Wednesday, November 22, 2023

How to Avoid Holiday Scams


When shopping online this holiday season, and at every other time of the year, be on the lookout for scams.

Fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tactics such as sending requests from fake charities, various online shopping scams and deceptive communications about shipping problems on your purchase orders.

Protect both your money and your personal information with these tips to stay scam-free throughout the year.

Practice Good Cybersecurity Habits

  • Avoid Suspicious Links: Don’t immediately click on suspicious links or attachments sent in emails, texts, on websites, or on social media. Verify the source is legitimate before you click.
  • Protect Personal Information: Don’t disclose personal information such as your name, bank account number and password in an unsolicited request. Contact the sender directly to verify the authenticity of the request.

Know the Sellers

  • Verify Website Legitimacy: Before making any purchases, verify the legitimacy and security of the website by checking the URL. Look for 'https' in the web address; if it's missing, refrain from entering any personal information.
  • Research Merchants: If you’re buying from a new company, do your research and read reviews to ensure the company is credible.
  • Evaluate Sellers: When using platforms like online marketplaces or auction websites, confirm the legitimacy of the sellers by checking their feedback ratings.

Be Careful How You Pay

  • Use Credit Cards: Opt for credit cards for online shopping and regularly review your statements. If you notice any suspicious transactions, contact your credit card company immediately to dispute the charge.

Monitor Deliveries

  • Track Your Orders: Get the tracking numbers for items purchased online so you can monitor the delivery process closely.

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Secure Your Finances: Keep Your UCU Accounts Safe Online

 

In today's digital age, online banking has become an integral part of our lives. More and more of our Members are using UCU Online banking and the UCU app to conduct their everyday banking transactions. It is a secure, efficient and convenient alternative to in-person branch banking.

Having access to your accounts 24/7 gives you the freedom to manage your accounts from anywhere around the world, at any time. Whether you need to transfer funds, pay bills, or simply check your balance, UCU Online Banking and the UCU app provide a seamless experience.

UCU Digital Banking is Safe and Secure

At UCU, your security is our top priority. We understand the importance of safeguarding your financial information, and that’s why we implement the latest security measures. When you use UCU Online and Mobile Banking, you can be confident that your data is protected by cutting-edge encryption, advanced firewalls, and multi-factor authentication.

Be an Alert Consumer

While we are committed to providing a secure online banking environment, your active participation is essential in safeguarding your accounts.

Follow These Steps to Protect Your Financial Information Online

You can protect your personal and financial information by taking these simple steps to safeguard your accounts.

Protect Your Devices, Systems and Data

  • Protect your computer – Stay up-to-date with the latest operating system and web browser updates. Install them as soon as they become available.
  • Create unique passwords - The best way to protect your account information is by choosing strong passwords that are difficult to guess. The strongest passwords include a combination of numbers, upper/lower case letters and symbols, and are at least 12 characters long.
  • Keep antivirus software current – Install and update antivirus software that will safeguard your computer and mobile devices such as Sophos, Bitdefender or Avast. The antivirus software will detect and remove malicious malware. 

Protect Your Connections

  • Avoid public Wi-Fi when banking – Public Wi-Fi networks are generally not encrypted and are not considered secure. Only use secure Wi-Fi networks, such as the password-protected networks in your home for banking transactions.
  • Don’t use public computers for banking – Computers in public places like libraries, airports and hotels are not safe for online banking. Never store your passwords in the web browser of a public computer.
  • Log out when done: Always log out of your account and close the tab or browser window on your computer.  On your phone, log out of the app and close it.

Protect Your Money and Personal Information

  • Enable Two-Step Verification - Enable 2 Step Verification for an additional layer of security. This involves receiving a verification code on your phone or email that you need to enter after logging in with your password.
  • Enable UCU Alerts – Stay informed about your account activity by enabling UCU Alerts. UCU will send you email or text message notifications only on the security alerts you select.
  • Beware of phishing scams – Fraudsters send fake emails or texts – known as phishing scams – claiming to be from legitimate organizations such as UCU. They will ask for your personal information to steal your identity and enter your bank account. Don’t click on the link of a suspicious email or text and never respond to unsolicited requests for your confidential information.

Reminder

  • UCU, other financial institutions and government agencies will never ask for your social insurance number, PIN or other banking information. Never give out that information if solicited.

