COVID-19 RESPONSE

LOBBIES OPENING! (February 24, 2021)

We’re thrilled to announce Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union lobbies will reopen beginning March 1, 2021.  As we begin the reopening process, we request that visitors continue to follow best practices including wearing mask and social distancing. 

We’ve prepared extensively for our reopening and wanted to let you know what you can expect when visiting the branch.

• First, our staff will be monitoring lobby capacity to ensure social distancing guidelines can be followed.  Our Franklin branch will be limited to 4 in addition to staff members and the Oil City branch will be limited to 8 in addition to staff members. If the lobby is at capacity upon your arrival, you may be asked to wait outside until we are within the permitted limits.
• Masks/face coverings are required for all in-person transactions.  Please note that we may ask you to briefly remove your mask/face covering so that we may identify you.
• There are plexiglass guards at the teller stations and member service desks.  There is also hand sanitizer available in the lobbies and each workstation will be cleaned after any face-to-face member interaction.
• Restrooms will remain temporarily unavailable to the public until further notice.

A few additional things to remember:

• Although walk-ins are welcome, the best way to access our Loan Department, Member Service Representatives and Notaries is by appointment. Please call (814) 432-4091 or (814) 676-4504 to schedule an appointment.  If at all possible, upon arrival at the Credit Union for your scheduled appointment, please stay in your vehicle and call to let the staff know you are waiting.
• Loan applications can also be submitted through our website.  Visit www.for-cu.com and click on “Loan Application” to start the loan process.
• We encourage members to continue utilizing our drive-thru, telephone banking (814-432-2846) and electronic services when at all possible. 
• Finally, if you are feeling sick, please stay home.  Call us and we will do our very best to accommodate your banking needs. 

We will continue to monitor information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and will make any additional changes in the best interest of our members, employees and our community.  We know the last year has been difficult and we want to thank our members for their steadfast loyalty to Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union. 

LOBBIES CLOSING (November 25, 2020)

Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, we have made the decision to temporarily close our lobbies beginning Monday, November 30, 2020 until further notice.  We will serve our members through the drive-thru lanes and night deposits located at each branch, by phone, as well as with our wide variety of electronic services.  Transactions such as new accounts and loan closings will remain available and will be conducted by appointment only using all available precautions.  We will continue to operate during our normal business hours and are fully staffed to ensure there is no disruption in service. 

We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, but we feel this decision is in best interest of our members and employees.  Please be assured that you WILL continue to have access to your financial resources.  We are here working F.O.R. YOU!  Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we travel through these uncertain times together.

During this time:

• We strongly encourage members to utilize our electronic services when at all possible.
• Drive-thru operations will be available during normal business hours.  For ID verification, please have your photo ID available upon request. 
• Our Member Service Representatives are available to assist you by calling (800) 730-7771 or (855) 288-7182 during normal business hours.
• Our dedicated Lending Team is available to take applications over the phone and applications can also be submitted at www.for-cu.com.  Loan closings will be completed by appointment only.
• You’ll have 24/7 access to your accounts online with options to pay bills, transfer funds, deposit checks and more using our Live Online Banking and Mobile Banking App.
• You can make secure contactless purchases at participating merchants wherever your VISA© card is accepted.  Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay are all now available to use with your FORCU debit card and credit card. 
• Our automated telephone system (VRU) will be available for balance inquiries, funds transfers and more by calling (814) 432-2846.
• The ATM located at our Oil City branch will be available 24/7.  Current ATM limits will remain in effect. 
• We have a new ATM coming soon to our Franklin branch!! 
• You can manage your FORCU credit card account at www.ezcardinfo.com.  Also, you can now transfer funds from your FORCU account to pay on your credit card through the Online Banking. 
• You can communicate with FORCU staff via email at info@for-cu.com or through the Credit Union’s Facebook page.

We would like to remind you that your deposits at Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union are safe. FORCU is well-capitalized and financially strong. Further, your funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. You can estimate your share insurance by using the estimator tool on the MyCreditUnion.gov website.

We want to thank you for being a valued member of Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union.  Stay safe!

LOBBIES REOPENING (September 10, 2020)

On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, we began reopening our lobbies.  As you know, we restricted access to our lobbies several months ago to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  We believe enough progress has been made that it is time to start reopening.  We know this has been a frustrating time and we want you to know that we truly appreciate how understanding our members have been throughout this ordeal.  We prepared extensively for our reopening and wanted to let you know what you can expect when visiting the branch.

• First, our staff will be monitoring lobby capacity to ensure social distancing guidelines can be followed.  Our Franklin branch will be limited to 4 in addition to staff members and the Oil City branch will be limited to 8 in addition to staff members. If the lobby is at capacity upon your arrival, you may be asked to wait outside until we are within the permitted limits.

