Skip-A-Loan Proceeds Help Boys and Girls Club of Central MN

This past holiday season, St. Cloud Federal Credit Union offered a Skip-A-Loan service to members. The goal of the service was to provide members with an option to accommodate for extra expenditures revolving around the holidays but give back to the community at the same time. The result was the Skip-A-Loan service. This option allowed members to “skip a loan” payment by paying a $30 fee. St. Cloud Federal Credit Union in return used a portion of that fee to give back to the St. Cloud area community.

The program was a great success. Many members participated in this service to allow for a more flexible budget during the holiday season. From the proceeds of the Skip-A-Loan service, St. Cloud Federal Credit Union was able to donate $2,500 to the Boys and Girls Club of Central MN. This money went towards the rebuilding of the Roosevelt School Gym that burned down last June. The destruction of the Roosevelt School Gym was a devastating loss to the neighboring Boys and Girls Club of Central MN. The loss was felt most by the older kids. Many of the older kids are mostly attracted to the Boys and Girls Club to play organized sports in the gym. Not having an indoor structure for sports made it difficult for the Boys and Girls Club staff to plan organized sports. With the construction of a new gym, the Boys and Girls Club of Central MN will once again have the ability to plan more organized sports.

Below is a picture of St. Cloud Federal Credit Union representatives presenting a check for $2,500 to the Boys and Girls Club of Central MN.

Employees pictured from St. Cloud Federal Credit Union are: Alyce Justin, Jed Meyer, Sarah Mason, and Tammy Butler. Employees pictured from the Boys and Girls Club are: Mark Sakry, Executive Director and Buddy King, Roosevelt Unit Director, along with Roosevelt Boys & Girls Club member

Even though the holidays have come and gone, we encourage our community to continue to reach out to those in need whether it is through financial donations, volunteering, or random acts of kindness.

The St. Cloud Federal Credit Union would like to thank all of the community members for their help in getting the gymnasium rebuilt. We are honored to have taken part in this and would like to thank our members who took part in the Skip-A-Loan program.

For any of your financial needs, feel free to contact one of our friendly representatives at (320) 252-2634.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of Central MN, click here http://www.bgcmn.org/

Seven Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

Halloween is just around the corner, and as always – the safety of our Members and Community is very important to us.  Below are 7 tips for making sure you and your gang Trick-or-Treat safely this year…

1. Plan Your Route

It’s a good idea to decide what neighborhoods and streets you’ll be visiting for Trick-or-Treating ahead of time so you know you aren't wandering too far from home, which may result in some tired little legs.  Make sure it is a familiar neighborhood, in case any one gets separated.

2. Be Seen

When you’re putting the final touches on costumes and treat bags, consider adding a few strips of reflective tape to assure your kiddos can be seen.  Also, remember to carry along a flashlight, for when it gets dark – it’ll be helpful for tying shoes and seeing where you’re going.

3. Walk on the Sidewalk

This safety tips has two parts; first, make sure you and your goblins and ghosts walk while Trick-or-Treating for everyone’s safety. Second, make sure they stay on the sidewalk or a cleared path.  You never know when a car is going to turn down a street, and you may not be able to see items on the road that could cause a spill.

4. Make Trip-Free Costumes

When you’re getting ready to go, make sure everyone’s costumes are an appropriate length.  This may mean trimming the bottom, or adjusting the height of where a costume is worn, but it will also make for a safe, comfortable, and fun evening.

5. Fuel Up

Make sure you take the time to have a good meal (or snack, depending on the time) before Trick-or-Treating.  Also, have a water bottle along so that everyone stays hydrated.  It’ll help the kids (and you!) enjoy the night without having to substitute Skittles for a sandwich.

6. Lit Houses Only

This rule of thumb is one of the most basic Trick-or-Treating practices, but we wanted to include it in our reminders.  Make sure to only approach houses that are well-lit.  If there’s a light on but no one answers your knock, skip the house – they must like the tricks more than the treats.

7. Check the Candy

Before your kids dive into their bag of goodies, have a look at their candy. No, we don’t suggest this so you can pick out your favorite pieces (although 1 or 2 might not hurt), but so that you can assure that any candy that is not properly wrapped or labeled can be thrown out. Better to be safe than sorry!

We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween night, not-so-full of tricks and abundant in treats!

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.

