Author: Maggie Latham

Don’t Fall for Imposter Scams: Protect Yourself and Your Money

Scammers are getting smarter, and one of the most common tricks they use is called an Imposter Scam. In this type of fraud, someone pretends to be from a trusted organization—like Educational Community Alliance Credit Union, a government agency, or even a utility company—in order to steal your money or personal information. How the Scam […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Fraud & Scams, Uncategorized.

Back-to-School Financial Planning: Make This Season Stress-Free

Back-to-school season is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also be expensive. Between school supplies, new clothes, tech gadgets, and extracurricular fees, the costs add up quickly. The good news? With a little planning, you can keep your budget on track and avoid financial surprises this school year. Here’s how. Set a Back-to-School Budget Start […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Financial Wellness.

Don’t Let a Travel Scam Crash Your Vacation

Bags are packed, tickets are booked, and the countdown is on. But there’s one thing that could derail it all, and it doesn’t come from a flight delay or lost luggage. Travel Scams Are on the Rise (And They’re Sneaky) Every summer, scammers turn up the heat. Fake travel sites, bogus rental listings, and too-good-to-be-true […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Fraud & Scams.

Smart Summer Spending: Your July Guide to Financial Wellness

Summer often brings sunshine, celebrations, and…spending. From backyard barbecues to family vacations and spontaneous weekend getaways, it’s easy to let your budget take a back seat. But with a few simple strategies, you can enjoy the season without putting your financial goals on ice. At Educational Community Alliance Credit Union, we’re here to help you […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Financial Wellness.

Don’t Get Burned by Summer Utility Payment Scams Protect Yourself – and Your Wallet – This Summer

As temperatures rise, so do reports of utility payment scams—one of the most common (and convincing) frauds targeting Ohioans during the summer months. What Is a Utility Payment Scam? Scammers impersonate local utility providers, such as electric, water, or gas companies. They may call, email, or text you claiming your service is about to be […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Fraud & Scams.

Don’t Get Taken For a Ride: The BMV Isn’t Behind the Wheel—It’s a Scammer

Have you received a strange text lately claiming to be from the Ohio BMV? It might look something like this: “Your BMV record needs urgent verification. Tap here to update your info immediately: [suspicious link]” This is a scam. It is not from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Scammers are using fake texts that […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Fraud & Scams.

WhatsApp “Funny Meme” Malware: A New Threat to Watch

A new scam is making the rounds on WhatsApp, and it is disguised as harmless fun. At EducaCU, we are committed to helping you stay informed and protected from evolving cyber threats that target mobile users every day. What Is the Scam? In late May 2025, cybersecurity researchers and major media outlets began reporting a […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Fraud & Scams.

Summer 2025 Financial Wellness Guide: Smart Strategies for a Secure Season

As we embrace the warmth and excitement of summer, it’s an ideal time to reflect on our financial well-being. Recent trends indicate a shift in consumer behavior, with many Americans adopting more cautious spending habits and prioritizing savings. Let’s explore how you can align with these trends to enhance your financial health this season. Embrace […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Financial Wellness.

What is Home Title Theft?

Purchasing a home is a big decision. For most people, it’s the biggest purchase they will make in their lifetime. Plus, a home is so much more than an asset. It’s where we live, raise our children, entertain friends, and feel the most secure and at peace. It’s easy to understand why people would want […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Financial Wellness.

Feeling the Pinch? Practical Ways to Ease Financial Stress

If it feels like everything costs more right now, you’re not imagining it. From higher grocery bills to increased rent and utility costs, many households are navigating the pressure of rising prices. At Educational Community Alliance Credit Union, we understand how these changes can impact not just your wallet, but your peace of mind. Financial […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Financial Wellness.

Simple Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances

Spring is the season of fresh starts. While you’re clearing out closets and opening the windows, it’s also a great time to give your finances a little attention. A financial check-up doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few quick steps, you can reset your money habits and feel more confident moving forward. Start by […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Financial Wellness.

Fraud Trends to Watch Out for This Week

Scammers are always coming up with new ways to trick people, and this week is no exception. Here are a few of the top scams making the rounds and what you can do to protect yourself. Fake Toll Texts If you get a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls, don’t click the link. […]

Posted by Maggie Latham in Fraud & Scams.