• Masks/face coverings are required for all in-person transactions.  Please note that we may ask you to briefly remove your mask/face covering so that we may identify you.
• There are plexiglass guards at the teller stations and member service desks.  There is also hand sanitizer available in the lobbies and each workstation will be cleaned after any face-to-face member interaction.
• Restrooms will remain temporarily unavailable to the public until further notice.

A few additional things to remember:

• Although walk-ins are welcome, the best way to access our Loan Department, Member Service Representatives and Notaries is by appointment. Please call (814) 432-4091 or (814) 676-4504 to schedule an appointment.  If at all possible, upon arrival at the Credit Union for your scheduled appointment, please stay in your vehicle and call to let the staff know you are waiting.
• Loan applications can also be submitted through our website.  Visit www.for-cu.com and click on “Loan Application” to start the loan process.
• We want to encourage members to continue utilizing our drive-thru, telephone banking and electronic services when at all possible. 
• Finally, if you are feeling sick, please stay home.  Call us and we will do our very best to accommodate your banking needs. 

COVID-19 RELATED SCAMS AND FRAUD (July 15, 2020)

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, financial institutions of all sizes have been targeted by a well-organized Nigerian fraud ring exploiting the crisis to commit large-scale fraud against state unemployment insurance programs. Initially, the primary state targeted was Washington, however, it is now known that many states, including Pennsylvania have been targeted as well.

Across the country, individuals are receiving fraudulent unemployment ACH deposits from states where they do not reside.  These deposits, all in different individuals’ names, have no connection to the actual account holder. A substantial amount of the fraudulent benefits submitted have used personally identifiable information (PII) from first responders, government personnel and school employees. It is assumed the fraud ring behind this scam possess a substantial PII database to submit the volume of applications observed so far. This fraud network is believed to consist of hundreds, if not thousands, of mules with potential losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Financial Institutions have also begun receiving ACH deposits for fraudulent Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans.  The Office of the Inspector General has provided information on Scams and Fraud Schemes for those looking to obtain legitimate SBA Loans. Report any suspected SBA fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online at, https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-inspector-general/office-inspector-general-hotline.

NORMAL HOURS OF OPERATION! (July 1, 2020)

We’re excited to announce that beginning July 6, 2020, we will be returning to our normal hours of operation!  The lobby will continue to remain closed except by appointment only.  We will continue to encourage members to utilize the drive-thru as well as our wide variety of electronic services, however, we will be fully staffed and available for your banking needs!  We want to thank our members for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate the effects of COVID-19. 

CONSUMER ALERT: CHECK YOUR CREDIT MORE OFTEN THROUGH COVID-19 EMERGENCY  (May 13, 2020)

Now more than ever, reviewing your credit history is an important way to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft.  Normally, consumers are permitted to access their free credit report once per year through each of the three major credit bureaus.  Now, through April 2021, consumers are permitted (and encouraged) to access these reports for free on a weekly basis. 

After visiting AnnualCreditReport.com and entering the prompted information, take these steps to ensure the accuracy of your report:

• Verify all business names and payment dates are correct in the report’s transaction history;
• Verify all addresses, additional lines of credit, and accounts are correct; Dispute any unfamiliar or incorrect information—the Office of the Attorney General sent a letter to credit reporting agencies reminding them of their obligation to resolve these disputes quickly for Pennsylvania consumers.
• Consumers can sign up for text scam alerts, which offer tips for how to avoid becoming a victim of a scam, warn about new scams, or update subscribers on consumer protection issues.

Pennsylvanians can sign up for these tips from the AG’s Office here.

Pennsylvanians can also file a complaint about an active or potential scam here.

FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD ANNOUNCES INTERIM FINAL RULE TO DELETE THE SIX-PER-MONTH LIMIT ON CONVENIENT TRANSFERS FROM THE “SAVINGS DEPOSIT” DEFINITION IN REGULATION D

On April 24, 2020, The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) announced an interim final rule to amend Regulation D (Reserve Requirements of Depository Institutions) to delete the six-per-month limit on convenient transfers from the “savings deposit” definition. The interim final rule allows depository institutions, including credit unions, to immediately suspend enforcement of the six-transfer limit and to allow their customers/members to make an unlimited number of convenient transfers and withdrawals from their savings account at a time when financial events associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have made such access more crucial.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

Until we receive additional guidance from regulatory agencies, Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union will be eliminating the six-per-month savings account transfer limit.  Additionally, we will be suspending any fees associated with previous Regulation D transaction limits.  We are optimistic that the interim final rule will eventually become final and that the elimination of the limits and fees will become permanent.  For a list of frequently asked questions, visit https://www.federalreserve.gov/supervisionreg/savings-deposits-frequently-asked-questions.htm.

