Grundy Bank offers 4 tips to stop a cyber thief

In recognition of National Data Privacy Day on Tuesday, Jan. 28, Grundy Bank is sharing four steps consumers can take to protect their data.

Those steps are to create complex passwords, keep tabs on all accounts, stay alert online by making sure devices are up-to-date, and use the passcode lock on smartphones.

“Grundy Bank’s first priority is to protect our customers’ money and their financial data, “said Kevin Olson, President & CEO of Grundy Bank. “ We use a combination of safeguards to protect our customers’ information, and we encourage our customers to partner with us in that effort.”

For passwords, avoid birthdays, pet names and simple passwords like “12345″. According to Grundy Bank, friendly theft, or theft by someone the victim knows, is the most common type of identity theft or fraud.

Monitor accounts using online statements available through the bank, and watch out for unusual activity. Anyone noticing unusual activity should contact their bank right away.

To keep devices safe, always be sure to use the passcode lock since it will make it more difficult for thieves to access the phone if the device is lost or stolen. Also, be sure to completely wipe the device clean and erase all data before selling a phone used.

Victims should take the following steps: Call the bank and card issuers, file a police report and call the fraud unit of the three credit-reporting companies: Equifax, 1-800-525-6285, Experian, 1-800-397-3742, and TransUnion, 1-800-680-7289.

Victims should also keep a log of all contacts they make with authorities, writing down names, titles and phone numbers. Then they should contact the FTC’s ID Theft Consumer Response Center at 1-877-438-4338.