Blog Center
At BMI Federal Credit Union, we understand the importance of educating our members on fraud, financial education, budgeting, and more! Our monthly blog is a great resource to dive deep into different financial topics, types of fraud, and useful tips. For additional fraud resources, please visit our Fraud Awareness and Prevention Center or sign up for our monthly CreditLines newsletter
Social Media Scams | BMI FCU Aug 7
Social media is great for connecting with friends, following brands, and sharing life moments. But it's also where scammers go to trick people into giving up personal and financial…
Visual Goals | BMI FCU Jul 14
Visuals remind us of what is important. Set a picture of your goal as the wallpaper on your phone. (Example: a picture of a dream house or a place you want to visit.) When you are about to…
Is It Time To Unsubscribe? | BMI FCU Jul 14
It seems like everything comes with a monthly subscription these days. It’s not just TV and music anymore. Subscription pricing is used for many things, and you may have even opted into one or…
Making a Difference: Teach Kids About Money | BMI FCU Jul 14
July is Make a Difference to Children Month and a great opportunity to make an impact on the kids in our lives and insure they have a strong foundation of financial knowledge. Check out these…
Tax Time Scams | BMI FCU Jul 14
As tax season approaches, it's important to stay alert and protect yourself from common scams that target taxpayers. At BMI Federal Credit Union, we want to help you recognize these threats,…
Talking To Your Teen About Money | BMI FCU Jul 14
When you have a teenager in the house, the beginning of the school year is a good time to start talking about money. Once they graduate, their life decisions will be impacted by their financial…
6 Tips: Talking About Money With Your Partner | BMI FCU Jul 14
Families must make challenging financial decisions every day. Having proactive conversations about money with your partner can reduce financial stress. While one person may take the lead on managing…
Should We Talk About Money While Dating? | BMI FCU Jul 14
Talking about money with someone you are starting a relationship with can feel taboo. However, these conversations can help you find a person that aligns with your values and helps you build mutual…
Strengthening Your Finances | BMI FCU Jul 14
Your Credit Union is here to support you. Sometimes people feel uneasy when there is uncertainty in the economy. Here are the things you can do now to strengthen your finances including trimming your…
Spoofing Scams | BMI FCU Jul 14
Spoofing scams are becoming increasingly common. Fraudsters have been impersonating BMI FCU in efforts to steal your sensitive data.
Fraudsters will make it appear as though you are receiving a…
Safeguarding Your Finances | BMI FCU Jul 14
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the threat of fraud looms ever larger, with malicious people constantly devising new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. As a member of BMI Federal…
Rise And Fall Of Your Credit Score | BMI FCU Jul 14
The most important thing to remember is that your credit score will go up and down, but understanding your score can help you make smart choices. Focus more on trends and less on small fluctuations…
Password Security | BMI FCU Jul 14
Passwords are one of the most important tools for keeping your personal and financial information safe. Using weak or reused passwords can leave your accounts vulnerable to cyberattacks. To protect…
Online Romance Scams | BMI FCU Jul 14
Online romance scams involve individuals creating fake identities to exploit emotions and trust, often leading victims to send money or share personal information. These scammers use fake background…
New Financial Habits | BMI FCU Jul 14
A new year is a great time for a fresh start. You may feel energized to make changes and set new goals. The following tips can help you establish good financial habits and set in place new strategies…
Navigating Tax Season Safely | BMI FCU Jul 14
Tax season is upon us, and as you gather your documents and file returns, it's crucial to remain vigilant against potential scams targeting your money. At BMI Federal Credit Union, we prioritize…
Benefits of a Mid-Year Check-In | BMI FCU Jul 14
Your lifestyle changes month-to-month. As a result, so do your finances. In the last few months you may have taken on new expenses, been hit with unexpected costs, or received a cash windfall. July…
Phone Scams are on the Rise | BMI FCU Jul 14
Phishing and spoofing scams are some of the most common tactics used by fraudsters to target individuals and businesses alike. They could include texts, emails, or even phone calls impersonating your…
Preparing For Home Buying | BMI FCU Jul 14
Buying a home is likely one of the biggest investments you will make during your life. We believe the process should be smooth and transparent. Let us help you make this decision easy by following…
Protect Your Personal Information | BMI FCU Jul 14
What Not to Do with Your Sensitive Information
With fraud and scams on the rise, staying vigilant against fraudsters must be a priority.
Never share your account number, debit or credit…
Protect Yourself From Identity Theft | BMI FCU Jul 14
At BMI FCU, safeguarding our members’ identity is paramount. In an age where identity theft is everywhere, both online and offline, we recognize the importance of strengthening your defenses…
Protecting Against Deceptive Scams | BMI FCU Jul 14
Fraudsters are increasingly targeting everyday consumers through deceptive methods like pop-up messages, texts, and phone calls. These scams aim to deceive you into clicking harmful links,…
Recommit To Your Goals | BMI FCU Jul 14
You may be experiencing February fatigue if the momentum you had in January has waned. If you are falling short of your new financial goals, it's not too late to turn it around. Use these tips…
Do Not Give Out Your Personal Information | BMI FCU Jul 14
BMI Federal Credit Union, like many other financial institutions, is experiencing a rise in fraudulent activities aimed at accessing member accounts illegitimately. These fraudulent attempts are…
Bring Joy Back | BMI FCU Holiday Loan Jul 14
The holiday season is a time for creating memories, not debt. Budgeting this time of year can allow you to celebrate without the worries of a financial burden later.
