How to Spot and Avoid Phishing Scams

Don't get scammed — read this important 2025 update

Today's scammers don't just reach out to you directly — they set traps by creating fake websites and listing fraudulent phone numbers that appear to belong to legitimate companies, including GEICO. When you use a search engine online to find GEICO's contact information, you might find these fake numbers and unknowingly call a scammer trained to impersonate GEICO employees.

The operators of these fraudulent websites apply social engineering tactics to lure customers into divulging account and financial information. Protect yourself from digital scams by skipping the search engine entirely. Securely access your account by downloading and using the GEICO mobile app, visting GEICO.com or by calling — and storing this number in your phone book — the official GEICO phone number at +1-800-207-7847.

Protecting yourself from digital scams

We have seen an increase in spoofing and phishing attempts targeting the financial and insurance industry. As these scams become more sophisticated and convincing across all industries, we want to provide you with important information about how you can protect yourself from these digital threats.

Understanding spoofing and phishing

Spoofing occurs when scammers disguise themselves by manipulating email addresses, sender names, phone numbers, or website URLs — often changing just one letter, symbol or number to trick you into thinking you're interacting with a trusted source. They might make an email appear to be from a person, bank or company you know, including GEICO.

Phishing schemes use these spoofing techniques as bait. Criminals create messages that look legitimate to steal sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers and account details. They often create fake websites that mirror real ones, making you think you're logging into your GEICO account when you're actually giving your credentials to scammers.

Common attack methods

Fraudulent websites and phone numbers

We have observed fake websites and phone numbers that appear when you search online for our contact information using a regular search engine.

These sites may appear to handle GEICO business, including assisting with the purchase of a new policy, servicing existing policies or helping with a claim. Websites claiming to process GEICO payments or even offer discounts through a third party are potentially fraudulent and should be avoided.

If you encounter such a site or find a phone number by using a regular search engine, do not enter or provide any personal or payment information, as scammers could steal your personal data and money while leaving you without valid insurance coverage. Always contact GEICO directly by downloading and using the GEICO mobile app, visiting GEICO.com or by calling +1-800-207-7847.

Email deception

Scammers craft emails that appear to come from legitimate sources, including GEICO. They manipulate sender addresses and create urgency about account problems or security issues. These messages pressure you to click links leading to fake websites designed to steal your login information. Never click links in unexpected emails. Instead, download and use the GEICO mobile app, visit GEICO.com or call +1-800-207-7847.

Text message scams

Criminals send text messages appearing to be from legitimate companies or government agencies you do business with, including GEICO. They could also be delivery services or banks. They use shortened links to hide malicious websites and create urgent scenarios requiring immediate action. Never click links in unexpected text messages. Instead, download and use the GEICO mobile app, visit GEICO.com or call +1-800-207-7847. GEICO will only send you text messages that bring you directly to our official website, GEICO.com.

Phone call fraud

Scammers spoof caller ID to make calls appear legitimate. They might pose as a GEICO employee or technical support, creating urgent scenarios that require immediate payment or personal information. Remember that GEICO won't text or call unexpectedly asking for sensitive details. When in doubt, hang up and download and use the GEICO mobile app, visit GEICO.com or call +1-800-207-7847.

Protection strategies

Keep your accounts secure by enabling 2-Step Verification (2SV) and use a unique password for your GEICO account; don't reuse passwords across websites. 2SV is an extra layer of security designed to protect your GEICO account by preventing unauthorized access even if someone has access to your password. After you enroll, you will be asked to provide additional verification through either your phone number or email that will help ensure you are the only user accessing your account each time you log in to the GEICO mobile app or GEICO.com. As a reminder, never share your 2SV code with anyone — GEICO employees will never ask you for this code.

Never click links in unexpected messages — simply use the GEICO mobile app instead or ensure you type GEICO.com manually in your browser to access our official website.

Before downloading attachments or entering information online, verify the sender's identity and website authenticity. Look carefully at email addresses and URLs for slight misspellings or changes that could indicate spoofing.

If you are targeted

Don't interact with suspicious messages. Take screenshots and report them to:

Information current as of September 2025