Author Archive for Danielle Panchak

Don’t Let Scammers Ruin Your Summer

A scam-free summer starts with you. Protect yourself by staying informed about the latest scam tactics so you can keep your personal information and your money safe. 

Impersonation Scam
Scammers may pose as a financial institution, like AllCom Credit Union, to try and gain access to your account. They often use a fake caller ID that shows up as the bank and tell you there’ve been fraudulent transactions on your account. The scammer will have you make payments to reverse the fraud and protect the account. In a different version of the scam, the caller will ask for sensitive information that they can use to access your account and make fraudulent transactions.

Smishing Scam
Smishing—a twist on email phishing using SMS—happens when scammers send text messages that appear to be from a trusted company in an attempt to steal your money and personal information. These messages can be convincing because they pose as well-known businesses, like a delivery service or toll payment system. The texts will urge you to click a link where you’re prompted to share payment details or other personal information.

Social Media Deposit Refund Scam
Scammers will pose as artists on social media, flattering users and offering to buy their photos. They’ll send a seemingly valid check and then ask victims to send back a portion of the funds for “supplies.” Though the check appears to clear, it’s fraudulent. By the time the bank discovers the fake check, the scammers already have the money sent by victims.

Protect yourself from scammers
Verify phone calls
If you receive a call and aren’t sure if the company or person you’re speaking with is legitimate, hang up. Search for a verified number on the company website. If someone calls claiming to be from your bank and you feel uncomfortable, hang up and call the number on the back of your card before providing any personal or financial information.

Beware of fraudulent investment opportunities
Question any appealing investment offers that guarantee huge returns. Before sending any money, look up the business at trustworthy resources online to verify if it’s legitimate. Be especially wary if the investment requires you to invest using cryptocurrency.

Don’t be pressured to pay with gift cards
Utility companies, banks, the IRS or any other government agency will never request payment in the form of a gift card. Don’t share the number on the back of a gift card with anyone you don’t know.

Beware of urgency
Scammers notoriously apply pressure by saying your account is compromised, claiming they’ll cut off your services or threatening legal action. Take a pause and tell a trusted friend or family member about the situation before making any financial decisions.

Never send money to someone you have not met face-to-face
Beware of online friends who ask for money or offer investment opportunities, including scenarios involving cryptocurrency.

Celebrating You: 2025 Member Appreciation Day Recap

AllCom Credit Union was proud to host another unforgettable Member Appreciation Day, and we’re still smiling from all the fun! The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our incredible members — the heart of our credit union — and say thank you for your continued support and loyalty.

From sizzling hot dogs and fresh popcorn to friendly faces and festive vibes, the day was packed with food, fun, and community spirit. It was great to see so many members stop by, share a laugh, and enjoy a well-deserved celebration.

We’re especially grateful to everyone who took part in this year’s giveaway! Congratulations to the lucky winner of the Emeril Lagasse XL French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo — we hope it brings plenty of delicious meals your way.

Thank you again for being part of the AllCom family. We truly appreciate the trust you place in us and look forward to serving you for many years to come!

Member Appreciation Day 2025

Join us for AllCom Member Appreciation Day, where we celebrate the
BEST members who make our community thrive!

Hot Dogs | Fun | Friends | Popcorn

WHEN:
Saturday, June 21, 2025
9 am – 1 pm

WHERE:
AllCom Credit Union
36 Park Ave, Worcester

*No purchase necessary to enter. Must be 18 years or older to enter, open to US entries only. AllCom staff, board members and affiliates are not eligible to enter. One entry per person. Entries must be submitted in-person 6/21/2025 by 12:45 pm. Winner will be announced 6/21/2025 by 1:00 pm and contacted via phone if no longer present at the event. Odds of winning is dependent upon number of completed entries received. AllCom Credit Union is not responsible for misdirected or incomplete entries. This giveaway is sponsored by AllCom Credit Union. For a full set of rules, please contact AllCom Credit Union at 36 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA 01609. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Get to Know AllCom Credit Union: A Worcester Mainstay with Neighborhood Roots

If you’re looking for a financial institution that feels more like a neighbor than a number, look no further than AllCom Credit Union. Located on Park Ave. in Worcester, AllCom is where members are known by name, not account number. You’ll always reach a real person when you call, not a recording.

