Help! I Think I’ve Been Hacked: What to Do When You’re a Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft

Every single day, personal information is being bought, sold, or traded across the dark web. It’s a harsh reality, but in today’s digital world, identity theft is always a possibility. Whether it’s from a data breach, a stolen wallet, or a clever scam, almost everyone will be affected at some point.  

So, what do you do when it happens to you, especially if it’s late at night or on the weekend? 

We’ve got your back. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide for how to protect yourself, minimize damage, and bounce back stronger.  

Step 1: Act Fast, Don’t Wait Until Morning  

If you notice suspicious activity after hours (like on a Friday night or during the weekend), take immediate action:  

  • Lock your cards using your financial institution’s app or online banking. Many credit unions, including Park Community, allow you to instantly freeze and unfreeze your debit or credit card.  
  • Turn on alerts for all transactions if you haven’t already. That way, you’ll be notified the moment something is charged.  
  • Log into your accounts and change passwords, especially email, online banking, and any shopping or financial apps.  
  • Document everything – write down what happened, when you noticed it, and what you did. This helps with reporting and investigation.  

Step 2: Secure Your Identity  

After the initial scare, take the following steps to protect your identity from further misuse:  

Notify Your Credit Union or Bank  

  • Call during business hours to speak about fraud prevention or visit your nearest branch.  
  • Ask about any pending or unauthorized charges and request a card replacement if needed.  

Check and Freeze Your Credit  

  • Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for free access to your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  
  • Place a credit freeze (free) on your profile with all three bureaus. A freeze blocks new credit lines from being opened in your name.  If you don’t plan on making a major purchase or applying for a new line of credit soon, it is recommended to freeze your credit today as a precautionary measure. 
  • Consider signing up for free credit monitoring through services like Credit Karma, or paid tools like LifeLock or Experian IdentityWorks for added protection. 

File an Identity Theft Report  

  • File a police report if your ID, checkbook, or wallet was stolen—it helps when disputing charges or proving your case to creditors.  

Step 3: Use These Tools to Protect Yourself Going Forward  

Free Tools You Should Use:  

  • Card Alerts & Controls: Set up instant notifications and purchase limits through your mobile banking app.  
  • Transaction Review: Check your monthly statements.  
  • Dark Web Scans: Many services offer free scans to alert you if your info is found online. Try sites like HaveIBeenPwned.com.  
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always turn this on for banking, email, and shopping accounts.  

Paid (But Worthwhile) Tool:  

  • Identity theft insurance: Often included in premium credit monitoring services or even your homeowner’s policy.  
  • Mobile Phone Password Manager: iOS and Android phones have reliable built in password managers to generate and store strong, unique passwords for every account. 

Step 4: Don’t Be Embarrassed. Be Empowered.  

It’s easy to feel ashamed or panicked when you’ve been scammed, but it’s not your fault. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, and many scams are designed to look completely legitimate. What matters is how quickly you respond and what you learn from the experience.  

Bonus Tip: What If It Happens After Hours?  

Here’s your after-hours emergency checklist:  

  1. Lock cards via your app or website.  
  1. Change online banking/email passwords immediately.  
  1. Turn on all real-time transaction alerts.  
  1. Document suspicious activity.  
  1. Email your credit union or financial institution with details so they can assist first thing in the morning.  

If you’re a Park Community member, call us at 502.968.3681 or access card controls via our mobile app to take quick action even when branches are closed.  

You Are Not Alone  

At Park Community Credit Union, we’re here to help you navigate the chaos and protect your financial wellbeing. If you ever need help, guidance, or just someone to walk you through it—reach out. You deserve to feel safe and in control. 

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