Prevention

There are some basic things you can do to help prevent becoming a victim:

• Create strong passwords, and change them frequently
• Don’t carry your social security card with you
• Don’t provide private information to anyone via phone, mail or online
• Utilize safety features on mobile devices
• Review credit reports regularly
• Shred documents that contain personal/financial information at MACU's annual Shred Day
• Maintain anti-virus and anti-malware software
• Monitor bank accounts
• Steer clear of free, public wi-fi
• Sign up for MACU's ID Protect

No one is exempt from becoming a victim. Be on the offensive and make sure to safeguard your information.

What if it happens to you?

We hear about identity theft prevention all the time, but what do you do if it happens to you?

• Lockdown the problem account(s)
• Identity theft is a crime. File a police report with the local authorities
• Check your credit reports
• Notify lenders and creditors of the breach by putting a fraud alert on your credit reports or place a security freeze
• Contact any institution directly affected — credit card companies, MACU, etc.
• Change all account passwords

Unfortunately, we are all vulnerable to the activities of hackers. Wherever we can, we need to take measures to keep our information secure. However, even by using the best practices in prevention, one can succumb to the underhandedness of online hackers. That’s why it’s important to keep a consistent eye on all things relating to your finances and know what to do if your identity has been compromised. While we hope it never happens to you, knowledge and quick action is the best way to limit the amount of damage