Identity theft remains one of the most common forms of fraud impacting consumers today. At M C Bank, safeguarding your financial well-being is a priority. Staying informed and taking proactive steps can help reduce your risk and ensure you know what to do if identity theft ever occurs.

Identity theft happens when criminals obtain sensitive information such as your Social Security number, bank account details, credit card numbers, or online login credentials. This information may be stolen through phishing emails, data breaches, lost or stolen documents, or unsecured online activity. The effects can be both financially and emotionally stressful, but early detection and quick action can significantly limit the damage.

Safeguard Your Personal Information

• Only share sensitive information when absolutely necessary
• Secure important documents and shred paperwork before disposal
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails requesting personal or financial details

Monitor Your Financial Accounts

• Review bank and credit card statements regularly
• Set up account alerts to notify you of unusual activity
• Report suspicious transactions promptly

Check and Protect Your Credit

• Review your credit report for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries
• Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if you believe your information has been compromised

Strengthen Online Security

• Use strong, unique passwords and update them regularly
• Enable multi-factor authentication when available
• Avoid accessing sensitive information on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks

If you suspect identity theft, taking immediate action can help minimize its impact.

Create a Recovery Plan
Visit IdentityTheft.gov, a free, government-run resource that helps you:

• Report identity theft
• Receive a personalized recovery checklist
• Access tools and sample letters to help resolve fraud

Notify the Appropriate Parties

• Contact M C Bank and other financial institutions right away
• Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit reporting agencies
• Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission

At M C Bank, we encourage you to stay vigilant and take advantage of available tools to protect your financial well-being. If you have questions about your accounts, fraud alerts, or security features, our team is here to help support you every step of the way.

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