Report Suspicious Account Activity Immediately

If you notice suspicious activity on your accounts, contact the UCU Contact Centre at 1.800.461.0777 or email: ucucentre@ukrainiancu.com.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Webinar Series - The Cost of Pursuing an Education in Canada



If you missed our latest Welcome Ukraine webinar series - The Cost of Pursuing an Education in Canada, you can watch the full webinar on our YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQk_axFNu-E

During this webinar, you will gain insights into the different levels of education, the costs associated with pursuing your education, and the many approaches available to fund your education.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Серія вебінарів UCU Welcome Ukraine - UCU Welcome Ukraine Webinar Series


 Запрошуємо вас на безкоштовний та інформативний вебінар у четвер, 7-го вересня 2023 року, о 19:00.

 Фінансові аспекти отримання освіти в Канаді 

Дізнайтеся про освітню систему Канади. Під час цього вебінару ми окреслимо різні рівні освіти, вартість отримання освіти та способи покриття цих витрат.

На цьому вебінарі ви дізнаєтесь про:

  • Систему освіти в Канаді
  • Отримання початкової та середньої освіти
  • Отримання вищої освіти
  • Способи покриття витрат на вищу освіту в Канаді
  1. Державне фінансування освіти
  2. Доступна допомога студентам
  3. Освітні податкові відрахування та кредити
  4. Позики
  5. Заощадження та дотримання бюджета

Для участі в цьому вебінарі, будь ласка, заповніть реєстраційну форму, перейшовши за посиланням нижче.

 https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ca8713a4-33ad-4fc4-ae01-e00f50d89672@b53ba5b2-e8c2-4a7b-9034-9fed5c4c1436


Скористайтеся тим самим посиланням, щоб приєднатися до вебінару 7 вересня 2023 року о 19:00.


You are invited to this free and informative webinar on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm EDT

The Cost of Pursuing an Education in Canada

Learn about Canada’s education system. During this webinar, you will gain insights into the different levels of education, the costs associated with pursuing your education, and the many approaches available to fund your education.

In this webinar, you will learn about:

  • Canada’s education system
  • Elementary and high school education
  • Post-secondary education
  • How to fund your post-secondary education

  1. Government funding
  2. Student Aid
  3. Tax deductions and credits
  4. Loans
  5. Savings and budgeting

To participate, please fill out the webinar registration form by clicking the link below:

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ca8713a4-33ad-4fc4-ae01-e00f50d89672@b53ba5b2-e8c2-4a7b-9034-9fed5c4c1436

 Use the same link to join the webinar on September 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm EDT

 


Monday, August 21, 2023

Are You Taking Advantage of All We Have to Offer?


At UCU, we take pride in understanding the needs and desires of our valued Members. Our commitment to serving you better drives us to continuously innovate and introduce new products and services that aim to simplify your banking experience while fostering the growth of your savings.

Here is a look back at our latest rollout of innovative banking products and services.

Great Deposit Special Rates

Your hard-earned money deserves the best returns, and we recognize the importance of rewarding our members for their loyalty. That’s why we continually introduce new deposit special rates for you to grow your savings.

Whether you are saving for a dream vacation, a down payment on a home, or simply building an emergency fund, these special rates are designed to maximize the growth potential of your deposits.

See our latest rates here.

Convenient Online Appointment Booking

In today's fast-paced world, time is of the essence, and we appreciate the value of your time. To streamline your banking experience and provide personalized attention, we have introduced an online appointment booking system.

Now, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with our financial experts at your convenience. Whether you need assistance with financial planning, loan applications, or advice on optimizing your investments, this system ensures that a dedicated professional will be ready to assist you when you need it most.

Book your appointment here.

Expanded Contact Centre Hours

We understand that life doesn't always adhere to a strict schedule. To ensure that you have access to help whenever you need it, we have expanded our Contact Centre hours to better serve you.

Whether you have questions about your account, need help with online banking, or require support with any other banking matter, our knowledgeable and friendly customer service team is now available for extended hours.

See our Contact Centre hours, phone numbers and email here.

Chatbot

Here at UCU, we are committed to embracing the latest technological advancements. That’s why we introduced Chatbot to enhance our member interactions and address their questions promptly.

