Information

NCUA offers extensive information to help consumers identify frauds and scams at its Fraud Prevention Center.

When traveling out of the country, be sure to check your account for suspicious activity. Recently there have been reports of scammers using bluetooth ATM skimming, where the device is installed internally, making it undetectable from the exterior.

ATM Skimming

Criminal Groups are using ATM Skimmers to withdrawal money from member’s accounts. The skimmer allows them to read the debit card and PIN for accounts. These devices snap into place without adhesives or magnets and are of superb quality.

These groups NEVER leave their devices unattended. They arrive on foot and then monitor from nearby vehicles parked in an adjacent parking lot. If a device is discovered do not leave the device or attract attention. Contact law enforcement as discreetly as possible. The suspects will remove the devices as soon as you leave them unattended.

Lost/Stolen Debit Cards 1-800-472-3272 Lost/Stolen Credit Cards 1-800-822-8968

Phishers Use Fake Caller ID Numbers
In a new phishing scam, con artists are using phony caller ID numbers to solicit personal information and money. The “spoofers” are able to convince victims that they’re receiving a call from a bank, credit union or credit card company. The scammers use this technique to acquire sensitive personal and financial information, or even money, from their victims.

Protect yourself by following these steps:

• Do not assume that the information displayed on your phone, regarding who the caller is, is accurate. It can easily be spoofed.
• Never give out personal or financial information over the telephone unless you know EXACTLY whom you’re dealing with.
• If you have doubts about who’s on the phone, call back the number of record at your financial institution or credit card company.

VISHING

Vishing is when a caller uses an automated dialing system. The voice system may use phrases such as, “Please contact us immediately about the closing of your account.” The caller will try to trick you in to calling a toll-free number. But that number belongs to a thief, who will collect the financial information you will be asked to enter on your phone’s keypad, like your 16-digit card number.

Take measures to protect your sensitive information:

• Never give personal or financial account information over the telephone if you did not initiate the contact—even if the caller has some of your personal information. Simply hang up.
• Be suspicious of any e-mail that’s short or harsh in tone or contains grammatical errors. Delete it immediately.
• Be suspicious of any phone or e-mail contact that does not use your first and last name.
• Be cautious when asked to enter information into automated phone prompts.
• Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited e-mails.
• Never dial an unfamiliar return phone number received from an e-mail or phone call regarding any financial matter. Check your financial institution’s phone number listed on your account statement or back of your credit card.
• Report suspected fraudulent calls or e-mails to the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. Forward phishing e-mails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@antiphishing.org.

:: Electronic mail is not secure, and confidential or personal information should not be communicated in this manner ::

If you think you’ve been caught in a phishing or vishing scam, contact your financial institution immediately

Learn how to improve your credit score! Set up an appointment with us to learn more about how credit works, credit scores, and the credit bureaus. Find out how your score is calculated and learn tips to help you improve your credit rating. The appointment is free and available to all our members. You can contact us at (301) 306-0610 or information@ibew26fcu.com to set up your appointment. Appointments can be done in the office or over the phone.

IBEW 26 FCU partners with Guidewell Solutions to offer members a discount on financial literacy education and services. This includes credit counseling, bankruptcy advice, housing counseling, financial coaching, and general financial education.

Visit Guidewell Solutions’ website to find out more about their services: http://www.guidewellfs.org/about-us/our-services

Call 1-800-642-2227 or email info@guidewellfs.org for more information.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland and Delaware is now doing business as Guidewell Financial Solutions.

:: Electronic mail is not secure, and confidential or personal information should not be communicated in this manner ::

• June 2017 Newsletter

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2017 Annual Meeting of the Membership

Our Annual Meeting will be held on April 18, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. at our Lanham branch located at 4371 Parliament Place, Lanham, MD 20706. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by April 13, 2017 if you plan to attend. As a member of IBEW 26 FCU, you own a portion of the Credit Union. Your share savings account qualifies you as a member-owner of the Credit Union and entitles you to vote for the individuals you would like to have represent you on the Board of Directors. This year, the Nominating Committee has submitted the below nominees to fill four vacancies on the Board of Directors and two on the Credit Committee. If there are no nominations made by petition, then these nominees will be elected by acclamation and their election will be confirmed at the 2017 Annual Meeting. Following are the rules for making nominations by petition:

• The individual must be 18 years of age or older.
• The petition must be signed by one percent of the membership with a minimum of 20 signatures and a maximum of 500.
• Each petition must include a statement of qualifications and brief biographical data on the person being nominated.
• The person being nominated must sign an acknowledgement stating that if elected, he/she is willing to serve.
• The petition must be received by the Credit Union at its main office in Lanham, MD no later than close of business Wednesday March 9, 2017.

