NCUA Fields Thousands of Calls from Katrina Victims

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA’s Emergency Call Center in Alexandria has been buzzing with calls from victims of Hurricane Katrina since it opened on Aug. 31. Thousands have called into the toll-free number (1-800-827-6282) for information about their money and how to access their accounts. The center receives an average 208 calls each day, and as of Sept. 14, 3,125 calls have been received. Credit union members are asking: What is the status of my credit union? How can I access my money? Will my payroll deductions continue to be posted? Will mortgage and car loan payments be deferred? The call center is manned by agency staff volunteers and former NCUA employees donating their time. “The outstanding NCUA staff has answered the call of volunteerism by assisting thousands of displaced credit union members during this national tragedy. We greatly appreciate their help in this most important cause,” said NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson. “The call center has been a vital part in the agency’s efforts to communicate to members that their federally-insured funds are safe and to provide updates as to the status of credit union operations.” [email protected]