"Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. They're setting up websites to sell bogus products, and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information.

The emails and posts may be promoting awareness and prevention tips, and fake information about cases in your neighborhood. They also may be asking you to donate to victims, offering advice on unproven treatments, or contain malicious email attachments."

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By Colleen Tressler
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

"Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus.

What the FTC is Doing

The FTC and FDA have jointly issued warning letters to seven sellers of unapproved and misbranded products, claiming they can treat or prevent the Coronavirus. The companies’ products include teas, essential oils, and colloidal silver.

The FTC says the companies have no evidence to back up their claims — as required by law. The FDA says there are no approved vaccines, drugs or investigational products currently available to treat or prevent the virus. Read more about the warning letters.

Avoid Coronavirus Scams

Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay:

• Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
• Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO)."

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credit: Federal Trade Commission
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing

UPDATE AS OF 5/1/20: 

Governor Holcomb has reduced some restrictions effective 5/4/2020. However, the Michigan City restrictions have not yet been lifted by Mayor Perry. Therefore, lobbies are still currently closed. However, MACU's drive throughs remain open to serve our members' needs. We would continue to ask members to utilize our other electronic delivery systems (i.e. ATMs, Mobile Banking, Online Banking, Night Depository, etc.) as much as possible; however, should you need to see a Member Service Representative, we ask that you call to schedule an appointment. The Portage branch will follow suite with Michigan City. Thank you for your patience and for being a valued member of our credit union.

UPDATE AS OF 3/19/20
 
The safety of our members, our community, and employees is our number one priority. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will keep you apprised of any developments that affect MACU.

• DRIVE UPS: All drive ups are open and operating normal business hours
• LOBBIES: Lobbies will be open by appointment only. Please call if you need assistance
• ONLINE BANKING: Manage your accounts, transfer money, and pay bills. Enroll Today
• MACU APP: Manage accounts, pay bills, transfer money, etc. Search MACU Mobile in the app store.
• TELEPHONE BANKING: Check balances or transfer money. Call (219) 874-6943 or (877) 874-6943, ext. 2.
• CALL: Call your local branch with any questions or transactions. Most things can be handled right over the phone. 
• ATMs: Access your money at nearly 5,000 fee-free Alliance One ATMs. 
• LOANS: Apply online or over the phone for a loan. 

We understand that many of our members and friends in the community are having their financial situations negatively impacted by escalating concerns over the COVID-19 virus.

Reduction of staffing and hours may quickly take a financial toll on many of our members' finances. As a result, we'd like to do what we can to help lessen the financial burden in any way possible:

• CD PENALTIES WAIVED: We are waiving CD penalties if any member needs access to their money.
• LOAN DEFERMENTS: Deferments are available on most loan types. If you are experiencing a financial hardship, talk to us, and we will see how we can help by deferring the monthly loan payment.
• CHRISTMAS CLUB ACCOUNT PENALTIES WAIVED: We will waive penalties for withdrawing from Christmas Club accounts.
• OVERDRAFT PROTECTION: MACU checking accounts with ODP are able to take advances not to exceed their $750 limit.
• DEBT CANCELLATION PRODUCTS: If a member has purchased one of our debt cancellation products for a loan and needs help making a claim, please call for assistance.
• LOANS: Apply for a loan online or over the phone.
• ATMs: Daily withdraw limits will be increased to $500, effective Friday at 5 p.m.

If there is any other way we can help you, please reach out. Please know we will do what we can to help you during this difficult time.

Michigan City: (219) 874-6943 | Portage: (219) 762-6228

Coronavirus Update

During this uncertain time, we remain committed to providing you excellent service. We have several ways to do that!

• For the time being our lobby is open, but that can change. We will keep members posted.
• Please call ahead if you think you need to see an MSR. A lot of requests can be handled over the phone.
• If you have come to a branch, please use the drive up. Most requests that need to be handled in person can be done through the drive up.

Thank you for your help and cooperation as we work together to protect the health of our members, employees, and their families.

Michigan City: (219) 874-6943
Portage: (219) 762-6228