Cyber Safety
Follow the Steps Below to Better Secure Your Personal Information
Identity Protection Tips
At ESS, safeguarding your personal information is our top priority. While we have strong security measures in place to keep our platforms safe, we also encourage you to stay vigilant to help protect yourself. By following the best practices outlined below, you can help prevent unauthorized access and keep your sensitive data secure.
ESS Communications
To help protect you from potential fraud or unauthorized access, it is important to understand how ESS communicates and handles sensitive data. Contact ESS immediately if you receive a suspicious email or text from an unknown source.
ESS will only communicate with you via official ESS email addresses or school district email addresses. We will never use Gmail or other personal email platforms.
Text
ESS may send communications from the willsub+ platform via app notifications or occasionally through text messages. These notifications provide reminders and job opportunities, and they never request sensitive information.
Banking Information
ESS will never ask you to submit banking information via email or text. Our online systems (e.g., willsubplus.com, willSub.com, Paychex.com, and PrismHR.com) securely collect all banking and payroll details.
Sensitive Data
Never send emails or text messages containing sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or other personally identifiable information. All requests for sensitive data are completed directly within our authorized systems (e.g., willsubplus.com, willSub, Paychex.com, and PrismHR.com).
Suspicious Activity Tips
If you suspect your ESS account information has been compromised, please contact the ESS Cyber Security team at CyberSecurity@ESS.com. Please note that the ESS Cyber Security team does not handle issues related to your personal computer or any non-ESS account concerns.
Monitor Your Credit Regularly
Staying informed about your financial health is essential to protecting yourself against fraud and identity theft. Regularly reviewing your accounts and credit reports can help you detect any unauthorized activity early on. You may obtain a free credit report online at AnnualCreditReport.com or purchase one by contacting any of the three national credit reporting agencies.
When reviewing your credit report, check for any creditor inquiries you did not initiate or recognize. Verify that your personal information, such as your home address and Social Security number, is accurate. If you notice any discrepancies or suspicious activity, contact the credit reporting agency immediately to report and address the issue.
Credit Freeze
A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, limits access to your credit report. A freeze makes it much more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. By preventing unauthorized credit checks, a freeze adds an extra layer of protection against fraudulent activities. This measure benefits you, especially if you suspect someone has compromised your personal information or if you want to safeguard your financial identity proactively.
When you freeze your credit, creditors cannot access your credit report, preventing them from approving new accounts in your name. You can request a credit freeze from the three major credit reporting agencies—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. If needed, you can lift the freeze temporarily or remove it permanently.
- If you suspect identity theft or unauthorized use of your personal information.
- To protect a minor or an incapacitated adult from potential fraud.
- Request a freeze online, by phone, or by mail through each credit bureau.
- Opt out of prescreened credit offers to reduce unsolicited applications.
- Keep your assigned PIN code secure; you’ll need it to unfreeze your credit when applying for new accounts.
- When applying for new credit, such as a loan, mortgage, or credit card.
- When applying for insurance, a job, or renting an apartment, some companies require a credit check.
Fraud Alerts
A fraud alert is a free security measure that you can add to your credit report to notify creditors that you may be at risk of identity theft. When a fraud alert is in place, lenders must take additional steps to verify your identity before approving any new credit in your name. You can request a fraud alert from any of the three major credit bureaus. The bureau you contact will notify the other two and apply the alert across all three bureaus.
- Protect yourself from identity theft and unauthorized credit activity.
- Make it more difficult for someone to open accounts in your name.
- Ensure creditors verify your identity before extending credit.
- Contact one of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion).
- Provide proof of your identity, including your Social Security number, name, and address.
- Initial Fraud Alert: Lasts one year and can be renewed.
- Active-Duty Alert: Designed for military personnel; lasts one year and can be renewed during deployment.
- Extended Fraud Alert: Lasts seven years and is available for identity theft or credit fraud victims.
- Receive a free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus.
- Monitor your credit report weekly for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Add an extra layer of protection to your financial security, making it harder for fraudsters to misuse your personal information.