With over 4,000 members and $80 million in assets, AllCom is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Founded in 1922 to serve employees of the New England Telephone Company, we’ve proudly called Worcester home for more than 100 years. Since 1988, our branch on Park Ave – right across from Starbucks and New England Roast Beef – has been a neighborhood landmark.

But we’re more than just a building on Park Avenue – we’re part of the community. Over the years, we’ve proudly supported and participated in local events, school programs, and charitable initiatives. Whether it’s sponsoring local fundraisers or volunteering at community events, AllCom is woven into the fabric of Worcester life.

Thanks to investments in technology, our members enjoy the same conveniences as they would at a larger bank – from a convenient mobile app to a paperless loan application process – all backed by a team that truly cares.

“Credit Unions are owned by their members and at AllCom, our members come first,” says Laura Ybarra, President & CEO of AllCom since 2022. A Worcester native, Laura’s story is deeply tied to the Credit Union. She joined through a Worcester Public Schools school-to-work program at Doherty High School and has been with AllCom for over 27 years. Her journey from student intern to President/CEO reflects the values we hold dear: loyalty, community, and personal growth.

AllCom serves a broad local membership – from local telephone, gas, utility and postal service employees to individuals and families throughout Worcester County and parts of Middlesex County. If you live, work, or go to school in the area, you’re eligible to join our Credit Union family.

We may be smaller in size, but we think that’s part of our charm. With just one branch and a committed team, we offer a level of personalized service that’s not commonly found. “We carry the same products and offer the same services as larger Banks and Credit Unions,” says Ybarra. That includes standout offerings like The Rate Improver Mortgage, a 30-year fixed mortgage that allows members to lower their rate within 5 years as market rates drop, without refinancing fees.

And while we’re proud to be your local Credit Union, we’re here for you wherever life takes you. Through our partnership with the CO-OP Shared Branch Network, members can access account services at more than 5,600 Credit Unions nationwide. So whether you’re away at college, traveling out of state, or relocating, AllCom goes with you.

At AllCom Credit Union, we’re not just in your neighborhood – we’re part of it. Banking Made Better. Learn more at allcomcu.org.

Smart Life Hacks to Save Money Every Day

Simple tips to help you stretch your dollars further.

At AllCom Credit Union, we know that saving money doesn’t always require big changes—it’s the small, everyday habits that can make a big difference over time. Here are a few smart life hacks to help you keep more money in your pocket:

1. Automate Your Savings
Set up automatic transfers from your checking to your savings account—even a small weekly amount adds up fast. Out of sight, out of mind, and into savings!

2. Meal Prep Like a Pro
Plan meals for the week, shop with a list, and cook in batches. You’ll save money by avoiding takeout and reduce food waste.

3. Use Cashback & Coupon Apps
Download apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Honey to earn cash back and find coupon codes for everyday purchases, from groceries to online shopping.

4. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Take a few minutes to review your subscriptions and cancel any you don’t use. Those small monthly charges can quietly add up over time.

5. Brew Your Own Coffee
We’re not saying skip your morning pick-me-up—just try making it at home. A daily coffee shop run could be costing you over $1,000 a year!

6. Review Your Bills Annually
Call your service providers—like internet, cell, or insurance—and ask if better rates are available. Loyalty doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best deal.

Smart money habits start small, but they can lead to big savings. Need help setting up a savings plan or want to explore budgeting tools? Our team at AllCom Credit Union is here to help!

Update to Shared Branch Experience

To help prevent account takeover fraud, AllCom is introducing a new ID verification step at Shared Branch locations.

Starting May 1st, if you visit a Shared Branch and present an ID from a different state than the one you’re in, you’ll be asked to complete a quick, one-time verification using a QR code and passcode before making a withdrawal.

This extra layer of security ensures it’s really you accessing your account — not someone pretending to be.

