Take Action Against Cyber Fraud
At Origin Bank, we value our customers’ personal information and their right to financial privacy. Although we perform proactive measures like debit card alerts and fraud monitoring, we also know that timely responses to potential breaches are necessary on the customer side. That’s why we’re providing these essential tips for taking action against cyber fraud.
1. Monitor all accounts. Sign into online banking to monitor your account activity and review eStatements. Additionally, keep an eye on your credit score by using credit monitoring services or requesting your annual free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling (877) 322-8228.
2. Keep an eye on your benefits. If you are eligible, have applied for, or are currently receiving social security benefits (including disability), it’s smart to register for an ssa.gov account to monitor and protect your SSA benefits.
3. Enable alerts and card controls. Enable account alerts to receive notifications about account activity, external transfers, or other account changes. Additionally, make use of card controls and debit alerts for greater control over transaction types, spending limits, international purchases, and more.
4. Keep passwords up to date. Regularly update all passwords for online accounts that contain personal data, including online banking, healthcare portals, tax services, and other essential services.
5. Make use of multi-factor authentication. Whenever possible, enable multi-factor authentication to add another layer of security to your accounts.
6. Protect your credit with a fraud alert. If you’re affected by a cybersecurity breach, move quickly to place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert requires creditors to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing additional credit cards or increasing credit limits. Contact one of the big three reporting companies ASAP:
a. Equifax
(800) 525-6285
b. Experian
(888) 397-3742
c. Transunion
Fraud Victim Assistance Department
(800) 916-8800
7. Place an extended fraud alert if necessary. If your identity has been stolen and you filed an identity theft report, you can file an extended fraud alert. An extended alert lasts seven years, and it entitles you to two free copies of your credit report every 12 months.
8. Freeze your credit record. Additionally, you can freeze and unfreeze your credit record for free with the three companies. A security freeze, also called a credit freeze, prevents new creditors from accessing your file and stops others from opening accounts in your name until you lift the freeze. This prevents opening new accounts in your name, though identity thieves can still take over existing accounts. (Note: The federal law establishing free security freezes does not apply when your credit report is requested for employment, tenant screening, or insurance matters. Unlike fraud alerts, the three credit reporting companies do not contact each other with a security freeze, so you may need to contact each one individually.)
9. Protect your tax returns. Contact the IRS at (800) 829-1040 to request an Identity Protection PIN to prevent scammers from filing returns or receiving your federal tax refund.
10. Immediately report suspicious activity. If you notice any abnormal account activity, reach out to your Origin banker or contact our Customer Support Team at (888) 292-4037. And if you fall victim to identity theft scams, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at (877) FTC-HELP or visit www.ReportFraud.FTC.gov.
11. File a police report. To cover all of your bases, you can also file a police report with local law enforcement or submit a complaint at IC3.gov.
Have more questions about cybersecurity and protecting your identification? Visit Origin’s Security Center or Personal Fraud Prevention page to learn more about protecting your account and personal information. Remember to always contact the Origin team at the first sign of an account breach. We take every step possible to protect our customers’ information, and our team is here to help you act quickly if your sensitive data is ever compromised.