Member Newsletter

Keeping YOU Protected

Scammers seem to stay one step ahead, finding new ways to steal from unsuspecting victims. Whether they are stealing your time, your money, or your identity, they wreak havoc on your wallet and leave you feeling confused, guilty, and alone.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, $12.5 billion was lost to fraud in 2024, more than six times the losses in 2019. When fraud occurs, consumers spend, on average, 10 hours trying to get it rectified, almost double what it used to take. (Javelin Strategy Research). So while we may never put scammers out of business for good, there are ways to stop them in their tracks.

*Stay alert. While we don't recommend being suspicious of every communication, stay alert to any activity that isn't normal for you—emails, texts, and calls from businesses you do not normally hear from. Remember, with AI, scammers can spoof company names, logos, emails, and phone numbers.

*Stay calm. Scammers rely on your fear—in fact, they're banking on it. If a request requires an immediate or rushed response, it is most likely a scam. Pause. Hang up. Do some research. Call the business directly. A few extra moments may keep you from being scammed.

*Stay educated. The internet is full of articles on the latest scams and fraud attacks. Research trustworthy sites such as the FTC, CFPB, NCUA, and Better Business Bureau. Local authorities will often have resources for prevention, too.

*Stay connected. Do not leave your personal information where strangers can find it, or conduct transactions on insecure sites or over Wi-Fi. Check your accounts frequently and your credit report often. Report immediately if you find anything suspicious.

Get Back Your Identity:

ID Theft is real. If you feel you have been a victim, there is help to restore your ID with

Allstate ID Restoration via Credit Sense. This is a free service for GKCU members enrolled in online banking and Credit Sense. (If you are not enrolled, visit our website).

If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, do not feel ashamed or scared to report. That is the only way to get your ID back and, hopefully, catch the perpetrators. Notify GKCU of suspected fraud by calling our main number.

Login to GKCU2GO app (online banking) and click on Credit Score meter (enroll if not already) to file an ID Theft Claim.

Click on Allstate ID Restoration to answer a series of questions to determine if case needs to be opened. If no case is opened, educational resources will be provided.

Once opened, contact your personal case specialist to start the investigation and restoration process.

Visit our website for more details about this FREE service.

Oh the Places You’ll Go!

We would never want to cause waves with the chill summer vibes, but this is just a reminder that summer shopping sprees may soon have to include back-to-school essentials. With start dates earlier this year, picking up items here and there may put less pressure on you and your kids.

GKCU's checking account is a great way to get the things you need without breaking the bank. There are no minimum balance requirements, no monthly maintenance fees, and a free debit card. You have access to our network of Co-Op Shared Branching ATMs and free online access to check accounts, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and remotely deposit checks. Best of all, students age 15+ can open their own checking account (no joint owner required) to start building their financial independence with their hard-earned money.

When you open your account, you can pay for checks, which are good for emergencies and paying bills via mail. There is a fee for checks, so factor those costs into your account opening. You can also set up direct deposit, automatic payments, and apply for overdraft protection (must be 18+ to apply). To open your GKCU Checking, stop by any GKCU branch or visit our website. You may now close your eyes and return to your regularly scheduled summer fun!

Back to School Shopping Tips

• Make a list. Keep it somewhere central so

  family members can add to it and

  highlight when purchased.

• Set a budget and let everyone know it.

• Give each child a set amount of "fun

  money" to use for novelty items. Once the budget is reached, the list is put up until the next season.

• Shop for deals. Some merchants have

  already started marking down summer

  apparel basics.

• Combine shopping with friends. Trips to

  buy in bulk may save you all in the long

  run, plus make shopping much more fun.

• Give your child opportunities to earn their own money to buy things they want, such as clothes or shoes.

• For larger purchases such as appliances

  and technology, use a credit card for

  easier returns, protection, and earning rewards.

GKCU CU Save Deposit Days

Here’s your chance to start the savings off on the right foot at the beginning of school. GKCU CU Save is a great way to give your kids a safe place to save while learning the importance of earning and keeping their money for important purchases.

CLICK HERE to see the in-school deposit days for the 2026-27 school year at participating schools.

Home Buying Webinar
Join us for FREE homebuying webinar hosted by Servion Mortgage Group
Thursday, July 20 at 5pm

Highlights: Preparing for Homeownership; Mortgage Basics and Financing Options and Opportunities for Q&A.