Unusual ATM Activity at Citadel FCU Hits Members’ Accounts
Members are made whole after thieves allegedly steal thousands over a recent weekend.
The $5.5 billion Citadel Federal Credit Union in Exton, Pa., said it is working with police investigators to determine who allegedly stole thousands of dollars from member accounts.
The credit union said last week that its security team identified what Citadel described as unusual ATM and payment activity at some branches over the Jan. 13-15 weekend when some members began reporting missing funds from their accounts.
For example, one member wrote on Citadel’s Facebook page that she had $2,000 taken from her savings account at two different ATMs, while another member indicated she had $1,500 stolen from her savings account on the Jan. 15 and 16.
Citadel said it temporarily disabled the affected ATMs as a precaution. After remediating the issue, the credit union said the ATMs were returned to service.
“Citadel continues to work diligently with law enforcement to address this matter,” the credit union said.
Credit union officials did not say how many accounts were affected or how much money was stolen.
However, social media comments posted on Citadel’s Facebook page showed a few members had thousands stolen from their accounts, and they also praised the credit union for its quick response.
“This impacted both my son and I. $3,000,” one member wrote. “We were made whole, and I had a new card within 24 hours. Excellent response and customer service.”
Another member wrote: “You all handled this spectacularly. Thank you for your swift response and resolution!”
“We were victims and you handled it very well when I got to the branch on Monday morning (Jan. 16),” a member wrote. “We were made whole the next day.”
In a prepared statement, Citadel said it believes this incident impacted a very small percentage of the membership.
The Keystone State’s fourth largest credit union by assets serves more than 251,000 members and operates 26 branches.
“Our members have provided positive feedback on Citadel’s prompt management of the situation and ability to take care of members right away,” the credit union said. “We are grateful and proud of our skilled Member Care team who demonstrated exceptional service during this unprecedented situation.”