Billions of records, including Social Security numbers, were stolen recently in a massive data breach, putting millions of Americans at risk for identity theft. If you’ve been receiving data-breach notices from companies you deal with, you are not alone. This situation can be alarming, but taking the right steps can help you secure your personal information and prevent misuse. Below are some crucial actions you should consider to protect your identity effectively.
Be Cautious of Email Notifications
One of the quickest ways for scammers to exploit data breaches is by sending fake email notifications to potential victims. These emails often contain links that, when clicked, can lead to malicious websites designed to extract even more of your personal information. It is essential not to click on any links provided in the email notifications, even if the email appears to be from a trusted source. Scammers often mimic legitimate emails so well that it can be hard to tell the difference.
Instead of clicking on the links, take a moment to verify the authenticity of the email. You should manually navigate to the company’s website through your web browser. For instance, if the email claims to be from your bank, open your web browser and type in the bank’s official URL yourself. This approach drastically minimizes the risk of falling into a scammer’s trap and providing them with more information inadvertently.
Verify Directly with the Company
When you receive a data breach notification or any other type of communication from financial institutions, make it a habit to verify the information directly with the company. Don’t rely on the links or contact details provided in the email as they could be part of a phishing attempt. Instead, go to the company’s website by typing their official URL into your browser. Checking directly with the company ensures you’re accessing accurate information from a reliable source.
By typing the URL yourself, you eliminate the risk of being redirected to a fraudulent site. This step might take a few extra minutes, but it is one of the most effective ways to avoid scams. For example, if you get an email from your credit card company about a data breach, go directly to the company’s website that you usually use for your online banking. From there, you can log in and check any notifications related to your account under your secured login credentials.
Consider Freezing Your Credit
One of the most effective steps to protect your identity after a data breach is to freeze your credit. This can prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name, as they will not be able to access your credit report. To do this, you need to contact major credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and the lesser-known Innovis—and request a credit freeze. Freezing your credit is free under federal law and can be a powerful tool in protecting your personal information.
With a credit freeze in place, even if a thief has stolen your Social Security number and other personal information, they won’t be able to open new accounts using your details. A credit freeze effectively cuts off thieves at the knees, making it considerably harder for them to misuse your data. The process involves providing some basic information to the credit bureaus and setting up a PIN or password that you will use to lift the freeze when necessary.
Understand the Additional Steps
Recently, a massive data breach led to the theft of billions of records, including sensitive information like Social Security numbers. As a result, millions of Americans now face increased risks of identity theft. First, consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report. This will make it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Regularly check your credit reports for any signs of suspicious activity. You can get free reports from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year.
Enrolling in credit monitoring services can also alert you to any changes in your credit file. Be diligent about updating and strengthening your passwords for online accounts, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Additionally, stay informed by reading up on the latest data breaches and protective measures. Taking these critical actions can significantly enhance your protection against identity theft.
