Equifax Data Breach

With the recent news regarding the security breach of Equifax, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide our clients with tips to help protect your identity and reassure you that your accounts with Cascade are safe and secure.

Equifax

You can use the following link to see if you are part of the 143 million individuals whose information was breached: https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/potential-impact/ You will need to enter your last name and the last 6 digits of your SSN.

Credit Monitoring

If your information was breached, you can sign up for free identity theft protection and free credit monitoring from Equifax. Even if you are not part of the group whose information was breached, most professionals recommend using a credit monitoring service so you know immediately if there has been an inquiry on your credit report.

Monitor Your Credit Reports

You have the right to a free credit report from all 3 credit bureaus every year. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for your free report. Reviewing the reports is the best way to see if there is any unusual activity such as a new account or inquiries from lenders you do not recognize.

Credit Freeze

Placing a credit freeze will prevent anyone but you from accessing your credit reports, making it impossible for someone to fraudulently take a loan or line of credit under your name. There may be a fee associated with placing or removing a freeze. Here are the links to the three credit reporting bureaus to place a freeze:

https://www.freeze.equifax.com/ https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html http://freeze.transunion.com

Never Respond to Unsolicited Requests for Information

This tip might seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people get caught by this when the call or email comes, especially when you are asked to give your full social security number.

Your Account with Cascade

As always, Cascade takes pride in keeping your accounts safe and secure. Prior to us sending funds from your account to a third party, we will verbally verify the transaction with you over the phone, in addition to requiring a signed letter of authorization.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Plan Wisely, Invest Confidently, and Enjoy Life.