COVID-19 Resource Center
We’re here for you
As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 Pandemic and adhere to the direction provided by the local officials, we are committed to keeping you informed regarding our business operations.
The Cornerstone CFCU COVID-19 Resource Center has been developed with you in mind and contains several valuable points of news and information to make banking with Cornerstone during the pandemic as seamless as possible. Here you’ll find information on our business operations, direction on financial hardship, use of electronic banking channels, loan and lending services, how to protect yourself against fraud, and a series of frequently asked questions.
We will be continually updating the Resource Center, our blog, and our social media pages as we work through this pandemic. We’re here to support you and thank you for your continued loyalty and trust you place in us to be your community credit union of choice.
Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and information on the Cornerstone Blog
Your Money is Safe with Cornerstone
Not one penny of insured savings has ever been lost by a member of a federally insured credit union
While there is much uncertainty during these unprecedented times, you can be certain that your money is secure at Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union. Cornerstone is well-positioned financially and our financial strength is not significantly impacted by recent market fluctuations. We will continue to ensure that our members have access to funds either directly or electronically.
We are federally insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) which means that credit unions offer a safe place for our members to save their money. Rest assured that all deposits are insured up to at least $250,000 per individual depositor.
For the safety of the Cornerstone team and our membership during this time, we encourage you to utilize all of electronic banking technology available to service your account. You can also use our drive-thru at one of our conveniently located branches to complete your member transactions.
We are available at (716)434-2290 to help guide you through our limited business operations while still receiving excellent member service.
Experience freedom from financial hardship in these uncertain times.
Let us help you reassess your finances and offer solutions
If you are currently experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact us so we are able to discuss possible solutions to meet your individual need.
Mortgage Payment Relief
If you have concerns about making your mortgage payment, please contact us at 716.433.0063.
Skip-a-Payment for Loans and Credit Cards
Members with auto loans, RV loans, personal loans and credit cards may be eligible to skip a payment. To request a skip, please download and complete the Skip-a-Payment form by clicking here.
Upon completion, please return via fax to 716.433.5890, or email Lending@ccfcu.org, or through the drive-thru at any one of our five locations. We will review your request and contact you soon.
Protect Your Debit or Credit Card with CardValet
Convenient Electronic Banking
While our branch lobbies are temporarily closed, our electronic services can support you whether you are making a deposit, transferring funds or applying for a loan.
Learn more about our Online Banking & Mobile Banking.
Learn more about Lending Services at Cornerstone.
Learn about our Loan Products or Apply for a Loan.
Learn more about our
Skip-a-Pay service.
Scams and Fraud Warnings Related to COVID-19
Courtesy of the U.S. Dept. of Justice
Scammers have already devised numerous methods for defrauding people in connection with COVID-19. They are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms. Some examples of scams linked to COVID-19 include:
Testing Scams
Scammers are selling fake at-home test kits or going door-to-door performing fake tests for money.
Treatment Scams
Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, pills, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
Provider Scams
Scammers are contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment. Medical providers are also obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
Supply Scams
Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
Phishing Scams
Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
Charity Scams
Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
App Scams
Scammers are creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
Investment Scams
Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly-traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as “research reports,” make predictions of a specific “target price,” and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks, issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office urges everyone to take the following precautionary measures to protect themselves from known and emerging scams:
- Independently verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual that contacts you regarding COVID-19.
- Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use “cdc.com” or “cdc.org” instead of “cdc.gov.”
- Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities will not contact the general public this way.
- Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device.
- Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is operating and up to date.
- Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Should there be a medical breakthrough, you will not hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or an unsolicited sales pitch.
- Check online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies whose customers have complained about not receiving items.
- Research the websites of charities soliciting donations in connection with COVID-19 before giving. Remember, an organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like “CDC” or “government” in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos on its materials. For online resources on donating wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website (ftc.gov.).
- Be wary of any business, charity, or individual requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Don’t send money through any of these channels.
