In an effort to keep our members from becoming victims of identity theft or fraudulent scams, we will post information to help you combat this growing problem. Please check back periodically to see the latest information available.

IRS Warns of New Scams Against Taxpayers

The IRS is warning taxpayers about phone and e-mails scams, both tied to the economic stimulus payments and tax season, by fraudsters seeking to acquire taxpayer’s financial institution account numbers and other sensitive data.  In one scenario, people have been called by phone and told their account numbers are needed in order to get the stimulus payments. The IRS isn’t calling or e-mailing people for this information but instead relying on information in taxpayer’s tax returns.

Get Your Free Credit Report

Due to new legislation in the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) consumers can now get a copy of their credit report from each major credit bureau once a year. It’s a good idea to check your credit report to be able to spot fraudulent credit and correct any other inaccurate information.

To request your reports, go to www.annualcreditreport.com, which is the only authorized source for consumers to access their annual credit report online for free. Or, call 877-322-8228. You'll be able to order all three credit reports at one time, or at different times throughout the year. It's your choice. But, be sure to order from the centralized agency. If you go directly to the credit reporting agencies, you may be charged unless you fit other criteria for a free report (such as being denied credit).

The credit reports will be mailed to your home with instructions on how to read the reports. If you need additional help in understanding your credit, we will be happy to help you.

GPOFCU $50 Reward Survey E-mail Scam

Please be aware that GPOFCU's name is being referenced as part of a current e-mail phishing scam.

The subject line of the bogus email reads: "GPO Federal Credit Union - 50$ Reward Survey." It appears to come from "GPO Customer Satisfaction Survey." The email contains a link to a Customer Satisfaction Survey and a promise to deposit $50 into the member's account simply for completing the survey. The survey is then followed by a request for you to provide detailed information about your credit card, presumably to facilitate the deposit of the $50 reward.

GPOCFU is NOT conducting an email survey. Should you receive this email, please delete it.

Do not ever click links on these types of unsolicited e-mails. They are "phishing scams" designed to obtain your personal information.

Public Warned about Social Security E-mail Scam

The Social Security Administration has received several reports of an email message being circulated with the subject “Cost-of-Living for 2007 update” and purporting to be from SSA. The message provides information about the 3.3 percent benefit increase for 2007 and contains the following “NOTE: We now need you to update your personal information. If this is not completed by November 11, 2006, we will be forced to suspend your account indefinitely.” The reader is then directed to a website designed to look like Social Security’s Internet website.

Do not ever click links on these types of unsolicited e-mails. They are "phishing scams" designed to obtain your personal information. For more information, please see the press release on the SSA site.

Additional Information for Your Protection

Consumer Information Fraud Series - an internet tutorial to educate and protect yourself against identity theft, check fraud, credit card fraud and consumer scams.

Identity Theft - Click on the link to get free information from the FTC on how thieves steal identities and how you can protect yourself.

Get Your Free Credit Report - Free reports are available annually from each of the three major credit bureaus. Find out how to get yours.

Phishing Scams - These fraudulent scams take place on the phone and by e-mail. Learn how they operate and how to protect yourself.

Credit Bureaus:
If you think you may be a target of identity theft, please notify at least one of the credit bureaus to put a fraud alert on your credit. By calling one of them, a hold will be put on your credit at each of the 3 bureaus. You will then be notified and must give express permission if anyone tries to obtain credit in your name. These credit bureaus also offer credit monitoring for a monthly or annual fee.

Equifax fraud division
800-525-6285
P.O. Box 740250
Atlanta, GA 30374

Experian fraud division
888-397-3742
P.O. Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013

Trans Union fraud division
800-680-7289
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634