HOW IT WORKS:


If you have any questions, please contact us at 888.754.9980 or email memberservices@allcomcu.org

Thank you for choosing AllCom Credit Union.

Urgent: Recent Scam Targeting AllCom Members

We want to make you aware of an ongoing scam targeting AllCom Credit Union members. Some members have reported receiving phone calls or text messages from fraudsters pretending to be AllCom representatives.

These scammers may ask for sensitive information, such as your credit or debit card number, one-time passwords, or online banking login credentials.

We want to emphasize that our credit union will NEVER call you and ask for confidential information such as your account or card number, one-time passwords, PIN, or password over the phone. If you receive a call requesting this information, even if the caller ID appears to be from our institution, please hang up immediately and call us directly at the number you know to be correct, 888.754.9980.

Your security is our top priority, and we are committed to taking proactive measures to safeguard your personal and financial information. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date!


Keeping your contact details current ensures you can fully benefit from AllCom Credit Union’s services and stay informed about important updates. Plus, outdated information could mean missing a critical email or advisory.

Here are three key reasons to update your contact information today:

  1. Enhanced Fraud Protection:

    With the rise in online transactions and card-not-present purchases, fraudsters are always looking for vulnerabilities. Providing AllCom with your updated contact details helps us alert you quickly about any suspicious activity and take swift action to protect your accounts.

  2. Secure Delivery of Confidential Information:

    A USPS change of address doesn’t guarantee that your account statements or other sensitive documents will be forwarded. Ensure your financial information stays confidential by updating your contact information directly with us.

  3. Stay Informed:

    Don’t miss out on important updates, reminders, and time-sensitive notifications—especially if you’ve gone paperless. Keeping your contact information up to date ensures we can always reach you when it matters most.

Updating is quick and easy! Visit us in person or give us a call at 888-754-9980 to make sure we have your latest information.

Exciting Updates to Our Digital Banking Experience!

We’re always working to improve your digital banking experience, and we’re excited to share the latest updates! As of Tuesday, November 5, our digital banking platform has received some fantastic enhancements designed to make managing your finances even easier.

Here’s what’s new:

  • Username Masking: Your username is now more secure on mobile, showing only the first 4 characters.
  • Password Visibility Toggle: View your password as you type on both mobile and online platforms for added convenience.
  • Improved Member-to-Member Transfers: Select prefixes from a dropdown menu instead of typing them manually, simplifying transfers.
  • Auto-Prompt for Biometrics: Enable biometric login easily by heading to your settings.
  • Quick Balance: Check your account balances without logging in by enabling this feature in your settings.

Members will notice these changes the first time they log in after updating their app.

Update your app today and explore these new tools designed with you in mind!

Important Info for Members Regarding Phone Spoofing Scams

AllCom Credit Union members must stay alert to the latest attempts by scammers to access personal financial data. Fraudsters are spoofing email addresses and phone numbers to make it appear as though they are from a trusted source, such as our credit union, government agencies, or legitimate businesses.

Some of our members have recently received emails, text messages, and phone calls from cyberthieves posing as credit union employees, using pieces of personally identifiable information to gain member trust before stealing account funds.

AllCom Credit Union will NEVER ask you for a one-time PIN or any personal passwords!

Below shows what a digital wallet text from AllCom may look like. Please note where it says do not share with anyone. This code should ONLY be entered directly into your device when adding cards to your digital wallet. Providing this code to someone pretending to be from AllCom allows the scammer to add your credit/debit card to their mobile wallet. They are then able to start completing transactions immediately.

We want to emphasize that our credit union will NEVER call you and ask for confidential information such as your account number, one-time passwords, PIN, or password over the phone. If you receive a call requesting this information, even if the caller ID appears to be from our institution, please hang up immediately and call us directly at the number you know to be correct (888.754.9980).

Your security is our top priority, and we are committed to taking proactive measures to safeguard your personal and financial information. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Stay alert for scams involving calls or texts from AllCom Credit Union. Remember, we will NEVER ask for your card number, one-time passwords or login credentials. Learn more.