By Opt-Inspire Board Members, Justin Daniels & Alexandria Lutz
If you discovered right now that your bank account was compromised, would you know exactly what to do first?
Most people would not. In a digital crisis, adrenaline runs high and clarity drops fast.
At Opt-Inspire, we recommend every household maintain a simple, physical Personal Incident Response Plan. This is a short checklist you can reach even if your phone, email, or computer is compromised.
Take 15 minutes tonight to complete the steps below. Print the plan and keep it in a central location, such as on the refrigerator or in a drawer, where it can be accessed quickly.
1. Immediate Actions: Stop & Secure
If you suspect a scam, hack, or unauthorized access, take these steps immediately:
- STOP.
Hang up the phone or close the chat. Do not continue the conversation. - PROTECT.
Do not click links, download files, or install software. - VERIFY.
Contact your bank or service provider using a trusted number, such as the phone number printed on your card or official statement. Do not use numbers sent to you by text or email. - RESET.
Change passwords for any account you believe may have been targeted. Start with email, banking, and financial accounts.
2. Your Critical Response Table
Complete this section with your family. Do not write full passwords here.
| Contact or Information Needed | Details |
| Bank Fraud Department Phone (fill in) | |
| Credit Freeze Status (check when complete) | ☐ Equifax ☐ Experian ☐ TransUnion |
| Emergency Tech Contact (fill in the person you will call first) | |
| Primary Email Provider (fill in) | |
| Cell Phone Carrier PIN (fill in) (To stop SIM swapping.) |
3. Reporting and Recovery Resources
If an incident occurs, these organizations provide free, expert assistance:
| Resource | Details |
| AARP Fraud Watch | 877-908-3360 (Free support for all ages) |
| IdentityTheft.gov | The FTC’s official recovery site |
| Local Police: Non-Emergency (Add your local number) |
How to Use This Plan
- The 15-Minute Meeting.
Sit down with loved ones and review & complete the plan together. This is not about fear. It is about preparation. - The Safety Net Role.
Designate one person as the “first call” (third box under #2, above). Their job is not to fix everything, but to slow things down and provide a calm second opinion. - The Physical Copy (Print It!).
Digital notes are useful until you are locked out of your devices. Paper still works when technology fails. A physical plan cannot be encrypted, deleted, or held hostage.
Stay safe, stay savvy, and remember: you are not alone.
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