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Six Back-To-School Savings Tips

It’s that time of year… you know, right after they put the red, white, and blue  picnic décor away, but just before the Halloween candy comes out – yes, Back-to-School time!  Getting ready to send the kiddos back to school can be exciting, nostalgic, and a little stressful.  Don’t let the rising expense of supplies and list of needs bring you down, there are ways to save and keep you Financially Fit…

1. Sooner isn’t always Better

While it is exciting to see those shiny folders, vibrant crayons, and fresh bottles of glue line the shelf early on, it’s not always the best idea to buy your supplies right when they hit the floor.  According to an article from MSNMoney, holding off on the first ‘Back-to-School Sale’ and waiting for later sales will save you money.

2. Make a list of Needs, BEFORE going to the store

Before you embark on the trip to the store for Number 2 pencils, make a detailed list of what you need.  Take the list the school has given, add any other necessities, and stick to the list.  Remember that in some cases, different children in different grades will need different supplies – so it’s important to look at various necessities.  Remember to stick to the list! If it says 24 pack of crayons and 2 glue sticks, get the 24 pack (not 48) and 2 glue sticks (not 5).

3. Reduce, Reuse, Save Money

Once you've made your detailed list, shop around at home first.  Check the supplies the kids brought home from school at the end of the year and see which folders will hold up, which markers still work, and if there are notebooks with a decent amount of paper left in them.  Reusing school supplies that still have some life left in them will save you money, and create a whole lot less waste.

4. Keep an eye out for Give-Aways

Watch your local ads and flyers for any back to school giveaways!  You might find a deal for a free notebook with a purchase of folders, or a free ruler with a pack of pens, etc.  If you need the items, it never hurts to get a little something free along with it that you can also check off the list!

5. Buy in Bulk

After looking at the handy-dandy list you made, you know you’ll have to pick up a half dozen notebooks and fifteen folders, why not buy in bulk? Depending on the age of your child, a large pack of loose-leaf paper may be a less spendy alternative to notebooks, and splitting a large pack of colored pencils could be cheaper than buying two or three.  If you don’t have multiple kids to split the supplies between, consider going supply shopping with another parent or two and divvy up what you need.

6.  Keep it Basic

There are loads of supplies with sparkles, gems, sports teams, and TV stars on them, but are often more expensive than the generic supplies as well.  While it’s fun to splurge by letting the kiddos pick out 1 or 2 ‘fancy’ items, the ‘plain’ colored folders and yellow pencils will work just as well, and save you some money.

Don’t let the cost of back-to-school time take the excitement out of your school shopping, it doesn't have to break your budget.  Make a list, have some fun, and get the kids ready for a great school year ahead!

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.

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Credit Reports: Get Yours FOR FREE!

Part of working toward Financial Fitness is keeping your Credit Score on your radar.  When was the last time you've seen your Credit Report? ......Still thinking? Then it’s probably been too long.

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act enables you to obtain a free copy of your Credit Report once a year from each of the three major Credit Bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).  Obtaining this free copy of your Credit Report is easy, and can help you work toward Financial Fitness!

You can access your free Credit Report by logging on to www.annualcreditreport.com, or by calling (877) 322-8228.  If you’d like assistance looking up your Credit Report, stop in – we’d be happy to help you out.

Remember, there is no single Credit Report.  Each of the three major Credit Bureaus (listed above) operate nationwide and have a report on you.  The information may be slightly different in each report, which is why we advise you to get your report from each Bureau.  Keep in mind, you can get one free copy from each Bureau every year… if you look up one report every four months you'll be able to track your Credit throughout the entire year!

If you ever have any questions or concerns about the items on your Credit Report, please feel free to give our Loan Department a call at 320-258-2190, or stop by! 

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.



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Fund Your Future!

It’s the time of year we find many High School seniors filled with excitement and enthusiasm (OK, nerves too) as college is on the horizon, closer than ever before.  While many are filled enthusiasm for the ‘next step’ in their life, they may also find they are weighed down with worry of the financial burdens that can come with college.  Have no fear; St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is here!

