Counterattack: 10 Steps to Take if You Think You've Been Hacked

Have you ever had the sinking feeling that you just replied to a phishing email – one purporting to be from a trusted source which isn’t?

1. Keep your digital life healthy—and separate
Create an email account that will be used only for your financial accounts.  Don’t use the same email account that you use for online shopping sites, social media or other sites.

2. Is it from USAA? Look for the USAA Security Zone
USAA emails display the USAA Security Zone stamp in the upper right hand corner of the email. Security Zone contains your first and last name and the last four digits of your member number.  This is your assurance that the email is legitimately from USAA. If you’ve received a suspicious USAA email, send the information to abuse@usaa.com then delete.

3. Strengthen logins
Opt for multifactor authentication methods wherever it’s offered, including your email, social media and financial accounts.  This requires more than one method of authentication (such as one-time code to your mobile phone plus your password) to verify your identity. Change passwords often.

4. Protect your whole household
Fraudsters can gain information about you, your spouse and kids through their accounts. Remind them to monitor their accounts and take the same security precautions as you have.

5. Set up and respond to alerts
USAA and most financial institutions will alert you when suspicious activity is detected on your accounts. Promptly review and respond to these alerts to help ensure that fraud is prevented or detected early.

6. Monitor your credit report and scores
Sign up for USAA’s free Experian CreditCheck to monitor your credit score and changes to your credit profile.

7. Report suspicious activity to counteract threats and get your accounts locked down
USAA can take action to secure and restore your accounts.  Review and respond to security alerts and if you suspect fraud, report it here.

8. Complete an Identity Theft Affidavit
Complete and print an Identity Theft Affidavit at identitytheft.gov or call the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-438-4338. Then you can have the fraud alert extended for seven years. This will notify potential creditors or lenders that you are a victim of identity theft and that they must take extra precautions to verify your identity to gain access to your information.

9. Be proactive
If you are not a victim of identity theft but would like to proactively protect your information, you can place a credit freeze by contacting each credit bureau

10. Active Duty Alert for service members
Service members who are deploying are strongly recommended to place an Active Duty Alert on their credit report which means businesses must take extra steps before granting credit in your name. This alert is renewable for the term of your deployment.
Going forward, Aguirre says, “It’s really about being vigilant and taking the right steps to protect and monitor your accounts.” Visit USAA’s Security Center to learn more.

What to do after a car accident

January 16, 2019

(UPDATED 4/2021)

By Damon Poeter

 

Car accidents range from minor fender benders to catastrophic wrecks. It’s important to prepare yourself and others who might drive your car for what to do after an accident -- before it happens.

 

Handling the aftermath of an accident

 

Here’s a step-by-step process to help you put everyone’s physical safety first, followed by your financial safety. It’s a good idea to think this through and rehearse it.

 

Step 1: Determine if you or your passengers are injured, then move to a safe location, if possible.

 

• If it’s safe to drive your vehicle, move it away from the flow of traffic to minimize danger to yourself and others.

• Position yourself away from the stopped vehicle(s) in a safe and secure location.

• Don’t leave the scene of the accident before completing the following steps, regardless of the circumstances.

 

Step 2: Call for help.

 

• If you or others involved in the accident have been injured, call 911 immediately and follow instructions.

• If there are no injuries and all parties are safe, call your local police department for assistance in filing a report and follow their instructions. In minor accidents involving another vehicle, the police may instruct you to exchange information and contact your insurance company.

• If you’re a minor, call your parent(s) or legal guardian as soon as you’re able.

 

Step 3: Exchange information if a police report isn’t being filed.

 

• Limit the information you provide to others involved in the accident to (a) the name and phone number of your insurance company, (b) your policy number and (c) your driver’s license number. Avoid sharing other info on your driver’s license such as your home address.

• Collect at least the same information from the other party involved.

• Note the other party’s license plate number; the make, model and color of their vehicle; and the names of their passengers.

• If there were witnesses to your accident, collect their contact information.

• Don’t exchange details about the accident and don’t let the other party try to pressure you into determining who’s at fault — let your insurance companies determine that.

• Take pictures of the damaged vehicles, insurance documentation, the scene and the people involved, if you’re able to do so safely.

 

Step 4: Leave the scene once information is collected and everyone is OK.

 

• If possible, return to your vehicle or go to a safe location and review the information you’ve gathered, making sure you’re satisfied before leaving the scene.

• If your vehicle isn’t safe to drive, call a towing company to retrieve your vehicle and make arrangements for transportation from the scene – from a friend, family member or ride-sharing service.

• If you’re in a rented vehicle, contact your rental car company to determine what documentation is needed before leaving the scene.

 

Step 5: File a claim and get your vehicle repaired.

 

• Contact your insurance company and file a claim via mobile app, online form or phone call.

• Arrange for repairs to your vehicle – if it’s repairable – and calculate your out-of-pocket costs for the work.

• Find alternate transportation if you need it.

 

Prepare yourself and your vehicle ahead of time

 

You can’t always avoid a car accident, but you can reduce the risk of getting into one by following some best practices for safety on the road.

 

Additionally, keeping certain items in the car can help keep you and others safe in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Follow these safety steps and teach them to any young drivers in your care as well.

 

1. Pack a safety kit and keep these items in your vehicle:

 

• A fire extinguisher

• A charger for your smartphone

• Road flares

• A flashlight

• Food and water

• A first-aid kit

• Pen and paper

 

2. Always carry up-to-date copies of:

 

• Your ID

• Auto insurance policy

• Vehicle registration

• Health plan information

 

3. Maintain the safety systems in your vehicle, including:

 

• Brakes

• Tires

• Air bags in older cars dating to the mid-1990s or earlier – non-deployed airbags in newer vehicles are designed to last for decades and shouldn’t require replacement

• Seat belts

• Child car seats – always strap kids in according to manufacturer specifications, and replace car seats after even a minor accident

 

4. Become a safer driver by:

 

• Avoiding certain habits that lead to distracted driving

• Taking a defensive driving course

 

Staying prepared and following the steps above can go a long way toward helping to keep you physically and financially safer after an accident.

 

Remember that car accidents can also be psychologically traumatic. If you’re experiencing such effects, consider consulting a mental health professional.What 

Quote of the day

Homo sum : humani nil a me alienum puto

I am human : nothing human is alien to me.

~Terence, The Self-Tormentor