POTENTIAL COVID-19 ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT SCAMS (04/10/2020)

As millions of American anticipate receiving economic impact payments in the coming weeks, the IRS offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.

• The IRS will deposit your payment into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
• The IRS will NOT call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do NOT give your bank account, debit account, or PayPal account information to anyone – even if someone claims it’s necessary to get your check. It’s a scam.
• If you receive a call, do NOT engage with scammers, even if you want to tell them that you know it’s a scam. Just hang up.
• If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal identifying information or clicking on links, delete these texts and emails. Do NOT click on any links in those texts or emails.
• Reports are swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a “check” in the mail now, it’s a scam. It will take the Treasury a few more weeks to mail out the COVID-19 economic impact payments. If you receive a “check” for an odd amount (especially one with cents), or a check that requires you to verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a scam.
• In these uncertain and trying times, we need to remain vigilant. Please help us protect everyone in your community by telling family, friends and elderly neighbors to be on the lookout for these potential scams.  You work hard for your money, do NOT become a victim of these scams. If something sounds too good to be true, it is probably fraudulent.
  
  For more information, visit the IRS website at IRS.gov/coronavirus

TEMPORARY HOURS OF OPERATION

April 3, 2020

Effective Monday April 6^th, our hours of operation will be temporarily changing.  Both branches will remain open for drive-thru and phone service and our lobbies will remain closed except by appointment only.  We encourage the use of online banking and other electronic services and want to remind members about our telephone banking system (VRU) that is available 24/7.  For more information about this and other available electronic services, click on “Electronic Services” from our main homepage.  We appreciate your patience and understanding during unique situation.

Temporary Hours of Operation

Monday – 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday – 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday – 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday – 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM*

*Closing at Noon on Friday, April 10^th for Good Friday

PANDEMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

March 27, 2020

As we continue to follow the COVID-19 Pandemic, we understand that some of our members may be experiencing financial hardship as a result. We want you to know that Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union is here F.O.R. YOU! If you find yourself unable to make your loan payment as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, please contact us at (800) 730-7771 or (855) 288-7182 before your payment due date to discuss what options are available specific to your situation. We are all in this together!

COVID-19 PANDEMIC NOTICE

March 17, 2020

Out of an abundance of caution and for the health of our members and staff, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close our branch lobbies to limit the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020 until further notice.  We will be open normal business hours and will serve our members through the drive-thru lanes and night deposits located at each branch, by phone, as well as with our wide variety of electronic services.  Transactions such as new accounts and loan closings will remain available and will be conducted by appointment only. 

We will continue to operate during our normal business hours and are fully staffed to ensure there is no disruption in service.  We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will provide our members with more information as it becomes available. 

We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, but we feel this decision is in best interest of our members and employees.  Please be assured that you WILL continue to have access to your financial resources.  We are here working F.O.R. YOU!  Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we travel through these uncertain times together. 

During this time:

• Drive-thru operations will be available during normal business hours.  For ID verification, please have your photo ID available upon request. 
• Our Member Service Representatives are available to assist you by calling (800) 730-7771 or (855) 288-7182 during normal business hours.
• Our dedicated Lending Team is available to take applications over the phone and applications can also be submitted at www.for-cu.com.  Real Estate related loan applications should not be submitted online.  Loan closings will be completed by appointment only.
• You’ll have 24/7 access to your accounts online with options to pay bills, transfer funds, deposit checks and more using our Live Online Banking and Mobile Banking App.
• You can make secure contactless purchases at participating merchants wherever your VISA© card is accepted.  Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay are all now available to use with your FORCU debit card and credit card. 
• Our automated telephone system (VRU) will be available for balance inquiries, funds transfers and more by calling (814) 432-2846.
• The ATM located at our Oil City branch will be available 24/7.  Current ATM limits will remain in effect. 
• You can manage your FORCU credit card account at www.ezcardinfo.com. 
• You can communicate with FORCU staff via email at info@for-cu.com or through the Credit Union’s Facebook page.
• If you or your family have been impacted by COVID-19, FORCU is here to help.  We’re here to discuss solutions that may be available to you during this unprecedented situation. 
• If you have questions about COVID-19, we recommend going directly to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov or the World Health Organization (WHO) at www.who.int.  These sources will give you the most up to date and accurate information regarding the pandemic.

We would like to remind you that your deposits at Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union are safe. FORCU is well-capitalized and financially strong. Further, your funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. You can estimate your share insurance by using the estimator tool on the MyCreditUnion.gov website.

We want to thank you for being a valued member of Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union.  Stay safe!