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Deter, detect, defend. Never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited request, whether it's over the phone or over the Internet. Emails and Internet pages created by phishers may look exactly like the real thing. They may even have a fake padlock icon that ordinarily is used to denote a secure site. If you did not initiate the communication, you should not provide any information.
Never provide your password over the phone or in response to an unsolicited phone or Internet request. A financial institution would never ask you to verify your account information online. Thieves armed with this information and your account number can help themselves to your savings. Also, never click on the link provided in an email you believe is fraudulent. It may contain a virus that can contaminate your computer. Don't be intimidated by an email or caller who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.
If you believe the contact may be legitimate, contact us to verify by calling Blackhawk Bank's Customer Support Department at 866.771.8924. The key is that you should be the one to initiate the contact, using contact information that you have verified yourself. Review account statements regularly to ensure all charges are correct. If your account statement is late in arriving, call to find out why. Periodically review account activity online to catch suspicious activity.
If you fall victim to an attack, alert us immediately to protect yourself. Place fraud alerts on your credit files, which will help prevent thieves from opening a new account in your name. Monitor your credit files and account statements closely.
Also contact the Federal Trade Commission to report what happened. You can call the FTC's ID Theft Hotline-1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338) for up-to-date information about how to work with credit bureaus and law enforcement agencies to reclaim your identity. The FTC's website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. Consumers can learn how to avoid identity theft – and learn what to do if their identity is stolen. Businesses can learn how to help their customers deal with identity theft, as well as how to prevent problems in the first place.
Verify your account information by requesting your credit report annually. You can now request a free copy at http://www.blackhawkbank.com/go/linkannualcreditreport-com or by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus:
Equifax (800) 525-6285
Experian (888) 397-3742
TransUnion (800) 680-7289
Scam Prevention Tips
In these uncertain economic times, many people have lost jobs and are seeking alternative work. Click here to learn how to avoid getting ripped off by Work-At-Home Scams.
If you give personal account information or money to anyone that you don't know and trust, the results can be very serious and damaging. Click here to learn how to avoid becoming a victim of Check Fraud & Theft.
Phishing is a type of deception designed to steal your personal data, such as credit card numbers, passwords, account data or other information. Click here to learn what Phishing Scams look like.
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