Take 5 to Protect Yourself with MasterCard ID Theft Alerts

Fight identity theft in less time than it takes to apply sunscreen

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PURCHASE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Five minutes is all it takes for fraudsters to wreak havoc with your personal and financial information. That’s why, starting today, MasterCard is launching its “Take 5 to Protect Yourself” initiative, a campaign to encourage cardholders to fight fraud by taking just five minutes to sign up for MasterCard ID Theft Alerts™. The “Take 5 to Protect Yourself” campaign is the latest in the company’s ongoing commitment to protecting consumers’ financial and personal information.

Signing up takes less than 5 minutes, less time than it does to apply sunscreen. A cardholder simply goes to the ID Theft ProtectionTM website and enters the first 6 digits of his or her MasterCard-branded card. The secure site then provides simple instructions to complete the sign-up. There is no additional cost for the service, and a cardholder can opt in or out at any time and decide how much and which information he or she wants monitored. Afterwards, the cardholder will immediately receive email or text alerts if their personal information appears on the dark web.

“Taking advantage of ID Theft Alerts is a no-brainer because we’re all busy and don’t have time to worry about whether or not our data is improperly circulating on the dark web,” said Robert Siciliano, Identity Theft and Personal Security Expert. “From an emotional and educational standpoint, having access to identity theft specialists is a key value add because victims simply need some basic guidance to get through the situation.”

MasterCard created ID Theft Protection to help cardholders from the early detection of fraud through filing police reports and alerting credit bureaus to providing emergency services if cards, wallets or documents are lost or stolen.

“We all take smart precautions to protect our personal information in the physical world, like setting up mobile phone locks or putting our personal documents in hotel safes,” said Cheryl Guerin, executive vice president, U.S. Products & Solutions for MasterCard. “It’s just as important in the digital world. ID Theft Alerts and five minutes is all it takes for our cardholders to take control of their identities and fight online fraud.”

ID Theft Alerts is just one of several services under MasterCard’s ID Theft Protection. These include:

• ID Theft Alerts – MasterCard scours the internet and alerts registered cardholders if it detects their personal and financial information – credit and debit cards, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers and other sensitive data – is being bought or sold online.
• Emergency Wallet Replacement – Experts can help replace cards and documents right away if a cardholder’s wallet is lost or stolen.
• Expert Resolution Services – If a cardholder suspects his or her identity has been compromised, experts are available 24/7/365 to guide him or her through what can be an overwhelming process, from filing an affidavit and canceling accounts to notifying the major credit reporting agencies.

ID Theft Protection is available through a partnership with CSID, an industry leader in identity protection and fraud detection. At any point in time, Identity Theft Alerts is tracking thousands of websites and millions of data points, and alerting registered cardholders whose personal information has been compromised online. This information is being gathered in real-time so that cardholders have the opportunity to react quickly and take the necessary steps to protect themselves.

If you are a U.S. MasterCard cardholder and you believe that your card or identity has been compromised, please contact us at 1-800-MasterCard (1-800-627-8372) or [email protected]. Alternatively, visit https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/consumers/features-benefits/safety-and-security.html for more information.

For the Top Five Do’s and Don’ts on Keeping Personal Information Safe visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mastercardnews/13697754745/

Check out these links for more information:

• Register for ID Theft Protection
• MasterCard Innovation Arms You Against Fraud
• Video – Protecting your Identity in a Digital World

About MasterCard

MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Pioneers Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150916005240/en/

MasterCard Media:
Beth Kitchener, Office: 914-249-2058
[email protected]

Source: MasterCard Incorporated

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