At SCFCU, we offer a Private Student Loan Program.  Our Student Loan program is affordable, easy to apply for, and has fast approval.  The program has a plethora of benefits, including:
-- Zero Origination Fees for all qualified student borrowers
-- Competitive Interest Rates (and with good grades, you’ll get even lower rates!)
-- 1% Interest Rate Reduction once 10% of the loan principal is repaid during the full repayment period
-- 30-day No-Fee Return Policy – allows you to cancel the loan if you find a better option
-- Cosigner Release available after 24 consecutive on-time principal + interest payments

You can borrow as little as $2,000 or up to the entire cost of attendance per year.  There is a maximum of $120,000 in Undergrad loans and $160,000 in graduate loans.  You can use your Student Loan for a variety of payments including tuition, cost of room and board, books or computer expenses, and even past due tuition bills!

You do not have to be a current Member of our Credit Union to apply, although to receive the loan you must become a Member for final loan approval.  The good news is, anyone who lives, works, or worships in the Tri-County (Stearns, Benton, or Sherburne) county area, or has an immediate family member that does can be a Member of St. Cloud Federal Credit Union!  For more information about our Student Loan program and it's requirements, visit https://stcloudfcu.coop/Student.php.  Or, CLICK HERE to apply now!

Congrats to all graduates, we’re proud of you and excited for what your future has to offer! 


 We are People Helping People.

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Meet Karen!

Have you ever been chased around by a wild donkey in the middle of South Dakota? We didn't think so.  However, one of our very own employees has!

Karen O'Hara has been with us as St. Cloud Federal Credit Union for over 7 years and is one of our prized Member Service Representatives.  Karen’s smiling face is recognizable by many of our Members when they visit us at the Credit Union.  Karen says her favorite part about being an SCFCU employee is ‘all the fun people’ she gets to work alongside; we couldn't be happier to have her.

When Karen isn't assisting our Members, you can often find her diving into a romance novel, watching a new movie, or surfing all that Pinterest has to offer.  If Karen flips on the TV, it’s usually to watch Smash, Vampire Diaries, and How I Met Your Mother.  Karen’s favorite subject in school was English and her favorite color is pink.  If she could travel anywhere in the world, Karen would choose to go to Ireland; her last name would be recognizable there, no doubt!

With her contagious laugh and positive attitude, Karen brightens everyone’s day.  She is always willing to help with projects and we know we’re very lucky to call her one of our own.  Thank you for all you do, Karen – we’re so happy you’re part of our SCFCU Family!


 We are People Helping People.

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Going Green = More Green

As many of you know, April 22^nd is Earth Day!  In effort to create a better understanding of ways we can all contribute to ‘greener’ living, we've been focusing many of our posts around environmental practices and awareness.  Living with Mother Earth in mind is not only good for our conscience, but it can make our wallets feel a little better too! How? Below is a list of ways going green, can help you have more ‘green’… 

1. Aluminum = CHA-CHING

Collecting pop cans is one of the most common forms of recycling.  Did you know you can turn in those aluminum cans for change? In Central MN you can get anywhere from 60-70 cents per pound, which is about 35 cans.  Toss ‘em in a bin and bring ‘em in!

2. Ditch the Plastic

Each year a household can spend up to $700 dollars on buying bottled water.  Choosing to purchase a reasonably priced filter or tap system will not only save you a lot of money in water purchases, but can also help alleviate the amount of plastic thrown away each year (which can be up to 22 billion bottles!).

3. Bags, Bags, Bags

Each year over 380 billion bags are used in the U.S.; that’s over 1,200 bags per person.  Of that 380 billion, only 1-2% gets recycled.  Many residents and shoppers are not aware they can recycle plastic bag, but you can just as you would a pop-can, soup-can, or milk jug.  Another great alternative to plastic bags is bringing your own bag.  Many stores give up to 5 cents for each reusable bag, so you’re doing the environment and your wallet a favor.

4. Better Bulbs

Using an energy efficient light bulb uses around 10 times less energy to create the same amount of light.  Not only are they better for the environment, but they’ll also save you money on your electric bill.

While we’re all for saving money and being more financially fit, we’re always invested in the well-being of our Members and community, and that includes the environment we all live in.  Recycling benefits all of us and our future posterity! Spread the love, go green!

We are People Helping People.


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Life in the Spotlight: Meet Bryce!

Have you seen the Sartell Chamber of Commerce’s April photo caption contest?  If so, you’ve seen the friendly smile of one of SCFCU’s prized employees, Bryce!  We wanted to allow you all to get to know the man behind the photo just a little bit better… who knows, maybe it’ll inspire some ideas for your own caption entry!

