Ransomware attack on Patelco Credit Union Just as we were extolling the services of credit unions, I received an email today informing me (see the quoted text below) that my information was compromised. I closed the account a couple of years ago and that was the last of the small financial institution relationship I had.
"What Information Was Involved?
The information in the accessed databases included first and last name with Social Security number, Driver’s License number, date of birth, and/or email address. Not every data element was present for every individual."
That is an extensive breach which makes me think their data segregation was not proper.
"[W]e contained the threat by proactively disabling all unauthorized access to our network, restoring all data, and immediately commencing a prompt and thorough investigation. We also notified law enforcement. As part of our investigation, we worked very closely with external cybersecurity professionals experienced in handling these types of incidents. The investigation revealed that an unauthorized party gained access to our network on May 23, 2024, leading to access to the databases on June 29, 2024. Following the investigation and a thorough review of the data involved, we confirmed on August 14, 2024, that the accessed databases contained your personal information."
Patelco does not say if they paid the attackers but they say they restored all the data. I think in most cases the Ransomware attackers delete the information accessed if they are paid. How can I find out if they paid the Ransomware attackers?
"What You Can Do
To help protect your information, we are offering a complimentary two-year membership of Experian IdentityWorksSM Credit 3B. This product helps detect possible misuse of your personal information and provides you with identity protection services focused on immediate identification and resolution of identity theft."
I already have credit frozen at all three credit unions (Experian calls it "security freeze"). Experian had said that they send you an alert every time someone tries to access your credit file. I recently opened a B0A account and evidently BoA checks your credit file but I have not received any alert.
Does anyone have experience with "Experian IdentityWorksSM Credit 3B"? Any negatives in signing up for this service?
Thanks.
Buy Sell Why: ad infinitum. Put my son in TRULX. His first-ever investment. T-IRA. Age 31 in Oct this year.
Schwab ? Recently bought 6 month T-bill on Monday 8/19, with settlement on 8/22. Why was the account already debited ? Because the money was already there ?
GMO: five new ETFs in the pipeline
Updated MFO Ratings Thru 23 May 2025 Just posted all ratings to
MFO Premium site through July, which includes month to date performance and fund flows through Friday,
18 August.
Buy Sell Why: ad infinitum. I would like to add to utilities but I fear horse has left
Trying to pick a good Dividend fund. I have used a lot in the past but not settled on one or two
CEF: BXSL. 10.24% Yield. Blackstone Secured.
PRFDX 1.86% TRP Equity Income.
HDV Blackrock. 3.71% LV
DJT in your portfolio - the first two funds reporting (edited) $21.415 at the close... down 3.71%. Maybe his national polling is down 3.71% also... (one can hope).
Preparing your Portfolio for Rate Cuts Gold keeps rising....the typical gold bar (~400 troy ounces x $2,500 spot price) is now worth $1M.
Of course, I keep my bullion stacked in a little fortress formation in the middle of my concrete panic room. ...just kidding
With USAGX I was able to turn a 5% position in the IRA into a
1.24% position since August 20
11. Now that I'm approaching green, I'm wondering if I should hold on just a little bit longer or chuck that durn thang.
GMO: five new ETFs in the pipeline
DJT in your portfolio - the first two funds reporting (edited) Might be tracking his poll numbers …
Interesting price $21.65 / Paid $23 for a few shares of Flower Foods (FLO) this morning. Somewhat more appetizing.
Preparing your Portfolio for Rate Cuts Gold keeps rising....the typical gold bar (~400 troy ounces x $2,500 spot price) is now worth $1M.
Of course, I keep my bullion stacked in a little fortress formation in the middle of my concrete panic room. ...just kidding
I think it will get nutty. Too old & conservative to join in the celebration. A couple of my funds have some limited exposure. Prefer to play it that way: PRPFX, GAA / Also own some investment grade Morgans. All that garbage tends to rise together.
Preparing your Portfolio for Rate Cuts Gold keeps rising....the typical gold bar (~400 troy ounces x $2,500 spot price) is now worth $1M.
Of course, I keep my bullion stacked in a little fortress formation in the middle of my concrete panic room. ...just kidding
DJT in your portfolio - the first two funds reporting (edited)
GMO: five new ETFs in the pipeline Following your questions here, I reached out to Steve Schaefer who represents GMO. He just shared this note:
Yes! They just filed last week for 5 new ETFs:
GMO International Quality (Ticker Symbol: QLTI)
GMO International Value (Ticker Symbol: GMOI)
GMO U.S. Value (Ticker Symbol: GMOV)
GMO Beyond China (Ticker Symbol: BCHI)
GMO Systematic Investment Grade Credit (Ticker Symbol: INVG)
Filing is here:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1981627/000110465924089465/tm2421561d1_485apos.htmCan also provide the statement below if it’s of use:
GMO has always been committed to offering innovative investment solutions in the implementation structures that best address the needs of our clients. Expanding our ETF suite is a continued evolution of that commitment, driven by demand from intermediary and wealth management investors. We are excited to be making our strategies available to a growing group of investors, many of whom have not been able to access GMO previously.
Buy Sell Why: ad infinitum. Bought a small slug of FLO - a small cap baked foods distributor. Have followed it for years. Has gone nowhere. Please don’t ask me why I bought it (but they do make delicious bread). Also - opened very small positions in PSQ (1 X inverse QQQ) and SDS (2 X inverse S&P). Together worth about the cost of a first class R/T ticket to LGA. Will trickle more in if the hoot continues.