Protecting Your Personal Information
In today’s digital world, protecting your personal information is critical. B Generous has procedures and monitoring tools in place to help keep your personal information secure and protect you from criminal activity. Learn more about fraud, identity theft, and security tips to help keep your sensitive information protected.
Fraud, Scams, Data Breach & Identity Theft
| Common Fraud, Scam, and Identity Theft Methods | ||
| Stealing wallets, purses, and or checkbooks | Stealing mail | Dumpster-diving for discarded documents |
| Phishing through email or fake websites | Hacking computer systems or programs | Pretext calling by using a fake identity via phone |
Online Fraud
Online fraud is an attempt to acquire sensitive information (i.e., usernames, passwords, bank account or credit card information, etc.) by posing as a legitimate business. Fraudsters will use the obtained information to conduct illegal transactions. A common type of online fraud is called phishing. Fake emails, websites, and pop-ups are some examples of phishing attempts – and will usually request the recipient to open an attachment or click on a link that can contain malware.
| Keep your personal information safe | Never give out personal information by email, text message or on a website that appears to be fraudulent. Only carry necessary identification documents on you. |
| Make your updates | By regularly updating your operating systems, software and mobile applications, you add an extra level of protection against fraud. |
| Verify links and sender | Always move your mouse over the links in an email and verify the sender’s address. If in doubt, do not click on the links as this is certainly an attempt at fraud. |
| Keep your passwords secret | B Generous never asks you for your password, whether by text message, email or telephone. If someone asks you for your password, it may be a fraud attempt. Never share your passwords with anyone. |
| Choose a strong password | A strong password is quite long (the closer it gets to 21 characters, the stronger it is). In addition, you should use a different password for each of your online services (email, bank account, social networks…). |
| To report suspected fraud | Fill out the form on the Federal Trade Commission’s website ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
Scams
Scams is a commonly used term for dishonest schemes or fraud. Scammers are looking to acquire sensitive information to gain access to your money. Common scams include fraudulent lottery winnings, ATM skimming, mystery shopping or job scams, and online auction site scams. It is important to make sure you know who you are sending and/or receiving money from – many scams require unsuspecting individuals to cash a check or wire money. Once the money is sent, it usually is difficult to recover, and the individual is responsible for the amount lost.
Data Breach
A data breach is an incident where sensitive information has potentially been viewed or stolen by an unauthorized individual from a legitimate business that stores sensitive client information.
It is crucial to protect and safeguard sensitive information.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is an attempt to acquire sensitive information (i.e., social security number, bank account number, etc.) in order to open new accounts or credit cards, initiate transactions, forge checks, or apply for loans in your name – often resulting in financial loss and credit damage.
What B Generous does:
Identifying Information
- When you call B Generous, our team will ask for your personal identifying information to confirm it is you on the phone.
- B Generous will never call and ask for your account information.
- Our team will never request personal information via unsecured email. If we need sensitive information via email, we will ask for it via our secure email system.
Online Security
- B Generous uses 2FA (two-factor authentication) to protect you. 2FA is an extra layer of security used to make sure that people trying to gain access to an online account are who they say they are.
- If passwords are required they must be changed regularly to keep your accounts secure.
Reporting Suspected Fraud
1. Contact B Generous
Immediately report any fraudulent activity on your B Generous accounts by calling our customer service number or emailing privacy@BGenerous.com
2. Contact Major Credit Card Bureaus
Call one of the three main credit bureaus and request a short- or long-term Fraud Alert be placed on your credit file, which requires creditors to verify your identity before opening any new accounts in your name or changing existing accounts. You only need to call one bureau; they will notify the other bureaus.
3. Obtain A Free Credit Report
Credit bureaus must provide victims of identity theft with a free copy of their credit report. You can request one from each bureau as the information can differ. Review the reports carefully to determine if any fraudulent accounts have been opened. If so, notify the credit bureau and the company of the account to report the fraud.
4. Contact Other Creditors
Contact other creditors (i.e., credit card companies, banks, lenders, etc.) and notify them of potential fraud. Close accounts that have been breached and reopen them with new account numbers and passwords.
5. File a Report with Local Police
Contact the local police department if you suspect that your personal information was stolen.
6. Contact Other Agencies, As Needed
Notify any other agencies involved with your claim (i.e., Postal Inspection Service, Social Security Fraud Hotline, Retail Stores for Store-Specific Credit Cards, etc.)
7. Continue Monitoring Accounts
Monitor your accounts regularly as identity theft takes time to resolve completely.
For more information on identity theft, visit the USA.GOV/Identity-Theft website or call (877) 382-4357, or to file an identity theft report, call (877) 438-4338.
Placing a Credit Freeze
Credit Freeze
A credit freeze can provide peace of mind if you are concerned about identity theft by restricting access to your credit report and making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
A credit freeze does not impact your credit score and is a safe way to protect your identity. It does not affect opening a new account, applying for a job, renting an apartment, or buying insurance. However, you will need to lift the freeze to proceed with any of the previously listed actions.
Placing a Credit Freeze
To place a credit freeze, contact each of the credit bureaus. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, social security number, and other personal information to freeze your credit successfully. Once the credit freeze has been placed, you will receive a confirmation including a PIN or password that you will need to remove the credit freeze.
Removing a Credit Freeze
You can lift your credit freeze temporarily or permanently; the length and cost to remove a credit freeze vary by state. Credit bureaus are required to lift a freeze within three business days of receiving your request.