Fraud can happen to anyone at any time and you could be a scammer’s next target. Even if you think your identity and online accounts are safe and secure, it’s still important to take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Review your credit at least once a year. By law, you’re entitled to one free credit report from each of the three major bureaus every 12 months. You can request them online at annualcreditreport.com.
- Review your account transactions and statements regularly. Checking in between statements using online and telephone banking can help you pick up on suspicious activity faster.
- Don’t open emails you’re not expecting and be wary of attachments or links, even if it’s from a sender you know or recognize. Scammers pose as common businesses and even friends, relatives and coworkers to gain your trust.
- Don’t click on pop-ups for sweepstakes or gifts. These are often scams.
- Ignore and delete suspicious text messages. Don’t click any links or respond to messages if you’re not sure they are legitimate.
- When signing up for services online or on your mobile device, read the terms – you could be giving the company permission to access your information or share it with others.
- If you’re not sure a phone call you received is legitimate, hang up and search for the number on the verified website or an account statement.
- Don’t provide personal or financial information over the phone unless you have confirmed the caller is legitimate and that they need the information to assist you.
- Update your computer and mobile devices with the most recent security software updates available.
- Stay informed about the latest trends and scams by signing up for our newsletter, following us on Facebook and/or visiting the consumer alerts section on our website!
If you ever feel your Merrimack account information is at risk due to a fraud concern, call us directly at 603.225.2793 so that we can assist you with protecting your accounts and identity.