Article 2. General of California Financial Code >> Division 5. >> Chapter 1. >> Article 2.

The use by any person, other than those authorized by this division, of any name or title which contains the phrase "credit union," is a misdemeanor. Nonprofit associations, which are formed for the mutual benefit and protection of credit unions, by credit unions organized under this division, or under the provisions of the statutes of the United States applicable to credit unions or any nonprofit association formed for the mutual benefit and protection of credit union employees by bona fide employees of credit unions, may use the phrase "credit union" in the name or title designating any such association.

Any person who willfully and knowingly makes, circulates, or transmits to another or others any statement or rumor, written, printed or by word of mouth, which is untrue in facts and is directly or by inference derogatory to the financial condition or affects the solvency or financial standing of any credit union doing business in this state, or who knowingly counsels, aids, procures, or induces another to start, transmit, or circulate any such statement or rumor, is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.

In addition to the powers enumerated in this division, every credit union has the general powers conferred upon corporations by the Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law of this state unless restricted by this division.