It feels like we are notified weekly that our data has been breached by one source or another. Most recently, according to a class action lawsuit, National Public Data – a data broker that sells personal information to private investigators, human resources and staffing agencies, and consumer public record sites – announced that someone hacked their system and leaked the stolen data (2.9 billion records!) on the dark web this past April.
Considering this recent breach and the potential for future occurrences, there are several steps you can take to monitor and protect your personal information.
- Check if your data has been compromised by visiting websites like Have I Been Pwned to see if your email has been part of a data breach.
- It is crucial to regularly monitor your credit reports by obtaining one free report per year from each of the major credit bureaus at the one-stop site, usa.gov/credit-freeze. We also recommend that you put a freeze on your credit reports.
- Look out for any unfamiliar activities such as new accounts you did not open, unexpected charges on your credit card or bank statements.
- Subscribe to a credit monitoring service that can provide continuous surveillance of your credit report and notify you of any suspicious activities, including unauthorized use of your Social Security number.
If you suspect that your Social Security number has been stolen, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov to receive a personalized recovery plan or call 877-438-4337 for assistance.
- Notify the Internal Revenue Service to prevent fraudulent use of your Social Security number for tax purposes or employment.
- File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center and regularly check your credit report to help detect and address any fraudulent behavior promptly.
- Contact the Social Security Administration for further assistance in reviewing your statements if your Social Security number has been compromised.
- If after taking necessary precautions, your social security number is still being misused, you may apply for a new one from the Social Security Administration with proper evidence.
In this ever-evolving world, there are many steps that you can take to enhance your protection against identity theft. You should safeguard your social security card and memorize your number, as well as avoid sharing personal information in vulnerable situations. Electronically, you should monitor your financial statements regularly, set up two-factor authentication for online accounts, and verify the authenticity of communications before sharing personal information. You should also encrypt sensitive documents when sending them electronically and be cautious about providing personal information unless necessary, especially in job applications. Be aware of common methods used by thieves to steal personal data such as physical theft, dumpster diving, or phishing attempts through phone calls, texts, or emails. By staying vigilant and implementing preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft and safeguard your personal information effectively.
