There’s been a data breach. You may have even received an official notification confirming your personal information has been exposed. Now what?
According to the Better Business Bureau, here’s 7 steps you can take if your credit or debit card(s) were compromised by a data breach.
- Stay calm. You’re not liable for fraudulent charges on stolen account numbers.
- Check the official website. Visit the company’s official website for the latest information, do not click any links sent via email or text.
- Place a security freeze on your credit reports. This will prevent creditors from accessing your credit reports – keeping them from approving any new line of credit in your name.
- Check your credit report. The only website authorized by the Federal Trade Commission to provide you with a free annual credit report is AnnualCreditReport.com.
- If your credit card has been breached, monitor your credit card statements and report any fraudulent charges to your credit card company so they can reverse the charge and issue you a new card.
- If your debit card has been breached, contact your bank and make them aware of the situation, they may want to issue you a new card. Unlike credit cards, debit cards do not have the same protections since funds are directly withdrawn from your bank account.
- Beware if scammers. They will take advantage of data breaches and pose as a retailer, bank or credit card company to help “fix” the problem.
Keep in mind, if a credit or debit card has been compromised you will likely hear from the bank of credit card company first.
If you’re a Merrimack customer and are concerned your personal or financial information was compromised, please call us directly at 603.225.2793.