This page contains the latest consumer information about Fraud, Identity Theft, and Scams that members should be aware of;

4/9/2008
The purpose of this fraud alert is to inform you of a scam that involves unsolicited text messages sent to cell phones. The message urges the recipient to call a number provided for information about account discrepancies and then solicits individual account information and pin numbers.

Cell phone users should be weary of unsolicited text messages. Such messages should be deleted and all deleted text messages should be removed, if possible, as the perpetrators have been known to use Spyware1 in conjunction with their text message solicitation.

Western Vista does not use Cell Phones or Text Messages to contact our members at this time. If you have any questions regarding this type of messaging please contact us at 307-634-2197.

Check 21 How it Effects You
Changes in check processing.

Effective October 28, 2004 the Check clearing for 21st Century Act or "Check 21" will bring the nations check payment system into the digital age and allow consumers to benefit from better and faster financial services. Check 21 is a new law that allows credit unions, banks and processors to "truncate" checks earlier in the check process and more often

How will Check 21 benefit You?
Detects fraud faster Since check clearing is faster, fraud can be detected and investigated sooner which brings about quicker resolution
    Faster check clearing You get a more accurate picture of your account balance
    Quicker response Check images can be accessed faster to resolve questions
    More secure check information Checks do not have to be physically transported via truck, train or plane.
Check 21 allows a new approach it makes legal a Substitute Check which is a digital picture of your original check (showing both the front and back) which can be processed electronically.

* A substitute check is the legal equivalent of your original for all purposes including requirements of state and federal law.
* The substitute check will feature, in bold print, a legend that states "this is a legal copy of your check you can use it the same way you can use the original check".
* A substitute check provides legal proof that you made a payment
* You may receive a substitute check when you request a copy of a check.
* Important Note

Please remember, since these changes will drastically reduce the amount of time is takes to move money from your account to pay those who receive your checks, you will need to have sufficient funds in your account to cover the payment at the time you write the check.

Expedited Recredit Procedures
Consumers receiving a substitute check may make an expedited recredit claim if a substitute check was improperly charged and the consumer suffered a loss.

* The financial institution generally has 10 business days to complete investigation of the claim and to recredit the consumers account up to $2500 per check, pending completion of the investigation
* Exceptions are made for new accounts, accounts repeatedly overdrawn and suspicion of fraud
* All Funds must be recredited within 45 calendar days is the claim still can not be validated.

ID Theft: When bad things happen to your good name.
This is a Federal Trade Commission Web site that explains ID Theft and what to do if your ID is stolen. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm

Identity Theft Resource Center
The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is a nonprofit, nationally respected program dedicated exclusively to identity theft It provides consumer and victim support and advises governmental agencies, legislators and companies about this evolving and growing crime.

Identity theft is a crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of information such as Social Security and driver's license numbers and uses it for their own personal gain. ITRC invites you to browse our website. Some of our more popular pages are scam alerts, assistance on lost/stolen wallets, victim issues, victim impact studies and identity theft in the workplace. Visit the Resource Center at http://www.idtheftcenter.org/index.shtml

Don't Get Phished
Protecting yourself from e-mail fraudInternet "Phishing" scams are one of the fastest-growing frauds today. "Phishing" typically involves a bogus e-mail message that uses legitimate materials, such as credit union or other organizations Web site graphics and logos - the "look and feel"- in a attempt to entice e-mail recipients to provide personal financial details, such as account information, credit card and Social Security numbers. The Web site graphics, including corporate logos and names, are copied by fraudsters and used to trick individuals into divulging personal information to be used for fraudulent purposes.

Take Some Simple Precautions
* Never respond to an unsolicited e-mail that asks for personal financial information.
* Report anything suspicious to the proper authorities. Alert the credit union or government agency identified in the suspect e-mail through a Web address or telephone number that you know is legitimate.
* Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center at
* www.ifccfbi.gov a partnership between FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center if you think received a phishing e-mail or have been directed to a "phishy-looking" Web site.

If you've Been Phished.
If you believe that you have provided sensitive financial information about yourself through a phishing scam, you should:

* Immediately contact those organizations for which you provided the information
* Contact the three major credit bureaus and request that a fraud alert be placed on your credit report. The credit bureaus and phone numbers are: Equifax, 1-800-525-6285; Experian, 1-888-397-3742; and TransUnion, 1-800-680-7289
* File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357

Credit union Members should never provide their personal information in response to an unsolicited telephone call, fax, e-mail or Internet advertisement.

CREDIT BUREAUS
Equifax www.equifax.com
To order your report, call: 800-685-1111
To report fraud, call: 800-525-6285/
TDD 800-255-0056 and write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian www.experian.com
To order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
To report fraud, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)/
TDD 800-972-0322 and write:
P.O. Box 9532, Allen TX 75013

TransUnion www.transunion.com
To order your report, call: 800-888-4213
To report fraud, call: 800-680-7289/
TDD 877-553-7803; fax: 714-447-6034;

email: fvad@transunion.com or write:
Fraud Victim Assistance Department,
P.O. Box 6790,
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790