Do you suspect you’ve fallen victim to account fraud or identity theft? Don’t panic, because we’re here to help. Acting quickly will minimize the damage a scammer can cause.
NOTE: The information below is a high-level overview of what we suggest in the event of identity theft or account fraud. Depending on your unique situation, we may suggest additional steps or provide additional direction to you. For this reason, it’s crucial to always report an issue to our team.
Regardless of how your information was compromised, we always recommend the following:
- Call us. We’ll takes steps to shield your account from further criminal activity, such as turning off access to credit and debit cards, placing a hold on your account, and more. Once your account is secure again, we can issue you a new card and restore access to your accounts.
- Have your device cleaned. If your computer or phone is compromised, we urge you to visit your nearest computer or phone repair shop to have the device cleaned. We’ll do our part until you can get to an uncompromised computer or mobile device, or until your device is clean and your accounts are secured with a new username and password.
- Contact the credit bureaus. Reach out to the three main credit bureaus so they can put a freeze on your credit. If a thief attempts to apply for a new credit card, the credit freeze stops them from being able to do so.
Be proactive about identity theft and fraud
- Educate yourself. Knowing the signs of identity theft and account fraud will help you nip problems in the bud. Refer to our Money Minutes blog for invaluable information that’ll give you an edge against criminals.
- Limit who you share information with. Know that GECU will never initiate a phone call, email, or a text asking for your personal information. Don’t supply personal information over the phone or internet unless you’ve verified it’s secure and you initiated contact.
- Protect your account with a verbal password. This is a password only you know and must be provided to a GECU team member before any information can be shared or transactions completed over the phone. If you forget this password, you must come into your nearest GECU location and show your ID to gain access.
General Electric Credit Union is a full-service financial institution headquartered in Cincinnati with branches in Ohio and Kentucky.