Bryce has been a Member Services Representative at our Sartell location for 3 years now.  His favorite part about working at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union are his co-workers (thanks Bryce, we like having you around too)!  Before the life of spotlighted photographs and helping our Members, Bryce dreamed of being a State Trooper in Alaska, which is where he would go if he could vacation anywhere.

While you’ll find Bryce’s smiling face whenever you stop in our lobby, it may fade now and then around this time of year. Why? Well, St. Patrick’s Day (Bryce’s favorite holiday) has passed, Winter (as a true Minnesotan, his favorite season) is coming to an end, and snakes and spiders (the 2 pets Bryce would never have) start to creep and crawl around.  Luckily, Bryce has The Walking Dead and Sons of Anarchy (his favorite TV shows) along with his two sisters to cheer him up!  Bryce’s favorite color is green, he listens to Country and Rap music, and if he could hang out with any celebrity for a day, he’d choose Sheldon Cooper; bazinga!

Bryce is a friendly, cheerful, fun employee to have here at SCFCU and we couldn’t be happier that he is a part of our team.  Thanks for all you do Bryce, we’re lucky to have you!


 We are People Helping People.

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Meet the 2013 Board!

We are both pleased and excited to officially announce our Volunteer Board and Supervisory Committee Members for 2013.

As a result of our recent Membership election, Melissa J. was newly elected to our Board of Directors, and Barry K. was re-elected to the board. 

Our 2013 Board of Directors board includes:   Andrew Johannes, chairperson (elected by the Board); Rick Wurst, first vice chairperson; Jackie Schoenfelder, second vice chairperson; Paula Erdmann; Larry Keenan; Barry Kirchoff; and Melissa Johnson. The 2013 Board-appointed Supervisory committee members include Rod Heiser; Gary Gillitzer; Jill Hoffmann; Luke Seifert; and Jon Grahek. 

Thanks to these Members above for volunteering their time and talent to ensure we are successful as a cooperative financial institution.  We would also like to recognize Tony S. for his past 6 years of service on our board.  Thank you Tony, we appreciate your support and commitment to SCFCU.

An additional 'THANK YOU' goes out to all of you, our valued Members and owners of St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, for participating in our election process.  We're looking forward to another great year! We are People Helping People.


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Help Your Credit Score Soar!

We recently posted a blog breaking down the basics of what a Credit Score is for better understanding.  As promised, below is a list we've compiled of ways you can boost your Credit Score and make it soar!

-Pay Your Bills on Time:
Late (aka: ‘delinquent’) payments have a huge negative impact on your overall score.  The more you’re on time with bills, the better your score will get.

-Don’t Open More Cards than Necessary:
Multiple new accounts can start to lower your account ‘age’ and in turn, drop your score as well.

-Be a Responsible Manager:
Having Credit Cards is good, as long as you are good about keeping track of them (limits, payments, etc.).  Having no cards at all can be a higher risk, so be on top of the ones you do have.

-Maintain a Low Balance:
A higher ‘outstanding debt’ can really affect your overall score – it can be lowered over 50 points just by maxing out a card!

-Keep an Eye on your Credit Report:
From time to time, outdated or inaccurate details can show up on your Credit Report – this too can really damage your Credit Score.  Check your Report often, and if/when you see an error file a claim to get it fixed.

-Be Active:
Just having a credit card isn't going to increase your Credit Score – you have to use the card to really establish a strong credit.  Even if it’s a card you only use on groceries, get it – and use it wisely!

Last, but certainly not least --
-Be Persistent:
Improving your Credit Score can take years of diligent spending and dedication to watching your finances – it may not be easy, but we can promise that it will be worth it.  Commit yourself to practicing Financial Fitness today!

Good Credit can be essential to living without financial stress.  If you’d like to talk with one of us, or get help pulling your free Credit Report, call or stop in – we’re here for you!  Our Member’s financial being is always our priority.  We are People Helping People.

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Credit Scores? Just Smile and Nod…

We often hear about the importance of a strong, well-kept Credit Score; but do you really understand what a Credit Score is?  Although the details are far from simple, we did our best to break it down and cover some main points to help you become more informed, so next time you’re asked about a Credit Score, you don’t have to just smile and nod…

What Exactly is It?
A Credit Score is a 3 digit number generated by mathematical algorithms taken from various pieces of information within your Credit Report.  Basically, this calculated number aims to predict your risk as an individual and analyze the chances of you becoming a “delinquent” on different credit obligations. 

