This is the second time this has happened in the past six months (and it's happened before that too). I've explained to them to not give our personal information willy nilly. How to spot phishing emails. Always check the actual email address. If you're on a website, see the actual URL. Contact the store directly. Don't not reuse passwords. I've set up things to make it easier for them as much as I can.

But I'm feeling so lost now. I lost my temper today. I know I shouldn't have done so. Obviously, they feel bad. We've locked the card and contacted the bank. They'll send a replacement. It's done, for now. But I know their information is out there. Their phone numbers, address, probably even their passwords.

It's like fighting a losing battle, hoping they never make a mistake that'll cost us thousands, if not more.

  • mkultrawide [any]
    ·
    2 years ago

    Assuming that you are in the US:

    1. You need to make sure all of their credit is frozen with the three major credit agencies, so that no one can open an account in their name.

    TransUnion

    Experian

    Equifax

    You should also consider a freeze with Chex Systems (used by banks to open accounts a lot) and Innovis (the 4th credit bureau).

    I would suggest that you do not give your parents the passwords to these freezes. Make them call you to do a temp lift if they want to open an account.

    1. You need to get a free credit report for each of your parents.

    https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

    1. Go through and check the spending on each account on their report for more fraudulent activity. Change every password to a different password on each account and/or get them a pasaword manager.
      • neo [he/him]
        ·
        2 years ago

        Be sure to fully document every step, and record dates of freezes and unfreezes, PINs set up, etc. It's not a lot of info to keep track of, but it's vital.