Hurricane Helene Relief:

If you’ve been impacted by Hurricane Helene and need assistance, please call 800.433.7228. We’re committed to supporting our members during this difficult time.

Security Check

Due to heightened fraud attacks online, the most vulnerable online banking accounts are those with User IDs and Passwords that are common or easily guessed. Please use our “Security Check” to determine how vulnerable your online accounts are to fraud attacks.

Security Check: Are you at risk for online fraud?

Does your User ID and/or Password contain personal or easily guessable information?
Is your User ID and Password the same?
Has it been more than six months since you’ve updated your User ID and Password?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, we recommend that you change your online banking User ID and Password immediately.

Helpful Tips to Fortify Your User ID and Password

User ID

Make it hard to guess, yet easy to remember. Avoid using your name or the start of your email address. If you're considering a User ID that would be doing double-work, like your social media handle, nickname or your pet's name, don't do it. Find something that is easy for you to remember, but not so easy for someone who knows you to guess.
Keep it original. Use different User IDs for your online banking accont. Even a really unique User ID if used multiple time can make you easier to track and hack.
Don't give any clues. For example, don't ask a question in your User ID with the response in your Password. It's surprising how many people do this.
Go long. Pick a User ID that is 10 or more characters and includes upper and lower letters, numbers and special characters.
Change is good. Change your User ID at least once a year.

Password

Don't share or write your Password down. There's nothing to say, only to repeat. Don't share or write your Password down.
Stay unique. Use different Passwords for your accounts, especially your online banking account. While it is easier to use the same Password accross your various accounts, it is also giving scammers a potential welcome pass to all of your information. Besides, if one of your Passwords is compromised somehow, you'll only have one to update.
Passphrase is the new Password. Don't limit yourself to letters and numbers. Try phrases, like "FourScore&7YearsAgo," which leads to the next tip.
Go long (again). Follow this rule of thumb, "Length is better than complexity," though both are even better. A Password of 16 or more characters is a recommended length; and whenever possible, use a combination of upper and lower letters, numbers and special characters.
Change is good (again). Change your Password at least once a year; more frequently is preferred.

Now that you've done a Security Check and gained helpful tips, don't delay in changing your online banking account User ID and Password. It's super easy. Click here for a guide.

Final Note

Remember, we will never ask you to share sensitive information over the phone or by email without your request.
If someone claims to transfer you to PACU, hang up and call us yourself, 800.433.7228.
If you receive a letter, text or email claiming that you may be a victim of fraud, be cautious and call us yourself, 800.433.7228, to verify that the communication is valid.

Headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and founded in 1949 within the aviation industry, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union (PACU) serves member-owners, who reside, work, worship, attend school or operate a business in one of the six counties it serves in North Carolina or who are employed by one of its many employer companies. These six counties are Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg and Rockingham.