MONEY TALKA N E W S L E T T E R F O R C R E D I T U N I O N M E M B E R S$

P.O. Box 370 208 Main Street Turtleford, Saskatchewan S0M 2Y0Telephone: 306-845-2105 Fax: 306-845-3035 • E-mail: info@turtleford.cu.sk.ca • Visit www.turtleford.cu.sk.caOffice Hours: Monday – Wednesday 8:30am-4:00pm • Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm • Friday 8:30am-4:00pm

A NEWSLETTER FOR CREDIT UNION MEMBERS - TURTLEFORD CREDIT UNION - DEC 2018MONEY TALK$

You have to admit, when it comes to online fraud, scammers are smart, creative and versatile. Seniors do not always have confidence in their abilities to protect themselves against those cunning criminals. Those seniors describing themselves as “very confident” about their ability to safely engage in different online activities were very limited in their knowledge on on-line scams according to surveys.

Seniors should feel confident tapping into their experiences to help them discern what is real and what is not says Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance. “Older adults often have built-in defenses that tell them if something is real or fake. They can use that life experience to help sort out a scam.”

So take heart, and arm yourself with knowledge. Take the “Quiz: Can You Spot an Online Scam?” to become better equipped, available on Turtleford Credit Union Facebook page.

According to experts at Public Safety Canada, the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Better Business Bureau, the following are five of the hottest cyber scams that older adults need to avoid:

Tech support scams: There’s nothing worse than being told your computer isn’t working correctly. These types of scams can manifest themselves as “pop-ups” that appear on your computer screen and look like legitimate offers for computer service or help. In addition, criminals could get your telephone number and call to claim they are representing a reputable company such as Microsoft. Perhaps they are selling fake software. They ask for remote access into your computer and, potentially, credit card information. They then encourage you to install malware that might steal your personal information and data. If there’s a high-pressure pitch to take urgent action,that is a red flag. If you get such a call, it is best to hang up and call the company yourself to verify the person on the telephone is legitimate.

Tax scams: The tax season provides another window of opportunity for online fraudsters to take action. Criminals in Canada will sometimes send emails claiming they are from the Canada Revenue Agency and claim there is something wrong with your recent tax return. They will even threaten to contact police if you do not pay the fine ASAP. Public Safety Canada explains that the CRA will not contact you via email if there is a problem with your return.

Ransomware: One of the most frightening forms of online fraud is ransomware, a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid. One of the best ways to help prevent this from happening is to ensure your system has an up-to-date antivirus system. Also, never open spam emails from unknown senders, do not download attachments from spam or suspicious emails, and avoid clicking on links in suspicious emails to help avoid these types of scams.

False debt collectors: False debt collection emails often times come as official-looking documents and the tone of the emails is threatening and urgent. (“The opportunity to take care of this voluntarily is coming to an end,” one scam email read. “We would hate for you to lose the option of resolving this before it goes to the next step, which is a lawsuit.”) Consider these tips to avoid these types of scams: Do not respond to these emails, open any attachments or click on any links. Delete these emails. If you are concerned about whether you owe money, contact any creditors directly to find out if they sent the emails.

Sweepstakes scams: If you’re living on a fixed income, it could be exciting to think you may have won a large sum of money. A sweepstakes scam often will want you to pay to receive your prize. Similarly, you could have a giving heart that always wants to help those in need. That is great, but be sure to check out all charities before you give. Sweepstakes and charities frauds prey on emotions. Fraud charities often have names similar to real charities. However, they usually cannot provide important documentation of their identity and mission nor can they provide proof of tax-deductible contribution. Another clue that a fraud attempt is in progress is if the email comes from a free account such as Gmail or Hotmail. Charity frauds often will ask for bank or credit card information. If you believe the charity is legitimate, you can check it out by looking up the number and calling it.

Watch our website for new Fraud section coming soon. The Fraud section will have helpful information to avoid current Frauds: https://turtleford.cu.sk.ca/

Fraud Friday will be posted every Friday on our Facebook page with information and contests.

If you are unsure of any requests to send money any of our staff would be happy to assist you in keeping your money and banking information safe and secure. For more fraud, information contact Gini Calvert.

Top five Hottest Senior Cyber Scams

Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, happiness and good health.

Come join us for Hot Chocolate and Holiday Treats from 10am – 4pm on the 21st!

It’s our way of saying thank you for your continued business and support for 2018.