Start by thinking about beliefs…
Blackmail Scams | BMI FCU Jul 14
BMI Federal Credit Union is committed to educating our members on how to avoid fraudulent schemes. One increasingly prevalent scam is blackmail, a tactic fraudsters use to manipulate and exploit…
BEC Scams | BMI FCU Jul 14
Whether you run a business, work for one, or just manage your own finances online, BEC scams can affect you. They're sneaky, convincing, and can cost thousands of dollars if you're not…
How To Avoid Account Takeover Fraud | BMI FCU Jul 14
What is an "Account Takeover"?
An account takeover happens when a fraudster poses as a financial institution to get your personal or account information. Once the fraudster has access to…
What is Carding Fraud? Jul 14
At BMI Federal Credit Union, we aim to keep you informed about emerging threats and provide guidance on how to protect yourself. One increasingly popular scam is "carding," a form of fraud that has…
Check Fraud: What It Is and How to Prevent It | BMI FCU Jul 14
Check fraud and check scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and it's essential to stay informed about the risks associated to know how to protect yourself. BMI FCU wants to provide our…
7 Things You Can Do To Protect Your Money | BMI FCU Jul 14
With scams on the rise, it is important to know how you can protect yourself. Here are seven simple things you can do to safeguard your money and avoid fraud!
1. Use a different password for each…
Check Fraud And Scams | BMI FCU Jul 14
The FBI and the United States Postal Inspector issued a Public Service Announcement regarding an alarming increase in check fraud. There has been a substantial increase in thieves stealing checks…
Why and How to Freeze Your Credit Report | BMI FCU Jul 14
In today's digital age, safeguarding your financial well-being is paramount. Here's why freezing your credit report is crucial and how you can benefit from it!
Understanding Credit Report…
Data Breaches | BMI FCU Jul 14
You may have noticed increased media coverage surrounding data breaches. Unfortunately, these are becoming more common. The best line of defense is to learn how to protect your information. If you do…
7 Strategies for Financial Fitness this Year | BMI FCU Jul 14
Did you resolve to be better with your money? These seven strategies will help you with reaching your financial goals and will increase your financial confidence.
1. Make saving automatic. Do not…
Employment Scams: What You Need to Know | BMI FCU Jul 14
In today’s digital job market, platforms like Indeed and CareerBuilder simplify job hunting but also introduce risks, particularly from employment scams. Here’s what you need to know to…
Make College Attainable Through Saving | BMI FCU Jul 14
September is College Savings Month and a good reminder that it is never too late to start saving! While there are different thoughts on how much you should save, putting money aside now can help…
What are Holiday Loans? Why Do We Love Them? | BMI FCU Jul 14
Why We Love This Great Loan
We’ve made it to the holiday season, and BMI Federal Credit Union is here to help you be smart and savvy with your finances with a Holiday…
10 Tips To Chart Your Course To Financial Wellness | BMI FCU Jul 14
Navigating your personal journey to financial wellness does not have to be complicated! It begins with taking ownership of your finances. You are fully capable of being the captain of your financial…
5 Indicators of Financial Freedom | BMI FCU Jul 14
Financial freedom is achieved when you use money as a tool instead of allowing it to be a stress factor in your life. Reaching this point in your financial journey can bring peace of mind and…
Fraud Center Imposter Scams | BMI FCU Jul 14
Scammers are now impersonating Fraud Centers to gain your trust, steal your card number, and push fraudulent charges through your account. Here's what you need to know to protect…
Financial Resolution | BMI FCU Jul 14
As you set your goals for the New Year, consider the costs associated with reaching them. You may need to reduce debt, build your savings, improve your credit score, or create a budget.…
Financial Caregiving | BMI FCU Jul 14
Taking care of a parent is something you may be doing now or in the future. According to a study by the National Alliance on Caregiving and AARP, there has been a significant increase in the number…
Tips to Cover Your Extra Summer Expenses | BMI FCU Jul 14
Summer is right around the corner. You may be traveling, hosting parties, attending weddings and other celebrations, not to mention driving your kids around to keep them busy. With the longer days…
Phishing and Spoofing Scams | BMI FCU Oct 30, 2024
Phishing and spoofing scams are some of the most common tactics used by fraudsters to target individuals and businesses alike. They could include texts, emails, or phone calls impersonating your…
6 Tips: Talking About Money With Your Partner | BMI FCU Oct 3, 2023
Families must make challenging financial decisions every day. Having proactive conversations about money with your partner can reduce financial stress. While one person may take the lead on managing…