Security and Fraud

Provident Credit Union is committed to the safety of our members' information and accounts. With over 60 years in business, Provident has earned a reputation for absolute safety and soundness.

How We Keep Your Accounts Safe

SSL certificates on secure servers: Our website resides on a secure server, which means all information exchanged between the Provident web server and your browser is encrypted for more secure and private transmission over the Internet. We use Extended Validation SSL Certificates, which add an extra layer of validation to positively identify Provident Credit Union as the site owner and prevent fraud.

Firewall: We take a layered approach to security, including using a firewall that blocks unauthorized access to our network and computing environment. On computer systems inside the firewall, private data is securely encrypted and password-protected.

Children’s online privacy: COPPA, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, protects children under the age of 13 from the online collection of personal information. The Provident Web site is not intended to attract anyone under 13, and we do not link to other sites that we believe to be inappropriate for that age. Provident does not intentionally collect information from our Web site from those we know are under the age of 13.

Links to third-party websites: Provident also integrates some third-party content within its site without warning messages. For this to happen, however, Provident first undergoes an extensive security review with that third party, to ensure that they are rigorously protecting the privacy and security of any member information that they may store, and to ensure that they only collect and store the minimum amount of data needed for them to provide online services to members. These security reviews are repeated annually.

Keeping Social Security Numbers private: Provident, as required by law, collects Social Security numbers to establish, maintain and service member accounts. Provident’s practice is to implement reasonable measures to protect confidentiality, prohibit unlawful disclosure, and limit access to Social Security numbers.

Using secure email: You can use secure email in Online Banking to contact Provident and send account information. Messages sent to us through regular email is not secure, and could potentially be read by others along the way as it makes its way through the Internet.

What to Look Out for Online

Malware: Malware is software designed to damage computer systems and may be used to steal personal information. It includes viruses, spyware, and trojan programs. Malware can be distributed to your computer from file sharing or social networking sites. You can help protect your computer from malware by keeping your security software, system software, and browser software up to date and avoiding opening attachments or using free software from unknown or untrusted sources.

Phishing: Phishing is a term used to describe ways to trick you into revealing your private information or sign on credentials, in order to use it for identity theft or credit card fraud. Do not click on links or reply to suspicious emails, and if you receive a potential phishing email from Provident Credit Union, please forward it to HelpDesk2@providentcu.org.

Vishing/SMiShing: Vishing (short for "voice phishing") uses the phone to call and leave an automated recording saying that they are Provident Credit Union, and requesting a call back so you can update your personal information (or some other excuse). They can even fake the Caller ID to make themselves appear to be Provident. SMiShing (short for "SMS-Phishing") is a phishing attack via an SMS text message trying to trick you into replying with financial or personal information or may include links that include a virus. Do not provide any information unless you have contacted Provident Credit Union at one of our published numbers. Provident's main number is (800) 632-4600, and ignore or delete text messages that request personal or financial information.

If You've Been Victimized

If you suspect your identity has been stolen, you should notify Provident Credit Union immediately at (800) 632-4600, so we can close any accounts that may have been tampered with. Also:

Notify the three major credit bureaus listed below and place a fraud alert on your credit file. Monitor your credit report to identify any unauthorized activity

Equifax: (800) 525-6285

Trans Union: (800) 680-7289

Experian: (888) 397-3742

File a complaint with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). They maintain a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations.

File a police report and keep copies for creditors.