Fake UPS emails with virus

Please be aware of fake emails from the United Parcel Service (UPS) that attempt to trick you to open an attachment.

The fraudulent email has the subject "UPS packet N3621583925", and claims that a package sent by you could not be delivered due to an incorrect shipping address. Attached is a .zip file that contains a virus disguised a Microsoft Word document with names like "UPS_invoice". Once opened, the virus attacks the Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser.

UPS has sent an official email warning customers:

We have become aware there is a fraudulent e-mail being sent that says it is coming from UPS and leads the reader to believe that a UPS shipment could not be delivered. The reader is advised to open an attachment reportedly containing a waybill for the shipment to be picked up. This e-mail attachment contains a virus. We recommend that you do not open the attachment, but delete the e-mail immediately.

Always be careful when receiving suspicious emails that instruct you to open attachments--email attachment is one of the most popular ways to spread malware. If you receive an email from UPS and you're curious about its authenticity, please contact customerservice@ups.com.

Source: ars technica

Have You Heard the News?

Effective August 1st, we will no longer be charging the $5 Monthly Maintenance Fee!

Eliminating this fee is just another way that we strive to offer our members a better value than they can get at a bank. Did you know that credit union members like you in the U.S. save $8 billion annually from better rates and lower fees than banks offer? And in Michigan alone, members save more than $325 million annually, according to the Michigan Credit Union League. As always, Team One is committed to serving our members with better rates and fewer fees.

Savings Tip: Consider putting $5 into a “Your Savings” account monthly to begin saving for an emergency or unexpected expenses and watch your savings grow. Open a “Your Savings” account today.

If you'd like to stay informed of new changes to Team One, please subscribe to our feed, or subscribe by email. Or get more information about our blog here.

Team One Remains a Safe & Secure Place for Your Money

The news is full of recent reports about the troubles and government bailouts of banks like IndyMac Bancorp (IMB), and mortgage companies such as Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE) because of their investments in sub-prime* loans. Rest assured that Team One does not invest in sub-prime loans.

For over 70 years, Team One has remained a strong and sound fixture in the communities that we serve. Credit Unions' Savings Accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Association and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government and have never lost their Members' deposits. We strive to offer the most competitive rates and quality service so that our members can feel secure in bringing their financial needs to us. Team One is all about Banking…Only Better!

*Sub-prime lending is the practice of making loans to borrowers who do not qualify for the best market interest rates because of their deficient credit history. Sub-prime lending is risky for both lenders and borrowers due to the combination of high interest rates, poor credit history, and adverse financial situations usually associated with sub-prime applicants.

4 Steps to Help Protect Your Financial Information

Here are some steps to help protect your financial information:

1. Review your credit report annually for free with one of the credit report bureaus. Equifax (1.800.525.6285), Experian (1.888.397.3742), or TransUnion (1.800.680.7289).
2. Review monthly statements to ensure they match your record of activity.
3. Never share your account numbers or other personal financial information over the phone unless you initiate the call.
4. Shred all personal and financial information before discarding it.

10 Tips for Improving Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a three-digit number that ranges from 300-850, and it's based on your payment history, outstanding debts, length of credit history and amount of new credit. The higher your credit score, the less risk you pose to lenders and the more likely it is that you'll ge their best available rates.

Here are some tips that can improve your credit score:

1. Request a copy of your credit reports and review it for accuracy. You can request a copy of your credit report free from each of the three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) at www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228.
2. Pay your bills on time. Even if you have had late payments in the past. Many lenders place greater importance on more recent credit history.
3. Use credit cards responsibly. Showing that you can manage credit cards responsibly; you will appear less risky than someone who does not use a credit card.
4. Reduce your credit card balances. Having a lot of outstanding credit card debt or being at or near your credit limit can lower your score.
5. Open new credit cards only as needed. Opening many new accounts will lower your average account age, which can have a negative effect on your score if you don’t have enough other credit information.
6. Avoid opening new accounts when you're applying for a loan. If you have a short credit history or very few accounts, opening a new credit line may lower your score.
7. Shop for a loan within a focused period of time. When you comparison shop for a single loan at various financial institutions, your potential lenders may request your credit score. Each inquiry will appear on your credit report. The inquiries that occur within a short period of time won’t lower your score, but those that occur over a longer period of time could.
8. Re-establish your credit history. If you have missed payments or had credit problems in the past, opening new accounts responsibly and paying them in a timely manner will raise your score over time.
9. Consult a credit counselor. If you are in danger of falling behind on your payments or if you already have, a legitimate, non-profit credit counselor can negotiate lower interest rates on your behalf and set up a debt repayment plan.
10. Stay away from bankruptcy. Filing bankruptcy can lower your score by 200 points or more. In addition, bankruptcies are reported for up to ten years, so your ability to get a loan could be decreased during that time period.

Call or stop in to speak to one of our Member Service Specialists to discuss how to improve your credit score.