Along with many other financial institutions, GECU is seeing a rise in fraudulent attempts to gain unauthorized access to member accounts. Recently, we have received multiple reports of individuals masquerading as the Credit Union by making it appear a call or text is coming from GECU – a tactic known as spoofing – to trick you into divulging personal identifying information and financial data.
Personal identifying information and financial data includes:
- Account and credit/debit card numbers
- Social Security numbers
- Mother’s maiden names
- Passwords
Fraudsters use spoofing techniques to capture this information so they can:
- Steal your credit or debit card information,
- Bypass security protections and access your Online Banking accounts
- Solicit funds for fake payments
How spoofing calls typically work
These cyberthieves understand first impressions matter and try to impersonate a GECU team member by spoofing a GECU phone number or sending a text message that identifies them as representing “GECU fraud prevention.”
Next, they prey on their victim's concern and even fear by alleging suspicious activity on a credit or debit card. This may include asking you to verify a made-up transaction (like an ATM withdrawal). When you indicate you want to dispute the transaction, you will likely be asked for personal identifying information and/or account information (credit/debit card number), for the purposes of “account verification,” that can be used to commit fraud.
Once they receive the information, the scammer will assure you a dispute has been filed and no further action is required. This is when your account and/or credit/debit card becomes compromised and fraudulent activity ensues.
Signs it’s a spoofing scam
Fortunately, you can avoid falling for this scam. It is important to know, GECU will never contact you and ask for your personal identifying information or credit/debit card numbers.
Note: When you initiate a conversation or transaction at the Credit Union by phone, chat, email, or in a GECU branch we will ask a series of questions to verify we are speaking to the correct person with rights to the account(s) in question. This is for your security.
Additionally, keep these important tips in mind:
- GECU will NOT ask you for a verification code that is text to your phone. Please note: Text message verification codes are always sent for your private use only. The text messages themselves state not to share the code with anyone, including a GECU team member.
- GECU will NOT ask for your PIN.
- GECU will NOT ask for the 3-digit security code on the back of your card.
- GECU will NOT use scare tactics to ask you to reveal personally identifiable information.
If a caller makes you feel suspicious or unsure, hang up and call GECU directly at: 513.243.4328 or 800.542.7093 or visit any GECU location.
Knowledge is power
For further reading, visit GECU’s library of fraud and security resources available in our Security Center or on our Money Minutes blog.