ENTER YOUR NAME TO WIN A HOLIDAY FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

Member Appreciation Day Friday, December 21st

The Turtleford Credit Union collaborated with the Turtleford Co-op to co-organize a Corporate Festival Gala December 1. It was a packed house with 200 people in attendance joining many businesses together for an evening of fine dining, door prizes, a silent auction and an enjoyable finale with music and dancing provided by Danny and the Dusters. Silent Auction proceeds were donated to the Turtleford Handi-Van and with the generosity of our community, we were proud to present an envelope of $2505 to Marion Nordell, committee

member for the Turtleford Handi-Van.

This was the second event in 2018 the two cooperative groups joined community members together. Back in October, we celebrated the 3rd Annual Community Partnership Event. An evening of great food, entertainment by Don’t Mind Us and a silent auction were enjoyed by all that attended. A cheque of $1000 presented to Fire Chief, Brent Edwards of the Turtleford Fire Department for equipment and training.

Successful Gala…

Mark your calendars!December 24th Open until 1:00 pmDecember 25th and 26th ClosedDecember 27th & 28th Regular business hoursDecember 31st Open until 1:00 pmJanuary 1st ClosedJanuary 2nd Regular business hours resume

HOLIDAY HOURS

• Friendly reminder to our valued farmers that in January, Farm Plans will be mailed out. We encourage you to take the time to complete them and return to the loans department at the CU for analysis.

• Safety Deposit Box Renewal Fees will be automatically processed on January 10, 2019. Rates vary according to safety box size.

• When you need foreign currency for your holiday travel, we ask that you pre-order at least 3 weeks before you leave. We do carry US currency, but if you need certain denominations, it’s best to take a minute to make sure we have what you want.

General Housekeeping

Lock'N'Block® is a service that lets you "lock" your Interac Flash debit card to "block" unauthorized or unwanted use through your mobile app, mobile web or online banking.

FEATURES: • Lock your debit card • Block ATM transactions • Block purchases and refunds • Block all international transactions ...24/7 all through online banking, mobile app or mobile web!

TO ACCESS LOCK'N'BLOCK® THROUGH ONLINE BANKING: • Log in to online banking • Click Account Services > Lock'N'Block®

TO ACCESS LOCK'N'BLOCK® THROUGH YOUR MOBILE APP: • Log in to your mobile app • Tap the Lock'N'Block® icon

TO ACCESS LOCK'N'BLOCK® THROUGH MOBILE WEB: • Log in to mobile web • Tap the Lock'N'Block® icon

IF YOU SHOULD HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT LOCK’N’BLOCK®, WE’D LOVE TO HELP: •Email us info@turtleford.cu.sk.ca or call us at (306) 845-2105

You’ll have peace of mind knowing your debit card can’t be used until you locate it (at which time you can “Unlock” your card and start using it again) or contact us and report it lost or stolen. Lock’N’Block® is a registered trademark of Everlink Payment Services Inc.

Lock’N’Block®

The New Year is just around the corner and that means the 2018 RRSP contributions deadline is just a few short months away.

Deadline to purchase RRSP contributions for the 2018 tax year is Friday, March 1, 2019.

If you’d like to make an RRSP contribution on or before the

March 1, 2019 deadline, or if you would like more information on setting up an automatic pre-authorized contribution, please feel free to stop in or give Noella a call.

Looking at Maximizing your RSP for the 2018 Tax Year, the Lending Department is offering a special lending rate at TCU Prime until March 1, 2019. Contact Denise or Melanie in our Lending Department to discuss.

RRSP deadline around the corner….

The 2019 TFSA contribution limit has increased by $500, which a 2.2% inflation increase rounded to the nearest $500 by Revenue Canada jumps from $5500 to $6000 in 2019.

Since the TFSA began in 2009 that means you have the ability to stash away $63,500 totally tax free as of January 2019.

The number one key factor with a Tax Free Savings Account is that contributions are not tax-deductible but the income generated in a TFSA and the withdrawals made from a TFSA are not subject to income tax.

If you are determining how much TFSA contribution room you may have, there are three parts to the equation:• Your TFSA dollar limit• Any unused TFSA contribution room from previous

years• Any withdrawals made from the TFSA in the previous

years

You can also find out how much TFSA contribution room you have by setting up My Account with Revenue Canada or calling a Revenue Canada Representative.If you are interested in contributing to a TFSA please stop in or give Noella Domotor a call at the Turtleford Credit Union.

Increase to the 2019 TFSA Contribution Limit

2018 Year in Review