There is no worse feeling than trying to log into an account only to find that you cannot gain access. Unfortunately, this can be a sign that you are the victim of an account takeover. If you’re unsure what this is or the impact it can have, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, how to prevent these occurrences, and the importance of working with a Michigan account takeover lawyer to help you fight to recover your account.
What Happens During an Account Takeover?
An account takeover occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to an account and uses it as their own. Not only can they steal important sensitive information, but they can also make transactions and even change the details of an account. For example, if they have access to your online banking account, they may be able to change the phone number and email associated with the account before changing the password, effectively locking you out of the account.
This differs from traditional forms of identity theft, as that typically entails a thief taking your information to create new accounts, whereas this involves the theft of an existing account. In many instances, this theft can go unnoticed, as you may not think twice about receiving emails or letters from certain creditors.
What Steps Can I Take to Prevent This?
Though account takeovers can be devastating for your finances, it’s important to understand how thieves gain access so you can protect yourself. Generally, you’ll find that the most common cause of account takeovers is phishing scams. These occur when someone sends a communication, commonly a text or email, claiming to be from a legitimate company. Often, the messages look legitimate, with the same formatting that companies typically use. For example, you may get an email from your “bank” about suspicious activity on your account and a request to log in to verify the information. However, when you click the link, you are not directed to the legitimate website, but instead a copy of the login page, and by entering your login details, you are providing the thief with the information necessary to access your account. If you receive a suspicious email, you should contact your bank directly using a verified phone number to ask about any suspicious communications.
In addition, malware, which means malicious software, can also lead to account takeovers. You may unknowingly download this program by clicking pop-up links or downloading files from unverified websites. Often, identity thieves can use this software to access remote control of your device, see your keyboard strokes, and mirror your screen, allowing them to gain your login credentials and assume control of your account. To protect yourself, you should avoid downloading anything unverified and consider investing in computer protection software that can block and fight malware on your device.
As you can see, an account takeover can be incredibly overwhelming and impactful on your finances and life. That is why working with an experienced attorney to help you reclaim your identity and fight recover the compensation you deserve if you suffer damages. Contact Lyngklip & Associated today to explore your legal options.
