What Is an Account Takeover and How Can I Prevent It?

An account takeover is when a criminal gains access to your bank account (or credit card, email, etc.) by stealing your login information and then uses it as if they were you. They might do this by:

• Phishing – tricking you into giving your username and password
• Data breaches – stealing passwords when a company’s data is compromised
• Guessing weak passwords – trying common passwords until they find yours

Once in, they could steal money or personal data. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Each Account

One of the most important things you can do is have a different password for every account, and make sure each password is hard to guess.

Avoid the common mistake:

• Don’t use simple passwords like “password123” or “Marin123”
• Don’t reuse the same password on multiple sites
• This makes it easy for hackers to break in

Create strong passwords:

• Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
• Example: MarinBeach#45 is far stronger than Marin123
• Aim for at least 12 characters or more
• Avoid using personal info (like your birthdate or pet’s name)

Why unique passwords matter:

• If one password gets stolen in a breach, criminals could access all your accounts if you reused it
• Using a unique password for each important account means if one gets compromised, the others remain safe

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (also called multi-factor authentication) means you need a second step to log in – typically a one-time code sent to your phone or generated by an app, in addition to your password.

Why use 2FA:

• It provides an extra layer of security
• Even if someone steals your password, they can’t get into your account without that code
• It greatly reduces the chance of an account takeover

How to set it up:

• We highly recommend turning on 2FA for your bank accounts, email, and other important logins
• It may add one small step when you sign in, but the security benefit is huge
• Look for “two-factor authentication” or “multi-factor authentication” in your account security settings

Keep Your Devices and Connections Secure

Your computer and phone are gateways to your accounts, so keeping them secure is essential.

Device security:

• Keep your computer and smartphone up to date with the latest security updates
• Install and maintain antivirus software
• Don’t ignore update notifications – they often contain important security fixes

Network security:

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or financial transactions
• Public networks (like Wi-Fi at a cafe or library) can be risky – criminals on the same network might intercept what you’re doing
• If you must check your bank on public Wi-Fi, consider using your cellular data instead
• Look for the padlock icon in your browser to ensure the website is securely encrypted

Home network:

• Ensure your home Wi-Fi has a password and isn’t open to everyone
• Change the default password on your router
• Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for your Wi-Fi

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

One of the best ways to catch fraud early is to keep an eye on your account activity.

What to do:

• Read your bank statements carefully each month
• Use online banking to review recent transactions regularly
• Set up account alerts if possible – your bank can often text or email you if a withdrawal over a certain amount occurs
• Report any unfamiliar charges or logins immediately

Why this matters:

• Early detection can prevent a lot of damage
• The sooner you catch unauthorized activity, the easier it is to stop and reverse
• Most banks have zero-liability policies if you report fraud quickly

What to Do If You Suspect a Takeover

If you notice any suspicious activity:

1. Change your password immediately
2. Contact your bank right away at (866) 626-6004
3. Review recent transactions for unauthorized activity
4. Check your email for password reset notifications you didn’t request
5. Enable 2FA if you haven’t already

The Bottom Line

Account security is about layers of protection. No single step will make you completely safe, but using strong passwords, enabling 2FA, keeping your devices secure, and monitoring your accounts regularly will significantly reduce your risk.

Need Help?

If you think your account may have been compromised, contact us immediately at (866) 626-6004.