What To Do If You Are A Victim Of Identity Theft

#1 Contact Us

If you suspect fraudulent activity on your accounts, have been a victim of identity theft, if you receive a suspicious email, text or call that you think is from us, please contact our Customer Care at the number below immediately. If a Mechanics Bank Account has been opened under your Social Security Number that you did not authorize, visit a local Mechanics Bank Branch to file an Identity Theft Claim. 800.797.6324
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 7:00pm PST
Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm PST

#2 File An Initial Fraud Alert

File an initial fraud report with one of the three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian or TransUnion, and tell the representative you want to place an initial fraud alert on your file. It doesn't matter which bureau you contact, because whichever one you chose by law has to contact the other two. It's free to place an alert and it will stay on your credit report for one year.  

#3 Initiate A Credit Freeze

A credit freeze means that no creditors can look at your report without your permission. This can prevent a criminal from opening a new account in your name. You can lift a credit freeze at any time, or you can lift it temporarily so someone you authorize can look at your report. To request a credit freeze, you will need to contact each of the three credit bureaus.

#4 Go Through Your Credit Reports 

After you have set-up an initial fraud alert and credit freeze, go through your credit report. Your initial fraud report will give you free access to your credit reports. Contact each credit agency to request a copy. You can also do this when you set up your credit freeze. Review each report carefully and note any charge that isn't yours. 

#5 File An Identity Theft Report

If a Mechanics Bank Account has been opened without your knowledge or consent, visit any Mechanics Bank Branch to file a claim of Identity Theft. If an account has been opened at another financial institution file an identity theft report  to let federal and local authorities of the crime. The report will help serve to remove fraudulent information from your credit report. Filing an identity theft report is a two step process.  First, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. You can print or save your report when you submit it. Next, you'll want to file a report with your local police department. Make sure to request a copy, Your FTC affidavit and your police report make your identify theft report.

#6 Report Disputes 

To report disputes, you will need to contact each of the three credit reporting bureaus. It's a good idea to write down the details of each call you make. The FTC has helpful information for this part of the process, like checklists and instructions on how to dispute claims.