Greater Iowa

Education Center

Important Fraud Alerts!

Fraudulent Jury Duty Calls

The U.S. Disctrict office have heard from Iowans that they are being targeted by phone calls that threaten prosecution for failing to comply with jury service in federal or state courts in an attempt to aquire personal information. Persons recieving such phone calls should not give out their personal information and contact the Jury Administrator for the U.S. District Court of Southern Iowa at 515.323.3872. Click here to view the letter from Chief Judge Robert Pratt.

Élan

Élan Financial Services, the processor of Greater Iowa's Visa cards, will be calling cardholders over the next month to ensure the receipt of cards. They will also be asking card members if there are any questions about the new cards. They will not, however, ask for any personal information. Please read the following for clarification:

Fraudulent Telemarketing

If you get a phone call from anyone claiming to be from Greater Iowa, Élan, or any other financial institution and they ask for personal information, such as your social security number, passwords, or other private information, hang up immediately. There are currently fraudulent telemarketers calling U.S. consumers claiming to be from "Card Member Services." They are offering to lower credit card interest rates and asking for personal information. Greater Iowa and its partners will never call or email you asking for personal information without a prior agreement with you. Greater Iowa has not contracted with its vendors to allow telemarketing.

Email Fraud

Currently, fraudulent emails are circulating, appearing to be from CUNA, NCUA, SHAZAM, Fifth-Third, Iowa Credit Union League, Lilly Eli Federal Credit Union and other alleged credit union affiliates. They ask for personal information, such as account information, PINs, and passwords. Do NOT give out personal information in response to an email! Click here for more details.

Unfortunately, these types of fraud will most likely remain. Greater Iowa will continue to protect your information and respect your privacy. We will add updates to this page as we become aware of new types of fraud that may be a concern for members. Remember that Greater Iowa will never email or call you unsolicited and ask for your personal information.

» Avoid Internet Fraud/Phishing (pdf)
» Cómo Evitar que lo 'Pesquen' con una Red de Estafa Electrónica (pdf)
» Privileged Courtesy Pay Overview (pdf)
» Privileged Courtesy Pay Disclosure (pdf)
» Identity Theft Protection (pdf)
» FACT Act (pdf)
» Check 21 (pdf)
» Your Free Credit Report (pdf)

Identity Theft Podcast

On July 17, 2007 Greater Iowa presented a seminar on identity theft. Learn what your financial institution can do to help if you are a victim of identify theft, and what tips you can employ to prevent identity theft. For information click here

Financial counseling

Greater Iowa Credit Union has relationships with two area agencies involved in financial counseling, the Iowa State University Financial Counseling Clinic and Consumer Credit of Des Moines. Both are able to help members work toward finding solutions to financial problems.

» ISU Financial Counseling Clinic

ISU Financial Counseling Clinic is a HUD-approved, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the financial well being of Iowa State students, faculty, staff and Ames community citizens through education and counseling in the areas of homeownership, personal finance and credit. Some fees apply for non-students based on income.

Contact via phone:
515.294.8644 (Main Clinic)
515.294.9533 (Fax)

» Consumer Credit of Des Moines

Consumer Credit is a non-profit community service agency. Its basic purpose is to help people who are in financial trouble, solve their debt problems by advice and counsel or through their debt management program.

How they help
If you are experiencing a debt problem or are simply concerned about your financial situation, you may call Consumer Credit for an appointment, free of charge!! You will meet privately, right here in Ames, with one of their experienced counselors who will analyze your current income and living expenses. Together you will work out a budget to fit your needs and goals. Your assets and debts will then be examined and possible solutions to your problems presented.

What this will cost you
Consumer Credit is supported primarily by the creditors contributions. They do not charge for initial counseling. If a Debt Management Program is set up, a very nominal fee is usually required. Since Consumer Credit is non-profit, the creditors assume most of the burden of costs for their service.

How to obtain counseling
Call (515) 287-6428 in the Des Moines area, elsewhere 1-800-955-5765, to schedule your free, individual, confidential appointment.