Author - Jen Audetat

Woman using a laptop with a digital security padlock graphic protecting online accounts.

How to Spot Online Scams and Protect Your Digital Accounts

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to review your digital defense strategy. As financial services become faster and more convenient, cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated in stealing personal information, passwords, and hard-earned savings. Spotting scams early is your best defense. Backed by guidance from the...

Consumers Credit Union and Scott Credit Union Announce Intent to Combine, Creating Greater Value for Members and Communities

Proposed combination would create a stronger, future-ready credit union focused on members, employees, and communities LAKE FOREST, IL and EDWARDSVILLE, IL (October 1, 2026) – Consumers Credit Union (CCU) and Scott Credit Union (SCU) today announced intent to combine their organizations, creating a stronger member-owned financial cooperative positioned to serve members,...

Concerned older woman holding her head while talking on a smartphone during an AI voice scam call.

Learn How AI Voice Scams Work and How to Spot Them

Learn How AI Voice Scams Work and How to Spot Them Imagine answering a phone call from an unknown number, only to hear your child or grandchild in frantic tears. Their voice, tone, and inflection sound identical to the person you love. They claim they were in a severe car...

Customer holding a smartphone over a contactless payment terminal to complete a secure tap-to-pay transaction.

Is Tap to Pay Safer Than Swiping?

Yes. Tap to pay is generally safer than swiping your card because contactless payments use modern chip technology and unique security information for each transaction instead of relying on the magnetic stripe on the back of your card. Your card also stays in your hand while you pay, helping reduce the...

Person holding a smartphone adding clothing items to an online shopping cart in front of a laptop screen displaying retail apparel, showcasing the treat yourself trap.

10 Tips to Avoid the “Treat Yourself” Trap

We’ve all been there: after surviving a marathon week of meetings, errands, and life logistics, an online cart full of "little pick-me-ups" suddenly feels 100% justified. Telling yourself “I deserve this” is completely natural; rewarding your hard work is part of enjoying life. But when casual treats quietly turn into...

Three smiling firefighters in uniform outside a fire station bay with fire trucks, representing Scott Credit Union's Community Heroes Loan Program.

Loans for First Responders: Vehicle, Mortgage, and Personal Financing for Community Heroes

Loans for First Responders: Vehicle, Mortgage, and Personal Financing for Community Heroes When emergencies strike, first responders are the first to answer the call. From running into burning buildings to providing critical roadside medical care, local emergency personnel dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. In honor of Firefighter Appreciation Month and...

A concerned woman sitting on a couch reading a suspicious text message on her cell phone.

Fraud Alert Text Messages: Scam Warning

Imagine sitting on your couch on a Friday evening when your phone buzzes with an alert: “SCU URGENT ALERT: Unusual charge of $1,200 detected. Reply YES or NO.” Panic sets in. You want to protect your hard-earned money, so you quickly reply "NO." Seconds later, your phone rings, and your caller...

High school students talking by lockers in a hallway during back-to-school season.

Back to School Savings – Tips & Tricks

Getting ready for a new school year can be an exciting and overwhelming time. Between endless supply lists, new clothes, and tech upgrades, back-to-school costs can quickly strain your budget.  Luckily, managing high back-to-school expenses doesn’t have to disrupt your family’s financial goals. By combining smart shopping strategies with hands-on

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