Who Uses It?
Your Credit Score is often used by financial institutions and credit card companies to evaluate your eligibility for lending money.  Your score can help determine if you qualify for a loan, what your limits are, and the interest rate.  However, Credit Scores are not only for financial institutions.  A variety of organizations (cell phone companies, insurance companies, landlords, etc.) can use your Credit Score information for the same techniques.  Your Credit Score can be the difference between a low or high interest rate, qualification for an apartment rental, and much more.

Are they All the Same?
While there are all kinds of existing Credit Score models, the most common is the FICO.  According to myFICO.com, “90 percent of all financial institutions in the U.S. use FICO scores” when making decisions.  Your FICO score can be anywhere in the 300 – 850 range; a higher FICO score number indicates lower risk.  There are three different Credit Bureaus that gather your score: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – this means each consumer has three FICO scores.  Your FICO score is made up from your Credit Report’s data that is sorted into 5 main categories (see below).  Within this model, some factors are weighed more heavily – like debt and payment history.

What Makes up the Score?
On the right, you’ll see a model of what goes into your Credit Score.  Your Payment History (35%) includes account payment information, including delinquencies and public records.  Your Amounts Owed (30%) is how much you owe on each of your accounts.  The Length of Credit History (15%) is the amount of time between activity on accounts and how long they've been open.  Types of Credit Used (10%) is the variety of accounts you have (installment and revolving).  Lastly, New Credit (10%) includes credit inquiries you've made, recently opened accounts, and your pursuing of new credit.  It is important to note that personal and demographic information (age, marital status, race, income, address, employment, etc.) do not affect your score.

With a better understanding of your Credit Score you can practice better control of your score.  Stay tuned for future blogs about how to build good scores, what can hurt your score, and becoming financially fit. If you have any questions, call or stop by today! We are People Helping People.

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Presenting, Erica!

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome aboard!  If you’ll please take your seat, close all overhead compartments, fasten your seat belt, and turn your attention to the front of the … just kidding!  We are dedicating this blog to our lovely Member Services Representative, Erica, who before her time at SCFCU, dreamt of being a flight attendant.

We've been lucky enough to claim Erica as one of our own for almost 10 years! Erica was an employee with us for about 5 years in our St. Cloud office prior to leaving to do daycare and spend time with her children.  She came back in 2007, and we couldn't be happier to have her! Now you can find Erica’s smiling face at our Sartell location.  Erica says her favorite thing about working at St. Cloud Federal CreditUnion is her fun co-workers – we think she’s pretty fun to have around too!

When she’s not helping our Members, Erica likes to go camping and spend time with her family and friends.  If she could spend her vacation time anywhere, she’d take off to Hawaii – and we’re betting it’s because of the warm weather; Erica’s favorite season is spring because it means winter is over!  Math was Erica’s favorite subject in school, and if she could spend time learning any language she’d choose Spanish.  Her favorite color is red, Christmas is her favorite holiday, and when it aired, Friends was her favorite TV show.

What you might not know about Erica is that she can do the splits. Its true folks, we've seen her do it – don’t believe us? Click here to see for yourself!

Erica’s bubbly, positive personality is always a joy to have around and our Members are always glad to see her in the Sartell lobby or drive-up.  We’re so happy you’re part of our team, Erica – thanks for all your work!

Spring Cleaning = Spring Saving

In the spirit of today being the first day of Spring (we know, it hardly feels like it) – we thought we’d blog accordingly!  Below is a list of 7 places to check for Spring savings when Spring cleaning …

1. Light bulbs
When you’re cleaning and dusting off those light fixtures, why not dust the light bulbs too?  A clean light bulb will give off more light, giving you more ‘bang for your buck’.  If you have to replace any bulbs, consider doing so with energy efficient ones. 

2. Fridge
When you’re throwing out moldy, stinky, rotten food and scrubbing the grime off the shelves, take a look at your temperature dial; is it set colder than it needs to be? Is something blocking it from getting an accurate read?  If you see fit, adjust the temperature so the fridge is kept at suitable setting.  Also, take the extra time to pull the fridge away from the wall and dust off the back coils – this helps the fridge run more efficiently and with less energy (which = less money spent).