- Be cautious of “investment opportunities” tied to COVID-19, especially those based on claims that a small company’s products or services can help stop the virus. If you decide to invest, carefully research the investment beforehand. For information on how to avoid investment fraud, visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website (sec.gov).
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.CDC.gov ) and World Health Organization (www.WHO.int) websites.
If you or someone you know believe you’ve been the target or victim of an outbreak-related fraud scheme, please contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office COVID-19 fraud coordinator will be notified of tips submitted via the above reporting method.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you may have a number of questions of how we are currently handling the COVID-19 Pandemic at Cornerstone. Below you will find frequently asked questions to help you navigate your way through our current business operations. We will continue to update the FAQ’s throughout this pandemic.
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What are your business hours?
Transit Road
Monday – Thursday
8:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Friday
8:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday
Temporarily Closed
- By appointment only in-person meetings for Member Service & Lending
Stevens Street, North Tonawanda, Witmer, and Middleport
Monday – Thursday
9:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- By appointment only in-person meetings for Member Service & Lending
Online Banking, Mobile Banking, and Telephone Banking
- Visit CCFCU.org to access your accounts 24/7 through Online Banking
- Snap Deposit is available for depositing checks
- Online Banking for transfers
- Apply online for your borrowing needs
- Card Valet is available to help protect you from fraudulent activities on your Visa account
What has changed when entering your lobbies?
As the World Health Organization continues to provide updates regarding the COVID-19, we are taking all necessary precautions for the safety of our employees and members. Our branch lobbies are currently open. All who enter our facilities are required to wear a mask and limit their party to 2 people. Accomodations for parties exceeding 2 can be made by calling 716.434.2290.
How are you ensuring social distancing in the branches?
When you enter our facilities, you will notice social distancing floor mats spaced 6 feet apart to achieve social distancing. In addition, we have placed directional arrows on the floor to help you navigate your way when entering and exiting. Members are asked to please wait outside if a social distancing floor mat is unavailable.
How are you reducing the spread through commonly used surfaces?
We have installed plexiglass barriers at each of our teller, member service, and lending stations. Our teller tubes are made out of anti-virus plastic and antimicrobial fabric has been placed on teller station platforms and door handles.
Will other branches follow/will you take more extreme measures?
These are unprecedented times and although we have scenario planning in place the situation remains fluid and it is difficult for us to determine exactly which measures will be taken. Rest assured whatever safety measures we put in place we recognize we play a critical role in our Members’ lives and are committed to delivering services so they can go on managing their financial lives through the pandemic.
What if I have a loan in process?
If you have a loan in process, a representative will be reaching out or you can contact your branch representative directly for an update on the status of your request and next steps.
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What if I need to open an account or loan?
Simply contact your member service representative directly or call (716)434-2290 to schedule an appointment.
New Members can become a member online by visiting ccfcu.org
You can apply via Loans by Phone or apply online. For Consumer Loans and Credit Cards call (716)434-2290 ext. 1211. For Real Estate call (716)434-2290 ext. 7020.
Is Cornerstone prepared for this?
Each year our staff proactively goes through pandemic training and is well prepared for situations such as this. We have a dedicated team monitoring the situation and advising and assisting employees on implementing the necessary precautions.
How do I stay updated?
Cornerstone is keeping our Members informed primarily through e-mail, our Facebook page, our website ccfcu.org, and local news stations.
Is my money safe?
Yes, your money is safe. Cornerstone is also well-positioned financially and our financial strength is not significantly impacted by recent market fluctuations. In addition, we are federally insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA).Federally insured credit unions offer a safe place for credit union members to save money. All deposits at federally insured credit unions are protected by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, with deposits insured up to at least $250,000 per individual depositor. Credit union members have never lost a penny of insured savings at a federally insured credit union. Additional information on NCUA share insurance coverage for consumers is available at MyCreditUnion.gov.
I received a call and e-mail asking for account information and they claimed they were Cornerstone.
Unfortunately, criminals may attempt to exploit this scenario for their own personal gain. We remind Members to remain vigilant and refer to best practices regarding protecting their personal information as outlined on our website.