Recently there have been several stories in the media regarding how some companies track and report their website visitors’ personal data and activities. This is accomplished through the use of sophisticated tools referred to as ‘cookies’, ‘flash cookies’ and ‘beacons’. Typically, these tools are surreptitiously placed on a website visitor’s computer where they remain. When the user returns to the site, the tool will report back providing intelligence as to who the user is and, possibly, other sites they’ve visited. By compiling the collected data, the business that placed the tool can create a profile of the user to be used for several purposes, most commonly targeting specific ads.
The collected data is anonymous, in that it’s assigned a number and is not identified with a person’s name. Also, most web browsers provide mechanism’s that allow the user to block the placement of such tools on their systems.
San Mateo Credit Union regularly performs security checks in the interest of protecting our members from such unexpected activity. We are pleased to report than SMCU does not use such tracking tools, and neither do any of the third-party sites to which we directly link. It is recommended, however, that all users maintain an awareness of this type of activity and stay knowledgeable about how to avoid and prevent becoming a victim.
The management and staff of San Mateo Credit Union have always exhibited a strong commitment to the community. On Thursday, June 10, that dedication was on display as Robert Carter, SMCU’s Vice President of Corporate Services, bagged groceries at the Safeway store on El Camino Real in Menlo Park.
Carter joined Richard Cline, Menlo Park’s mayor, and Fran Dehn, President and CEO of the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, to promote awareness of prostate cancer at this celebrity courtesy clerk fundraiser. The Menlo-Atherton High School mascot and cheerleaders were also on hand to publicize the event. Shoppers who were on site between the hours of 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. were asked to make a donation to fund prostate cancer research. In total approximately $1100 was raised by the ‘Celebrity Baggers’ and the Menlo Park Safeway store.
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin malignancy in men, and is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer except lung cancer. SMCU is pleased to help raise awareness of this disease and to continue its support of the community.
It’s a classic David and Goliath story: the little guy wins out over the big guy. Banks are continuing to get bashed in the press, while credit unions are the latest buzz.
Several recent articles about credit cards have brought consumers’ attention to credit unions and their value-added differences. Just take a look:
- foxbusiness.com—“One in 10 Has Given Up—or Lost—Credit Cards in the Past Eight Months” reports that most Americans do not understand the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act and what it means to them. You can always count on SMCU to help you through information like this. Not only did we post a Web article explaining the new credit card rules, but our focus on personal attention means that we’re always here to answer any of your questions.
- The Lantern (Ohio State University student newspaper)—Alumna Jamie Chase, co-creator of the American Debt Relief Challenge, says Americans who took the challenge saved $20 million by transferring their debt from banks to credit unions because of lower interest rates.
- Red, White, and Blue Press blog—“Credit Union Credit Cards May Bring Better Rates and Lower Fees Than Banks” advised consumers to look into local credit unions and compare rates and fees.
- Associated Press—An article entitled “Would Switching to a Credit Union Bring Any Relief?” continues to make the rounds after its initial appearance in The New York Times early last week.