Available through UCU's website and mobile app, the chatbot is a knowledgeable virtual assistant that can provide real-time support, answer frequently asked questions, and guide you through various banking processes. From checking your account balance to setting up automatic payments, the chatbot is designed to make banking simpler and more efficient, available 24/7 at your convenience.

To use Chatbot, click on the Start Chat button on our website located at the bottom right corner of your screen.

Interactive Teller Machine

With the aim of blending convenience with personalized service, we have introduced new Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) at select branches. These innovative machines allow you to conduct various banking transactions with the help of a live teller through video conferencing.

Need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or make a loan payment? The ITMs offer the convenience of automated services while maintaining the human touch you expect from your credit union. It's like having a Member Service Representative at your service.

Visit our website to find the ITM location near you.

Welcome Ukraine Webinar Series

We've successfully kicked off our UCU Welcome Ukraine Webinar Series with four informative sessions tailored for our new members from Ukraine. This comprehensive series delves into a variety of subjects, all aimed at providing valuable insights and guidance to help recently arrived Ukrainians establish themselves in Canada.

Stay updated on upcoming webinar announcements by connecting with us on our social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram @ucuykc.

Catch up on past webinars by visiting our YouTube channel.

More to Come

At UCU, your financial goals are our shared goals, and we are dedicated to creating an environment that enables you to achieve them. We are working on transformative solutions to better serve your needs. Together, we will continue to build a brighter, more prosperous future.

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Серія вебінарів UCU Welcome Ukraine - UCU Welcome Ukraine Webinar Series


Запрошуємо вас на безкоштовний та інформативний вебінар у четвер, 10 серпня 2023 року, о 19:00.

Шляхи отримання статусу постійного мешканця Канади для власників віз CUAET

Під час цього вебінару ви отримаєте своєчасну та важливу інформацію про умови візи CUAET та про те, що вам потрібно знати, щоб отримати статус постійного резидента Канади.

На цьому вебінарі ви дізнаєтесь:

  • 80-річна допомога UCU українським іммігрантам
  • Візові правила програми CUAET
  • Що необхідно зробити ще до закінчення терміну дії вашої візи
  • Що робити, якщо ви в’їхали в Канаду по Foil-less візі
  • Подання заяви на постійне проживання в Канаді
  • Подання заяви на отримання громадянства Канади

Для участі в цьому вебінарі, будь ласка, заповніть реєстраційну форму, перейшовши за посиланням нижче.

 https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c1e30887-971f-454d-b26d-c2f04d0a6db9@b53ba5b2-e8c2-4a7b-9034-9fed5c4c1436

Використовуйте те саме посилання, щоб приєднатися до вебінару 10 серпня 2023 року о 19:00. 


You are invited to this free and informative webinar on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 7:00 pm EDT

Permanent Canadian Resident Pathway for CUAET Visa Holders

Learn about Canada’s new pathway to permanent resident status for CUAET visa holders. During this webinar, we will outline the conditions of the CUAET visa and talk about what you need to know to obtain permanent Canadian resident status.

In this webinar, you will learn:

  • UCU’s 80-year history of helping Ukrainian immigrants
  • CUAET visa rules
  • What to do before your visa expires
  • Foil-less visa for family members
  • How to apply for Canadian permanent residency
  • How to apply for Canadian citizenship

To participate, please fill out the webinar registration form by clicking the link below:

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c1e30887-971f-454d-b26d-c2f04d0a6db9@b53ba5b2-e8c2-4a7b-9034-9fed5c4c1436

 Use the same link to join the webinar on August 10, 2023 at 7:00 pm EDT

 

Friday, July 14, 2023


 We’re making banking with us better and easier.

Introducing the CardWise Mobile app and Online platform that lets you manage your UCU Collabria Mastercard© with security and ease. The CardWise mobile app and CardWise online web portal work seamlessly together to ensure your credit card information is ready whenever you are.

Stay in charge of your charges

Download the app from your mobile device app store or go to cardwiseonline.ca and register your UCU Collabria Mastercard©.

Tap into all the knowledge you need

Be on the frontline of fraud protection

With the CardWise app you can:

  • Report a lost or stolen card - immediately stop service and order a new card right in the app
  • Set your controls and alerts – to protect your card from fraud
  • Notify Collabria about your travel plans – to use your card uninterrupted in new locations

Track your spending patterns

  • View and analyze your spending trends
  • Block merchants – choose who can charge you

For more information visit our website