According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2023 people filed more reports about identity theft than any other type of complaint. The protection of your identity largely hinges upon the actions and decisions you make. While no one else can do it for you - as your bank, we are here to help you protect yourself.
If you want to be proactive about protecting your personal information against fraudsters, or if you suspect that your credit card number or Social Security number may have been compromised, you may want to consider a fraud alert. This is a free notification you can add to your credit report. It will alert anyone receiving your credit application to take extra precautions verifying your identity before processing the application. The goal is to prevent fraudsters from opening credit or taking out loans in your name.
“Even though a fraud alert makes it more difficult for fraudsters, it is still recommended that online credit reports are reviewed regularly,” said Liz Hacquebord, senior vice president and director of financial fraud analysis at Middlesex Savings Bank. “You can check your reports as often as weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com. There are also many free mobile apps that will provide immediate alerts for new credit inquiries or credit applications to help you act quickly in the event of fraud.”
If you’d like to place a fraud alert, you can do so directly through one of the major credit reporting agencies:
When you place a fraud alert on your credit report, you can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus.
The process is simple -- you only need to place a fraud alert with one of the agencies to have it apply to your credit files at all three. Be ready to provide a few things, including a copy of a photo ID, and proof of address.
Contact Middlesex Savings Bank for more information about fraud alerts and other methods of protection against identity theft and fraud.
If you want to be proactive about protecting your personal information against fraudsters, or if you suspect that your credit card number or Social Security number may have been compromised, you may want to consider a fraud alert. This is a free notification you can add to your credit report. It will alert anyone receiving your credit application to take extra precautions verifying your identity before processing the application. The goal is to prevent fraudsters from opening credit or taking out loans in your name.
“Even though a fraud alert makes it more difficult for fraudsters, it is still recommended that online credit reports are reviewed regularly,” said Liz Hacquebord, senior vice president and director of financial fraud analysis at Middlesex Savings Bank. “You can check your reports as often as weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com. There are also many free mobile apps that will provide immediate alerts for new credit inquiries or credit applications to help you act quickly in the event of fraud.”
If you’d like to place a fraud alert, you can do so directly through one of the major credit reporting agencies:
When you place a fraud alert on your credit report, you can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus.
The process is simple -- you only need to place a fraud alert with one of the agencies to have it apply to your credit files at all three. Be ready to provide a few things, including a copy of a photo ID, and proof of address.
Contact Middlesex Savings Bank for more information about fraud alerts and other methods of protection against identity theft and fraud.
“Even though a fraud alert makes it more difficult for fraudsters, it is still recommended that online credit reports are reviewed regularly. You can check your reports as often as weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com. There are also many free mobile apps that will provide immediate alerts for new credit inquiries or credit applications to help you act quickly in the event of fraud.”
Liz Hacquebord, senior vice president and director of financial fraud analysis at Middlesex Savings Bank