Fraud using payment apps continues in financial institutions across the country. Members are scammed into providing their online banking usernames and passwords resulting in unauthorized EFTs (electronic fund transfers) from their account via payment apps like Zelle, Apple Cash, Venmo, and others by the bad actor. Most of the scams consist of pure social engineering – sending out false information and scare tactics. The scammer uses false information and representations to trick members into divulging their online credentials and/or card information. If you fall victim to this fraud and authorize a transaction, the money is gone for good with no recourse.
- Payment apps should be used for friends and family only, or someone you know. Once the money is gone, it is gone!
- Scammers can try to impersonate your financial institution and even spoof their phone number.
- NEVER verify or give out online banking username or password to ANYONE.
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*Bill collectors DO NOT accept gift cards of any sort for re-payment of debt*
We have been alerted that members are getting calls from someone posing as a debt collector/ IRS collector/ or sheriffs office seeking payment on a debt to avoid arrest or garnishment. The caller instructs the person to visit their local Target, Walmart, etc. to purchase gift cards to make payment on the debt. If the fraudster gets the gift card information, you have been scammed. The credit union cannot file fraud on your behalf. Call the credit union if you ever feel like something sounds like a scam PRIOR to completing a transaction with someone.
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We have been alerted about a fishing scam, financial institutions have reported that members are receiving phone calls from an imposter "Security Officer of a Bank" asking them to confirm suspicious transactions on their accounts. Once they confirm the transactions are not valid, the imposter proceeds to “verify” their identity by asking them to provide the login id, the Secure Access Code (SAC) from doing a forgot password, and debit card/pin information, which the fraudster then turns around to complete a Person 2 Person transfer. This is a reminder: NEVER provide your home banking information to anyone over the phone that has called you! Protect your account and be cautious. If someone is claiming to be a GEFCU representative by email or phone and you feel unsure about the validity of the person's identity, hang up and call us at 512-339-9812. Every GEFCU representative can be called at this number. Ask for us by name.
For debit or credit card fraud you can call the automated fraud center at: 1-800-237-8990
What you can do:
Here are a few tips to safeguard your account information on an ongoing basis.
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Sign up for E-Alerts. Set customized email alerts to stay on top of your account.
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Enroll in online and mobile banking. It’s an easy way to monitor your account anytime day or night.
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Protect your account! Remember to change passwords regularly, and never share your user name, password, or security questions with anyone.
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Keep your information up to date. Make sure that we have your current address, phone numbers and identification on file.
Thank you for your patience and ongoing trust as we work diligently to protect your account.
When GEFCU receives notification of a data breach, protecting you is our priority!
Here’s more about what we are doing to protect our members:
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Accounts affected will have a daily CREDIT limit of $200.
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We are proactively issuing you a card with a new account number. The PIN for your new card has changed. Please contact your local branch for a PIN change request.
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Your current card will be closed in 30 days.
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We are actively monitoring accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for suspicious transactions.
There is no need to call us unless you see transactions you don’t recognize. We have rigorous fraud systems in place to monitor accounts, and we’ll let you know if we see fraud on your account.