Feeling Powerless?
Every day we hear more and more about identity theft and it’s wide ranging impacts on consumers. Often, it can make us feel powerless in the face of this nebulous and seemingly faceless crime. The recent string of data breaches of millions of consumer card numbers and personal information surely is not helping the situation. But, a few key steps can help consumers protect themselves and, maybe more importantly, mitigate that feeling of powerlessness.
This month, we've written a piece that can be used to help account holders feel more in control. At the heart of this message is letting them know they have the full force of Fully Managed Recovery at their disposal should their identity be compromised. We've also provided a few additional steps they can take to protect their personal information.
The article contained here is great for use on your website, in email communications to account holders, statement inserts, or newsletters. We have also included a few social media messages you can use to reinforce this message and help account holders feel empowered.
Newsletter Content
You Have the Power.
Version 1: This content is appropriate for all NXG programs.
The fear of becoming a victim of identity theft can make you feel powerless. It is a faceless crime that can happen to anyone, regardless of how careful you may be. But you are not alone! As an [NAME OF ACCOUNT] account holder you have the power of Fully Managed Identity Theft Recovery Services standing behind you.
Why do we call this service “Fully Managed”? It means you have the power of a professional team of trained investigators who are available to help you understand if you are a victim of identity theft and document any identity fraud found, even when it does not involve your accounts at [FINANCIAL INSTITUTION].
These investigators then act as your advocate, working on your behalf to dispute any fraudulent transactions with financial institutions, credit card companies, debt collectors, government agencies, etc. Your assigned Identity Theft Recovery Advocate will continue to work for you as your personal caseworker, with no time limit, until the case is closed, all complements of [FINANCIAL INSTITUTION].
Having the power also means that you need to be smart about protecting your identity, and you need to be watchful for signs of fraud. After all, it is better to NOT become a victim of identity theft in the first place.
Here are a few key things you can do.
First, make it a habit to regularly review your checking and credit card activity. At a minimum, choose a day of the week and set a reminder to review your recent online banking history for known transactions. If you see something suspicious act quickly to find out more.
Second, review your credit report periodically. Even though you may have credit monitoring actively working, a takeover of your existing credit can take place and will NOT trigger an alert, or you may have missed an alert of new credit issued.
Finally, make sure that you are careful to only share your personal information with sources that you know. If an organization asks for your personal information be sure you understand the reason that this information is needed.
If you find, or if you suspect, that you may be a victim of identity theft, you need to take action. Give us a call. We will put you in touch with a Recovery Advocate who can help.
Version 2: This content is appropriate for NXG programs that include dark web monitoring.
The fear of becoming a victim of identity theft can make you feel powerless. It is a faceless crime that can happen to anyone, regardless of how careful you may be. But you are not alone! As an [NAME OF ACCOUNT] account holder you have the power of Fully Managed Identity Theft Recovery Services standing behind you.
Why do we call this service “Fully Managed”? It means you have the power of a professional team of trained investigators who are available to help you understand if you are a victim of identity theft and document any identity fraud found, even when it does not involve your accounts at [FINANCIAL INSTITUTION].
These investigators then act as your advocate, working on your behalf to dispute any fraudulent transactions with financial institutions, credit card companies, debt collectors, government agencies, etc. Your assigned Identity Theft Recovery Advocate will continue to work for you as your personal caseworker, with no time limit, until the case is closed, all complements of [FINANCIAL INSTITUTION].
Having the power also means that you need to be smart about protecting your identity. After all, it is better to NOT become a victim of identity theft in the first place. Here are a few key things you can do.
First, make sure that you take advantage of the monitoring services you are entitled to as an [NAME OF ACCOUNT] account holder which includes both Credit Monitoring and Dark Web Monitoring. Credit Monitoring and Dark Web Monitoring can provide you with the insight that you need to understand when your personal information is at risk. This insight can give you the power to react quickly, changing passwords or placing a fraud alert on your credit file, to help to minimize any damage.
Second, make it a habit to regularly review your checking and credit card activity. At a minimum, choose a day of the week and set a reminder to review your recent online banking history for known transactions. If you see something suspicious act quickly to find out more.
Third, review your credit report periodically. Even though you may have credit monitoring actively working, a takeover of your existing credit can take place and will NOT trigger an alert, or you may have missed an alert of new credit issued.
Finally, make sure that you are careful to only share your personal information with sources that you know. If an organization asks for your If an organization asks for your personal information be sure you understand the reason that this information is needed.
If you find, or if you suspect, that you may be a victim of identity theft, you need to take action. Call the toll- free number shown on your online identity theft monitoring dashboard to start an investigation, or simply call or visit [FINANCIAL INSTITUTION].
Social Media Content
Help your account holders retain their power through information and education. Here are some social media posts that can help reinforce the message from the editorial content.
Post #1 - Large scale data breaches are too common these days, but as an account holder in [NAME OF ACCOUNT] we are standing ready to help if you become a victim of identity theft for any reason, even if it is not related to your [FINANCIAL INSTITUTION] accounts. #retainyourpower #yourprotectionpartner
Post #2 -The threat of identity theft can make us feel powerless. One way to get back the power, keep an eye on changes to your credit report. Need a copy? You're entitled one free credit report per year from each of the three credit reporting agencies. Go to freecreditreport.com #retainyourpower #yourprotectionpartner
Post #3 - Your name, address, Social Security Number and data of birth are worth big $$ to an identity thief. Make sure you have an active monitoring service that keeps you up- to-date and under surveillance. #retainyourpower #yourprotectionpartner
Post #4 - Be aware before you share. Make sure you know the identity of any person or organization that asks for your Social Security Number or account numbers and their purpose for asking. #retainyourpower #yourprotectionpartner
Post #5 - Take advantage of your entitlement to credit and dark web monitoring as an account holder in a [NAME OF ACCOUNT] account. Learn more at our website or call us today to find out how we can help you get the power back! #retainyourpower #yourprotectionpartner
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