Heartland Payment Systems Compromised Cards

On January 20, 2009 WyHy was made aware that Heartland Payment Systems (third-party processor) had a breach in its processing systems in 2008. The breach exposed an undetermined number of consumers who use debit and credit cards to potential fraud. Heartland confirmed that card numbers, expiration dates, and some cardholder names were in fact compromised in this breach. Heartland processes payments for more than 250,000 businesses.

WyHy has received five notifications from Visa USA regarding this compromise; there were 2,109 WyHy debit cardholders who were listed on the five notifications. Letters were mailed to only the members who were affected and were given instructions to notify or come in to the Credit Union to have their debit card destroyed and receive a replacement card.

The Credit Union's policy for this type of notification is to block our member's card to protect them and the Credit Union from any possible use of their card number in the future. Typically, banks will block the card and then send their customer a letter stating the card was blocked and that a new card will be mailed to them. This takes anywhere from 12 - 14 days. WyHy has been able to utilize the Instant Card Issue machine in both Service Centers to allow our members to have a new debit card ready for use immediately upon their departure from the Credit Union. As of February 27, 2009, the Cheyenne Service Center has instant issued 1,379 debit cards and the Casper Service Center has instant issued 1087 debit cards.

Protect your identity with WyHy's assistance. Utilize the ID Safe Choice, e-Alerts, eStatements, online banking, TRUEcredit and Document Destruction Days. Deter. Detect. Defend.

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President's Letter to Members

Dear WyHy Federal Credit Union Members,

To say 2009 was an interesting year would be an understatement. As we approach 2010, the economy is still at the top of everyone's mind. While uncertainties about the status of the economy remain, WyHy remains a sound, secure and safe financial institution. WyHy's top priority is our membership. WyHy is owned by its members. WyHy is a "not for profit" organization. These are the founding principles of credit unions. During times like these, the difference between credit unions and other financial institutions become clearer than ever. Experts across the nation are touting credit unions for their safety, soundness, better rates and lower fees. I encourage you to refer credit unions to your friends and families, now is the time to make the switch from the big banks!

As a member-owned institution, we make decisions for the benefit of our membership. You often hear financial institutions are not lending. We are! In 2009, while most financial institutions had no loan growth in 2009, WyHy grew loans 19%, while most financial institutions had higher delinquencies, WyHy's dropped. As a result of the trust you place in us, and the efforts of our staff, your credit union has grown successfully in 2009. Without a doubt, your credit union continues to do well during these challenging economic times. The reason for these successes is simple; we continue to make decisions that benefit our members.

At WyHy, we strive to offer personalized solutions that meet the individual needs of our members. We see this approach as a way to respect what our members want and need from their financial institution. When we listen to our members, we recognize that you care about your community. We are committed to supporting communities throughout Wyoming not only through monetary donations, but with our time and talent. By supporting the local agencies that serve you, we hope to positively impact your overall quality of life. Some of these agencies we supported this year include, Adopt a Family, Adopt a Soldier, Cell Phone for Soldiers, Cheyenne Animal Shelter, Meals on Wheels, Boys & Girls Club, Nicolaysen Art Museum, Cheyenne Schools Foundation, Comea Donations, United Way and United Blood Services. At WyHy, giving back to our communities is not a policy it is a principal.

As we enter 2010, rest assured that the Board of Directors and staff are committed to maintaining WyHy's safety, soundness and financial strength. We look forward to continuing our efforts in providing you with the most competitive products and services and by rewarding your loyalty with our SmartPoints program. The rewards program that gives you the ability to decrease certain loan rates, increase certificate of deposit rates and waive certain service fees. I'm also excited to announce that we will be introducing a new credit card program and Business Account Solutions, so stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

I am proud of WyHy's continued strength and security and would like to thank you for its growth and your membership.