As a financial institution, protecting our customers’ information is one of our most important jobs. In light of the recently announced Equifax data breach, we want to alert you as quickly as possible about how to protect yourself and your family from fraud and identity theft. A detailed list of instructions can be found below for actions you can take to help safeguard your information. Immediate action includes checking your information here: https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/potential-impact/ and checking your credit reports, credit card and banking accounts for any suspicious activity. Changing passwords and monitoring account activity are recommended during this time and periodically as best practices.
As always, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod will NEVER call you unsolicited to verify information about your account or personal information over the phone or via email. If you’re contacted in such a manner, PLEASE do not give out this information and contact our Customer Assistance Center during normal business hours at 508.568.3400 or 1.800.641.1100.
Here are steps you can take immediately to safeguard your information.
Fraud Alert
Consumers may place a “Fraud Alert” on their credit report. An initial fraud alert can make it harder for an identity thief to open more accounts in your name. A fraud alert is FREE and is good for 90 days. To do so, you only have to contact ONE of the Credit Bureaus (see below for contact information):
Experian
https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html
1-888-397-3742
TransUnion
https://www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resource/place-fraud-alert
1-800-680-7289
Equifax
http://www.equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance/
1-888-766-0008
Credit Freeze
You also have the option of placing a Credit Freeze (a.k.a. Security Freeze). There is a $5 fee for placing a Credit Freeze and the process takes longer than placing a fraud alert. For a Credit Freeze, you will need to contact each of the Credit Bureaus independently.
Experian
https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
1-888-397-3742
TransUnion
https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze/place-credit-freeze
1-888-909-8872
Equifax
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
1-800-349-9960
Additional Information
If you’d like more information, please visit: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/identity-theft-and-data-security
or contact our Customer Assistance Center during normal business hours at 508.568.3400 and we’d be happy to provide information resources to help protect yourself from identity theft and what to do when you’re a victim of identity theft.