Identity Theft: What To Do Right Away

As a financial institution, protecting our customers’ information is one of our most important jobs. In light of the Equifax data breach in the Fall of 2017, we want to alert you 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 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.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp

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.