Newsletter

Protecting your identity

According to a recent report, Identify Theft in Alabama has increased 219% since 2019. It’s important to take steps to protect your identity and to help those you love.

What is identity theft?
Identity Theft occurs when someone steals your personal information, like Social Security numbers, to commit fraud. ID thieves use your personal information to apply for credit, file taxes, or get medical services. Not only can these acts damage your credit status, it can take hours of work to undo and restore your good name.

What are types of identity theft?
Tax ID theft: Someone uses your Social Security number to file tax returns.

Medical ID theft: Someone steals your Medicare ID or health insurance account number to make claims and send fake bills to your health insurer.

Unemployment ID theft: Someone uses your personal information to make unemployment benefit claims.

Tips on preventing Identity Theft

• Think twice before sharing your Social Security number. In general, the only time you’ll need to share this number is when applying for a loan, opening a banking account, or once you’ve accepted a new job, your employer will need your number.
• Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement annually to check for fraud.
• Carefully review your credit report through Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You are allowed one annual free report from each bureau, so space out your requests through the year.
• Consider placing a credit freeze, which prevents anyone from accessing your credit reports.
• Children can be victims of ID theft and they often won’t know for years after the crime occurs. Learn more here.

We will never text, email, or call asking for personal information

Nobody from Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union will ever call you asking for your personal information. If you receive such a call, hang up and call us.  

If you or someone you know suspects they’ve been an ID theft victim, visit IdentityTheft.gov, a one-stop virtual assistant that will help you create a Personal Recovery Plan.

Part of Mobile County employee’s good health

Our team was happy to be part of the recent Mobile County Commission Annual Health Fair for Mobile County 

“We love attending this annual event and showing County employees how Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union is an important part of their financial health,” said GCFCU staff Jessica Pettway, who was there along with Tacarra Simmons. She described the event as an opportunity for attendees to receive health screenings by a local clinic and meet with area businesses.

In addition to sharing credit union swag, this event was an opportunity for us to talk one-on-one with people and discuss the ways the credit union can help. Whether it’s refinancing a high-cost loan from another lender or discussing how we can help them achieve their home ownership dream, we help members reach their goals.

If we didn’t get a chance to talk with you at the fair, stop by any of our branches to take advantage of everything we offer.

Did you know?
In addition to serving all Mobile County employees and their families, we also serve anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Mobile County.

Put your home’s equity to work

Your home’s equity is a powerful tool. Use it for home improvements, bill consolidation or as a handy source of emergency cash — you know, broken dishwasher. Our HELOC offers:

• Competitive rates and low fees
• Easy access by Online Banking, check and phone
• Your interest may be tax-deductible — consult your tax advisor

Call (251) 438-7464 for today’s low rates or to apply. Or visit one of our convenient locations.

Take a break and keep more cash with Skip-payment

Skip your qualifying November, December or January payment by submitting this Skip-payment Request ten days prior to your due date. Not available for credit card or real estate payments. See form for details, or call us if you have questions. 

Get in the spirit at the Christmas Jubilee

Kick off your holiday shopping and support the important work of the Junior League of Mobile. Make plans on attending their Christmas Jubilee at the Mobile Convention Center November 11 through 13. Billed as the Gulf Coast’s greatest holiday market, you’ll find merchants from around the country. If shopping makes you hungry, the concession stands will also be open. Learn more and buy tickets here.