Board of Directors Nominations

George C. Hogan

George C. Hogan started serving IBEW 26 Federal Credit Union as a second generation volunteer in 1983 and fourth generation IBEW Local 26 electrician. His volunteer services started as a Teller and he was elected to the Board of Directors in 2003. His present position is Director on the Board. His father Lawrence C. Hogan served as member of the Credit Committee and on the Board of Directors. George started his career with IBEW Local Union 26 in 1972 as a fourth generation electrician, completed his apprenticeship to become a Journeyman Electrician and has served his local in many ways. He was appointed to the picnic committee, Delegate to Washington Building Trades Council, Delegate to AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, elected to the Examining Board and Executive Board. He has worked as Job Steward, Sub-Foreman, Foreman and Chief Electrician. George currently works for IBEW Local 26 as Business Manager.

Richard J Warner

Rick Warner started serving IBEW 26 Federal Credit Union as a volunteer in 1969. His volunteer services started as a Teller and was later elected to the Board of Directors. His present position is Secretary of the Board of Directors. Rick started his career with IBEW Local Union 26 in 1965, completed his apprenticeship to become a Journeyman Electrician and served his local in many ways over the last 40 years. He was elected to be his local union’s Treasurer for 9 years, Chairman of the Finance Committee for 25 years, and Chairman of Health & Welfare Relief Fund. Rick was job superintendent on Wolf Trap, Ronald Reagan Building, Freddie Mac, and Patton & Trade Building an eight building complex. He was the recipient of 3 Washington Building Congress Craftsmanship Awards for Wolf Trap, Freddie Mac and the Ronald Reagan Building. Rick retired in September 2004 and continues to volunteer for the Credit Union and as Superintendent of Medical Equipment for IBEW LU 26 Retired Members Club.

Keith A. Sutphin

Keith A. Sutphin started serving IBEW 26 Federal Credit Union as a volunteer in June 1994. His volunteer services started as a Teller, he was appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Committee, and elected to the Board of Directors. His present positions are Supervisory Committee Chairman, and 2nd Vice President on Board of Directors. Keith holds a Bachelor of Commercial Science Degree in Accounting and also was a controller of a Union Drywall Company for 5 years prior to his career with IBEW Local Union 26. Keith started his career with IBEW Local Union 26 in August 1989, in the Residential Program, he completed his apprenticeship to become a Journeyman Electrician. He served on the JATC Review Board for 3 years. He went to work with various contractors, was an assistant Project Manager with Fischbach & Moore on the Ronald Regan Building in charge of billing and purchasing, and returned to Potomac Testing in 1998. At Potomac Testing he performed testing aspects of AT&T’s power systems. He also performs acceptance testing and preventative maintenance testing for various contractors out of his local union. In 2011, he moved to ABM Electrical Power Solutions where he continues various testing of electrical systems.

Doreen Creamer Cleland

Doreen Creamer Cleland started working for IBEW 26 Federal Credit Union part-time in 1970 and went full-time in 1976. Doreen started working evening hours with the volunteers until she became a full-time Teller, later moving to Collections, Loan Officer, Assistant Treasurer and into her current position as CEO. In 2003, her father Harry W. Creamer the Treasurer-Manager passed away, and Doreen was elected to the Board of Directors. Her daughter served an internship in 2004 and continues to work as needed, making four generations involved with IBEW 26 FCU.

Credit Committee Nominations

James A. Landen, Jr.

James A. Landen, Jr. started serving IBEW 26 FCU as a volunteer teller and credit committee member in the early 1970’s and did so for many years. “Jay” returned back to the credit union as a volunteer in 2006 being elected to the Board of Directors and is presently serving on the Credit Committee. Jay completed his Apprenticeship to become a Journeyman Electrician in 1973. He has worked as a Sub-Foreman, Foreman, Service Technician, Estimator and a Planner-Scheduler. Jay retired in 2015. Jay was the President of Parkway Estates Citizen’s Association 1971-73, Treasurer for Marlton Elementary School After-Care Program 1989-91, Electrical Instructor at Prince George’s Community College Continuing Education Department 2000-06, Treasurer of the Marlboro Single Family Homeowner’s Association 2005-06 Board of Directors of Misty Cove Center Condo Association 2005-2015 and President of Marlboro Single Family Homeowner’s Association 2006-2016.

Robert R. Staton

Robert started serving IBEW 26 Federal Credit Union as a volunteer in 1984. Robert was elected to the Credit Committee (serving continuously for 30 years) and later to the Board of Directors. His present positions are Chairman of the Credit Committee and Director on the Board. Robert is a combat Vietnam veteran, after receiving an honorable discharge from serving in the U.S. Army, he began his career with the IBEW Local 26 in December 1969 working thru the residential unit, completed his apprenticeship in 1974 to become a Journeyman Electrician. He has his Masters Electrical License; he has taken JATC Journeyman extension courses, worked as a Foreman throughout the years on several jobs. Robert taught evening courses at the JATC. Robert is enjoying his retirement and is actively involved with the Credit Union.

IBEW 26 FCU schedule of fees has been updated as of May 2016.

Fee Schedule May 2016