3. Filters
Although it is hard for many of us Minnesotans to imagine turning on the Air Conditioner, during your spring cleaning, check out the AC filter.  If necessary, toss the old one and install a new one – an old, beat up, unclean filter makes your AC do more work than necessary, and a new one can save you anywhere from 5% to 15% on yourbill. A good rule of thumb is to change your air filter 2-4 times a year.

4. Dishwasher
For many of us, the Spring Cleaning list doesn't include our dishwasher, but we suggest adding it! Bottom line: a clean dishwasher uses less water.  How? During rinse and wash cycles, many dishwashers will overcompensate for the dirty area surrounding your dirty dishes.  First, clean your dishwasher (door, shelves, racks, etc.) with warm vinegar water and then run a wash cycle with lemonade powder as the soap.   Last, clean the seal around the door – this way your dishwasher won’t pump out extra heat due to leaks. Voila! 

5. Dryer
The dryer is pretty basic, and keeping lint filters clean seems like common sense, we know.  This Spring, also remember to have your dryer ducts clean and like the fridge, clean behind your dryer to keep things running efficiently.  If you’re really looking to save – boycott the dryer all together on warm, sunny days and use a clothesline!

6. Roof
When you’re cleaning all the leaves out of your gutters, take a second to check at the ventilation in your attic.  Clean ventilation can help reduce the build up of heat (which means less cost on running the AC) and is also better for the life of your shingles.

7. Sliding Doors
Hopefully we’ll be using these soon to step on the back patio, but in the mean time - keep the sliding track clean.  Dust and dirt can build up over the winter months and loosen the seal – clearing that out can assure you that your air conditioner isn't doing more work than it has to. 

We know that Spring Cleaning is hardly exciting for most of us, but our financial fitness goals seem to be applicable to all areas of life: the good, the bad, the clean, and the dirty. Happy Spring and Happy Cleaning!


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Six Tricks to Play it Safe

At St. Cloud Federal Credit Union the safety of our Members and our community is extremely important to us.  When online, always take extra caution, especially when providing vulnerable information, like card numbers, full names, addresses etc. (most often needed for online shopping).  Here are six tricks to play it safe online …

1. If it doesn’t look ‘legit’, it’s not -

Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether a particular website is legitimate or not, but if you’re questioning it – it’s better to err on the side of caution.  If you’re not sure, look for some ‘red flags’ like automatic pop-up windows, a strange address, or amateur design and layout.  If any of these occur – do yourself and your computer a favor, and exit the site!

2. Look for the ‘S’ -

Credit.com and Identity Theft 911 founder, Adam Levin, recommends you look for the ‘S’ in the “https” portion of the web address.  Not that all http addresses are bad news, but the ‘S’ stands for “secure”; better safe than sorry! 

3. Keep it Current -

Always update your anti-virus software when necessary! This is an extra shield for when you’re scouting out good deals and perusing the web. This also applies to your cell phone lock codes and passwords. 
Public Wi-Fi is great, but you never know who else is
 using it, and for not-so-good reasons.

4. Passwords are Key –

Don’t be afraid to change your passwords regularly (as long as you’ve got a method of remembering them) so that your accounts aren't easily accessible to outside sources.  Don’t stick to simple passwords or use any sort of private information within them.  Some methods we suggest are using both uppercase and lowercase letters, adding numbers and symbols, and avoid using full or popular words.

5. Use ID Theft Protection –

There are many services offered with various accounts (some for free!) that can help you protect your money and your identity.  Many experts suggest using a credit card or pay card because it tends to be easier to see and trace ‘erroneous charges’.  Keep an eye on your statements and don’t overlook anything that’s questionable.

6. Be Social Media Safe –

Just like cycling through passwords can keep accounts fresh and safe, so can avoiding questionable contacts.  If a Facebook post or Tweet looks fishy and out of the ordinary for a friend or business – avoid it.  We’re not saying you have to ‘unfriend’ or ‘unfollow’ that person or brand, but be aware that hackers can send things attempting to look as legitimate as possible. “BitDefender recommends treating messages from strangers as spam – just ignore them” (MSN Money).  Be as social as you want, but be safe while doing it!

Because we know time spent ‘surfing the web’ is always increasing, we always encourage awareness and safety on the internet. We are #PeopleHelpingPeople.


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