For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also – Matt 6:21
What do you treasure most in life? For many of us, it’s the people we love, the values we live by, the careers we’ve built, and looking after the homes we’ve worked hard to own. As Christians, we might think about seeking first the Kingdom of God, and ordering the things we treasure in response to our relationship to God. But have we also thought about where our personal identity data and savings fit into that list?
We’re quick to insure our homes, cars, health, and even our pets, yet the very foundation of our financial well-being is often left exposed. In today’s digital world, protecting your identity data and savings is just as essential as locking your front door.
Cybercrime is no longer rare or remote. It’s a daily threat. Scammers are clever, persistent, and increasingly convincing. And while we all intend to take precautions, change passwords, and enable security features, it’s easy to delay. But when identity theft strikes, the emotional and financial fallout can be devastating.
At AFC, we take these risks seriously. Protecting what’s been entrusted to us is part of our commitment to serve with integrity and care, principles grounded in our Christian values. We’ve put in place several safeguards to protect you, even if they sometimes feel like extra steps. Here’s what we do to keep your identity data and savings secure:
- We always confirm your identity when you contact us, asking questions to ensure we’re speaking with the rightful owner.
- If you request to withdraw $10,000 or more, we’ll call you directly to verify the transaction.
- We require proof when you change your bank account details, to prevent unauthorised fund transfers.
- We are working on adding multi-factor authentication into the member portal in our new website, adding an extra layer of security to your online access.
- We keep your identity documentation up to date, such as passports or driver’s licenses, to help prevent fraud and money laundering.
- We will never ask for your logon and password in our communications. If you receive an email or text message from us that does, don’t respond to it. Instead, go to our website, and call us from the contact details on our website.
- If your email has been hacked, please call us immediately, so we can take precautions to protect your money.
These measures serve as a “pause button” to stop potential criminals in their tracks, prioritising your protection. We know the precautions can cause some inconvenience sometimes, but if it helps even one person protect their hard-earned savings, it’s worth it.
But security isn’t just on us, it’s a shared responsibility. Here are five simple steps you can take to help safeguard your identity data and finances:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Never reuse passwords across different accounts. A password manager can help you create and manage secure, complex passwords. - Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Whenever possible, turn on multi-factor authentication to add an extra verification step beyond just a password. - Be Cautious with Emails
Don’t click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders. Verify unexpected requests, especially those asking for money or personal info. - Monitor Your Accounts Frequently
Check your credit card, bank, and investment accounts regularly. Set up alerts for large transactions or changes to your details. - Shred Personal Documents
Dispose of hard-copy documents containing sensitive information by shredding them instead of recycling them or throwing them away intact.
By working together, with our safeguards and your vigilance, we can keep your identity data and savings safe, letting you focus on what truly matters.
The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board trading as Anglican Financial Care is the manager and issuer of Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, The Retire Fund and The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Fund. Product Disclosure Statements and Fund Updates are available on the Documents page of the AFC website (Pension Fund and The Retire Fund) and https://christiankiwisaver.nz/documents/ (Christian KiwiSaver Scheme).
