Beyond The Transaction Member Newsletter - Fall 2025
In this edition of Beyond The Transaction...
Cybersecurity 101: Beware of Digital Dangers
Cybersecurity 101: Beware of Digital Dangers
Today, our world is hyper-connected. From our phones to our desktops to the watches we wear on our wrists, the online world has brought conveniences we never imagined possible, but also vulnerabilities. Cybercrime and digital dangers are everywhere. Explore common threats and learn how to protect yourself and your accounts from scammers.
What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of exercising caution online, including being vigilant when interacting with links and submitting confidential information. The smallest bit of information can leave you vulnerable, or the wrong link can expose your data to a scammer.
Common Cybersecurity Threats
One way scammers can get your information is simply by tricking you into giving it to them. The wrong click on a link in an email or text can mislead you into submitting information about your financial accounts, yourself, and more. Always verify the link BEFORE CLICKING IT.
This catchall term is anything from malicious software to ransomware that harms computers and/or networks. If a cyber-attacker gets a foothold in a network, they can access, delete, or alter files. Malware usually appears after someone clicks on a compromised link or downloads an infected attachment.
Best Practices
Passwords are the first line of defense for your accounts. The stronger the password, the stronger the defense. By January 14, 2026, we will require all of our members to upgrade their online access passwords to meet the following best practices:
- At least 12 characters long
- Contain upper and lowercase letters
- Include numbers and symbols
If there are known vulnerabilities to a version of software, scammers can take advantage and find loopholes to attack. Stay up to date on the latest software patches and shield your system against scammers.
Phishing scams are done through our most common communication avenues. If you receive a call, text, or email you weren’t expecting, try to verify the message’s authenticity before clicking on any links.
- Also note that Partners 1st Federal Credit Union will not call you and ask for your account information over the phone.
If an attacker got through your password, they would be stopped at the second step: multifactor authentication. Multifactor authentication requires at least two ways to identify a user before allowing access to an account.
For more information about how to protect your accounts, check out our Report Fraud page. It includes all the information you need if you suspect your account has become a victim of fraud, dos and don’ts of fraud, and a review of the most recent scams we have seen.
Last year, as part of the Fort Wayne Blue Jacket Fantasy of Lights 30-Year Celebration, we sponsored a new area called the “Pines of Partners 1st.” Fantasy of Lights is an annual holiday tradition in the Fort Wayne area, where folks flock in their vehicles to Franke Park to see this unique display of holiday lights.
This event is brought to the area by Blue Jacket, a nonprofit organization. Their mission is to provide training and opportunities to anyone with a barrier who is striving to earn gainful employment. Services include:
- The Blue Jacket Academy
- Adapted Career Academy
- Clothing Store
- Blue Jacket Staffing – Last year, Blue Jacket employed 65 people to help set up and take down of the Fantasy of Lights!
Fantasy kicks off again this year on Monday, November 17. Admission is $20 per personal vehicle. More information about this year’s light show can be found here.
You now have another mortgage loan expert right here at Partners 1st Federal Credit Union! Barry Faith is a Mortgage Loan Originator – which means he is ready to help you find your next home. Some fun facts about Barry:
- He started at the credit union this year, July 28, 2025!
- His favorite part about his job is “…watching someone get excited to move into their new home. It is gratifying to know that I played such an integral role in helping them achieve their dream of home ownership!”
- Barry enjoyed both math and aeronautics in school!
If you are ready to find a mortgage solution that meets your lifestyle and budget, give Barry a call!
“We enjoy building a rapport with our members, new and long term, hearing their stories, seeing their excitement when they purchase a new car or home. Being a member’s financial advocate and providing great service is what we enjoy the most. Thank you for the opportunity to serve such amazing members in our community.” - Branch Sales Manager Cathy
“The most rewarding part of working at Partners 1st Credit Union is helping members strengthen their financial well-being. Whether its guiding someone through their first car loan or coaching them on how to improve their credit score. I find it incredibly fulfilling to see their progress. What makes this role even more meaningful is when members return time and again for their financial needs, trusting me to support them along the way.” – Branch Sales Manager Diane
A New Holiday Tradition
This year, we are partnering with Toys for Tots and other organizations to collect new, unwrapped toys for deserving underprivileged children in our communities. Beginning in October, drop off bins will be at every Partners 1st branch. Start your holiday shopping early, and bring in toys that children will love to have wrapped under their Christmas tree this year. You can donate toys until Monday, December 1.
P.S. We still are doing our annual WE CAN Food drive! Be ready to bring in your canned goods and non-perishable items in December!
As part of the Stanley Homecoming festivities, we joined the parade and handed out candy and popsicles to help keep everyone cool.
For the 25th anniversary of Chalk Walk, artists left the street in front of the museum art-tastic! While the artists were hard at work with their creations, we kept everyone hydrated by handing out water bottles. An added bonus was manning the Activity Table, where kids and adults stopped to paint a rock.
We hosted a visit from TeenWorks at our corporate office. The teens toured our two-building campus and ask a panel of our staff questions about their careers, each talking about their job journey within the credit union and their respective responsibilities. TeenWorks is focused on helping teens take their first steps into the adult world with job skills.
At Fiesta Fort Wayne, we connected with our community… with the fun bonus of Zumba dancing!
We are partnering with Toys For Tots this year! Help bring in new, unwrapped toys for deserving, underprivileged children this holiday season.
In the new Gordonsville Town Hall north side parking lot location, come check out the Fried Chicken Festival, featuring a fried chicken and pie contest, wine garden, and numerous craft and artisan vendors.
Partners 1st Federal Credit Union will be closed Monday, October 13 for Columbus Day. As always, you can access your accounts online 24/7/365.
At Yowell Meadow Park, join us in Halloween themed races and costume awards. Proceeds for this event go toward the new Culpeper Downtown Collaboration Grant.
We are a sponsor for this year’s Day of the Dead festivities at the museum. Enjoy the gallery exhibition, traditional dancing, complimentary baked goods, and more. Free admission! Learn more here.
Partners 1st Federal Credit Union will be closed Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day. As always, you can access your accounts online 24/7/365.
Partners 1st Federal Credit Union will be closed Thursday, November 27 for Thanksgiving. As always, you can access your accounts online 24/7/365.
Partners 1st Federal Credit Union will close Wednesday, December 24 at noon for Christmas Eve. As always, you can access your accounts online 24/7/365.
Partners 1st Federal Credit Union will be closed Thursday, December 25 for Christmas. As always, you can access your accounts online 24/7/365.
Partners 1st Federal Credit Union will close Wednesday, December 31 at 1pm for New Year’s Eve. As always, you can access your accounts online 24/7/365.
Partners 1st Federal Credit Union will be closed Thursday, January 1 for New Year’s Day. As always, you can access your accounts online 24/7/365.
