Identity Theft

When someone steals and uses your personal identifying information, that’s identity theft. Criminals can steal your name, Social Security number, driver’s license, date of birth, account numbers, etc.

With this information, they can make fraudulent purchases, open accounts, apply for credit, pay bills, submit insurance claims or more – in your name. Having your identity stolen can damage your credit and cost a great deal of time and money to resolve.

As identity theft continues to grow, Marblehead Bank recommends these tips to help protect yourself and your finances.

Don’t share your information. Don’t give your Social Security number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or by phone. Don’t share your PINs and passwords with anyone. Combine letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically. Don’t reveal sensitive or personal information on social media sites.

Shred sensitive papers. Shred documents and receipts that include personal information before throwing them away.

Keep an eye out for missing mail. Criminals look for monthly bank or credit card statements or any mail containing your financial information. Enroll in online banking to reduce the chances of paper statements being stolen. Never mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.

Use online banking to protect yourself. Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for text or email alerts for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions over a certain amount.

Monitor your credit report. Order your credit report and review it for accuracy. You can order a free credit report annually from each of the three credit reporting agencies. Stagger your order to obtain a copy from each agency every four months.

Protect your computer. Password-protect your computer and use anti-virus software. Make sure the virus protection software is active and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active and look for an “s” after the “http” to be sure the website is secure.

Protect your mobile device. Use the passcode, fingerprint or facial recognition lock on your smartphone and other devices. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, wipe it using specialized software or the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it’s lost or stolen.

• Unfamiliar accounts on your credit report
• Unauthorized charges on your credit card or bank accounts
• Calls from debt collectors about debts that aren’t yours
• Bills for services you didn’t use
• Bills, statements, or other mail you should be receiving stop (a sign that criminals may have changed the address on your accounts to direct mail to theirs)
• Rejections for medical insurance claims because you’ve reached your plan limit
• Credit or debit card transactions being declined or checks refused or returned, when you know you should have sufficient funds in your account

If you suspect you’re a victim of any type of scam, fraud, skimming or identity theft, please contact us immediately. The sooner you let us know what’s happened, the better your chance of preventing major losses.

If you suspect fraudulent activity on your Marblehead Bank account or have given out your login information, call us immediately at (781) 631-5500 or 1-800-475-1871.

To report Lost/Stolen Visa® Credit Cards after business hours, call 1-800-558-3424. All other calls after business hours will be directed through our main number connecting all offices at (781) 631-5500 or 1-800-475-1871.

If you’ve inadvertently given out personal information – including your credit or debit card number, PIN, Social Security number or Federal Tax ID, personal or business Online Banking login information (username or password) – please also see the resources below.

• Follow steps on the Federal Trade Commission‘s website checklist (including filing a complaint with the FTC) and file a complaint with your local police department.
• Contact your bank and credit card companies immediately. If necessary, they can issue new account numbers or cards.
• Know your payment rights. (Under federal law, you’re not responsible for more than $50 if someone uses your credit card without authorization).
• Place a fraud alert with the credit reporting companies.
• Check your credit report on a regular basis and keep checking it regularly to spot changes. Follow the instructions by the credit agencies to dispute any accounts you didn’t open, charges you didn’t make, or other information that isn’t accurate.
• Respond quickly to debt collectors in writing. Keep a copy of your letters you send.
• Be cautious about offers for credit monitoring services.

Report identity (ID) theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or by phone at 1-877-438-4338.

If you report identity theft online, you’ll receive an identity theft report and recovery plan. Create an account on the website to update your recovery plan, track your progress, and receive pre-filled form letters to send to creditors. If you don’t create an account, you won’t be able to access the report or letters later. Download the FTC’s PDF publication for detailed tips, checklists, and sample letters.

If you report identity theft by phone, the FTC will collect the details of your situation. But it won’t give you an ID theft report or recovery plan.

You may also choose to report identity theft to your local police station, especially if:

• You know the identity thief
• The thief used your name in an interaction with the police
• A creditor or another company requires you to provide a police report

Credit Reporting Bureaus

• Equifax
  Place a fraud alert: 1-888-766-0008
  Order a credit report: 1-800-685-1111
• Experian
  Place a fraud alert: 1-888-397-3742
  Order a credit report: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion
  Place a fraud alert: 1-800-680-7289
  Order a credit report: 1-800-888-4213
• Federal Trade Commission
  Scams and Identity Theft resources

All information on our security resources pages is provided as a convenience to customers and non-customers alike. Our Online Privacy & Terms apply to all information posted. In case you are the victim of a financial or other crime involving any of the security issues discussed here, contact law enforcement and other pertinent authorities and organizations IMMEDIATELY. Never send out your personal information by unencrypted email.