Anyone who\u2019s fallen victim to hacking schemes can relate to this one truth — it\u2019s violating, and can be especially stressful if it negatively affects your finances. However, if you discover that you have been hacked, take a deep breath, because there are ways you can mitigate any potential damage while kick-starting your recovery before it\u2019s too late.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have been hacked, or if a family member has been hacked, here are a few steps to take:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll want to get a clear look at what damage has been done to your accounts before you make any big moves. The first step you can take is reviewing your credit card and checking\/savings account statements to see if there are any charges you didn\u2019t personally make. You should also check any accounts that require a password to see if they\u2019ve been breached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After you\u2019ve figured out which of your accounts have been hacked, it\u2019s important to change your passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs) on those accounts; we also recommend changing your passwords on other sites as well to stay on the safe side. Don\u2019t choose a password with identifying info, such as birthdays, anniversaries, family or pet names, or addresses or phone numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you notice any fraudulent charges on your credit or debit card, contact your carrier immediately. Polam\u2019s team of financial professionals can assist you if your accounts have been breached — just give us a call and we\u2019re happy to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve been hacked, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and alert them of potential identity theft. Even though hacking is generally performed remotely, contacting your local law enforcement agency can help mitigate any possible damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While we can\u2019t predict instances of hacking, we can better prepare ourselves for the possibility of it happening. Maintaining strong passwords without identifying information can go a long way in keeping your accounts secure. Avoid using public WiFi if you\u2019re using apps with sensitive information, such as Polam\u2019s mobile banking app. Also, keep a close eye on your accounts, and don\u2019t neglect your credit card statements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Anyone who\u2019s fallen victim to hacking schemes can relate to this one truth — it\u2019s violating, and can be especially stressful if it negatively affects your finances. However, if you discover that you have been hacked, take a deep breath, because there are ways you can mitigate any potential damage while kick-starting your recovery before … <\/p>\n