MEMBER NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
• EMV or Chip Credit and Debit Cards
• Tips On Protecting Your Home
Investment
New style card offers
enhanced security
Protecting consumers from fraud is the primary reasoning behind a new style of
debit and credit card being introduced in the U.S.
The EMV, or chip card, is equipped with computer chips that are either inserted
into, or tapped against, EMV-compatible card readers.
The magnetic stripes on traditional credit and debit cards store data that doesn’t change. Whoever accesses that data gains
sensitive card and cardholder information necessary to make purchases. That makes traditional cards prime targets for counterfeiters, who convert stolen card data to cash.
When an EMV card is used, data flows between the card chip and the issuing financial institution to verify the card’s legitimacy
and create unique transaction data. Any transaction data stolen in that instance wouldn’t be usable again and the card would
be denied. Statistics show as much as a 72 percent reduction in losses due to credit card fraud in countries where the card
has already been introduced.
For merchants and financial institutions, the switch to EMV means adding new in-store technology and internal processing
systems, and complying with new liability rules. For consumers, it means activating new cards and learning new payment
processes.
Retailers who aren’t ready to accept EMV cards may be liable for financial losses as a result of card fraud.
Consumers can still use a chip card at a retailer who doesn’t have the new
reader, as the first round of EMV cards will be equipped with both a chip and a
magnetic-stripe function.
EMV initially referred to the founding organizations from 1994 — Europay, MasterCard and Visa. EMV encompasses specifications, test procedures, and compliance
processes managed by EMVCo, LLC, an organization jointly owned and operated
by equity partners American Express, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, UnionPay and
Visa
Information from EVMCo.com
VITALFCU.COM
This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union
Administration and is an Equal Housing Lender. Vital FCU NMLS Number: 401667
2016 VITAL FCU
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Joseph Walton ~ Chairman
Larry Lloyd ~ Vice-Chairman
Veronica Moriarty ~ Secretary
Omero DeLorenzo ~ Treasurer
Skip Chappell ~ Board Member
P. Larry Barnette ~ Board Member
L. Allen Pendergrass ~ Board Member
10 Home Maintenance
Tips for Spring
Spring weather with its bright sunshine could shine a light on
things that were perhaps neglected during winter months.
It’s a good time to get out and inspect some areas that could
need attention.
The following are some tips on where to start.
1
2
Check for loose or leaky gutters, and make sure
downspouts drain away from your house’s foundation.
Also check grading around the house to make sure
water will drain away from walls.
Examine trim for tightness of fit, damage and decay.
Check painted surfaces for paint failure, water damage
or mildew. Wood structures such as joints and beams
can be checked with a pocket knife or screwdriver. Make
repairs now before spring rains can do more damage to
exposed wood.
3
Look for curled, damaged, loose or missing shingles
on the roof. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or
missing granules need to be replaced. If your home
has an older roof, it may be time to start a budget for a
replacement.
4
Examine flashing around chimneys, vent stacks, roof
edges and skylights. Check the chimney liner and
flue for creosote and soot build-up. Get help from
professional fire fighters or chimney inspectors if there is any
doubt as to chimney safety.
BRANCH HOURS
MON. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
TUES. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WEDS. 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
THURS. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
FRI.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
DRIVE THRU open until 6:00 p.m. on FRIDAYS
5
Clean leaves and debris from around an outside
heating/air conditioning unit, which should be
checked once a year by a qualified service person,
or according to the manufacturer’s warranty or directions.
Inside filters should be replaced regularly.
6
Trim back shrubs that may block air movement around
the house. Trim back tree branches that scrape against
or overhang the roof. Keep branches away from the
chimney to avoid a fire hazard and ensure proper draft for
proper chimney operation.
7
Check driveways and sidewalks for cracks, breaks or
erosion that may damage them. Unrepaired cracks in
concrete can lead to more damage, and asphalt is
susceptible to deterioration from standing water and where
drainage isn’t adequate. When contracting for sealing
asphalt, choose a reputable contractor.
8
9
Clean and repair garden equipment. Make sure gasand battery-powered lawn equipment is ready for
summer use. Sharp cutting blades will make yard work
easier.
Left over materials such as pesticides or weed killers
should be checked for expiration dates and container
condition. Any old materials or those in poor condition
should be disposed of safely, and any kept should be locked
in a cool, dry cabinet.
10
Outside hose faucets should be checked for freeze
damage. This can be done by holding a finger or
thumb over the opening when the water is on. If
that’s enough force to stop the flow, it’s likely a pipe inside
the house is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Source: Clemson University Extension
SPARTANBURG BRANCH
♦
864.948.8200
1000 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29303
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
HOLIDAY HOURS
MONDAY, MAY 30 ~ Memorial Day
BRANCHES CLOSED
DUNCAN/MOORE BRANCH
♦
864.699.5940
1595 E. Main Street, Duncan, SC 29334