April 10, 2020
Dear Members-
THANK YOU for your patience and understanding during these trying times.
Central Willamette remains open for business, and we’re serving you in new ways. As we continue to learn more about our ever-changing financial world we will keep you up-to-date via these email messages as well as posts on our social media accounts and our website.
Here are a few things we think our family of members should know right now.
Forthcoming Government Checks
- Under the COVID-19 crisis legislation enacted by Congress and the President, taxpayers who filed their tax returns for 2019 or 2018 may receive a payment of up to $1,200 for individuals, or $2,400 for married couples and up to $500 for each qualified child. Payments are set to be direct deposited whenever possible, which will expedite access to funds.
- As early as April 15th the first of direct deposit payments are scheduled for processing. This group is slated to include those taxpayers who have filed for 2018 or 2019 tax years and have provided their direct deposit information to the IRS.
- It is estimated that as early as April 20th payments to those who receive Social Security benefits may begin.
- The Treasury Department and the IRS are creating tools to help expedite payments to those who do not have direct deposit information on file.
- For those who do not usually file tax returns, there is a non-filer tool where direct deposit information can be entered. Please visit this IRS website to learn more.
- ‘Get My Payment’ is another tool anticipated to be ready as early as April 17th. This portal will not only provide payment status information (including the date that payment is scheduled to be deposited or mailed), yet may allow those eligible a chance to provide their bank account information so they can receive their payments more quickly rather than waiting for a paper check. Again, please visit this IRS website to learn more.
- Paper checks will be mailed to those who do not have direct deposit information on file yet qualify for a payment. These checks are currently scheduled to go out in waves, potentially being mailed as early as April 24th.
Please be on high-alert for financial fraud during this pandemic. We are surrounded by citizens in our communities who are doing amazing work to Build Better Lives Together. Unfortunately, these trying times present an opportunity for those with bad intentions to prey upon members’ accounts and financial information.
- Remain extra vigilant. The Federal Government, Central Willamette, and any reputable organization will never reach out to you asking you to verify your financial information. If you are ever unsure of the identity of someone calling, emailing or texting the best choice is to not respond and contact the institution at a known, safe number or email address.
- If you need to verify information please go directly to the source; whether that is IRS.gov, centralwcu.org, or another institution’s site. When you go to these sites, do not follow links from unknown sources to get there. Instead, type in the addresses you know and have used previously. Fraudsters use a mix of emails, text messages, fake websites, phone calls, and social media attempts to gather information they may use for financial benefit. Be cautious of all communication channels, and always verify authenticity if someone is contacting you directly.
- Now is also a good time to ensure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is up to date. Here is some information straight from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on computer safety.
Text Messaging with CWCU
You may have noticed that CWCU recently began communicating with you via text. When used properly, this is an exciting new way for us to provide you with timely information. Here’s what you should know about CW’s text messaging communication:
- For alerts, news, and more text CWCU to 74994.
- If you have questions, text us at 541.928.4536 during business hours and you’ll get a reply back from an expert just as soon as possible. You will notice that our main text number is the same as the phone number you call for services. Go ahead and add us to your contacts so that when you get a response you’ll know it’s us.
Here are some texting tips to keep in mind:
- Never send your full account number (or any other private information, like your password or PIN) via text message. We will never ask you for your PIN.
- Check text messages for CWCU’s numbers, the "return address" phone number that identifies official messages. Don't respond to messages that claim to be from us but come from different or unlisted numbers. Our numbers currently include 226563, 74994, 541.928.4536 and 541.917.6808. Some members find it useful to store these numbers in their phone contacts.
- Delete text strings from us after reading them to keep information about your account out of the wrong hands in case your phone is stolen.
- Report a lost or stolen phone to us as well as to your wireless carrier. Did you know that we now offer mobile protection as an add-on to your checking account? Ask us about it today!
Services and Hours
The health and safety of our members and employees is paramount to us during this critical time, so we are continuing to evolve our hours and services to best meet your needs.
- To avoid a wait, we encourage you to take advantage of all the free online and mobile services we provide for completing routine transactions.
- We’re happy to schedule an appointment for you to meet with one of our Financial Advocates for services like new account requests, account maintenance, account disputes, notary service, new loan requests, loan maintenance, wire requests, and large coin/cash transactions. Simply call or text us to schedule an appointment.
- Drive-ups are also available to handle in-person transactions during normal business hours.
- Need to speak to a representative? You can reach our Contact Center Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Thank you again for doing all you can to keep yourselves, one another, and our dedicated team of employees safe as we navigate this new normal alongside you. We appreciate your trust, your time, and your loyalty.
Thank you for your membership.