit Union — Marion Branch

Posted by Joshua English on Mar 16th, 2010 | View Comments

Thursday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2809 Outer Drive in Marion, next to O’Charley’s.

Visa Giving Gateway

Posted by mikelantrip on Feb 17th, 2010 | View Comments

Support your local charity with ease, convenience and security of using Visa. Access nearly 1 million IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) publicly supported charities and receive a receipt immediately when you make a donation with your SIU Credit Union Visa Check Card or Visa Credit Card.

Visit Visa Giving Gateway to make charitable donations ease and security of using your Visa card via one centralized destination. Just use your SIU Credit Union Visa Check Card or Visa Credit Card to give to the causes you care about most — in your neighborhood or
nationwide.

You’ll avoid the hassles of writing checks and receive an electronic receipt right away. Plus when you use your SIU Credit Union Visa Check Card you’ll earn Power Points so your giving can be even more rewarding!

Visa Giving Gateway makes it easy to support charities that matter to you:
•Access to nearly 1 million 501(c)(3) publicly supported charities via one single online destination
•Learn more about charitable organizations before you donate
•Recommend charities of all sizes

Here’s how easy it is to donate:
Step 1: Find your charity at visa.com/giving
Step 2: Donate with your SIU Credit Union Visa.
Step 3: Print a receipt for your records
Donate today at visagiving.com

CU members can help victims of Haiti earthquake.

Posted by Chris Sievers on Jan 15th, 2010 | View Comments

The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and others in the credit union movement have begun rallying around the relief efforts to help Haiti’s 175 credit unions, their employees and volunteers, and their members impacted by Tuesday’s deadly earthquake.

As of Thursday afternoon, about 24 hours after the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions and the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) activated their sites for collecting donations, more than $83,570 combined had been contributed from the credit union movement.

Haiti’s 175 credit unions serve more than 400,000 members, according to WOCCU.

According to the International Red Cross, up to three million people have been affected, and the death toll is feared to be in the thousands. Many victims are sleeping in the streets.

All donations made via CUAid.coop will be forwarded to credit union organizations in affected areas through NCUF, which is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

For more information or to donate, visit  CUAid.coop and click on “Donate Now.”