It feels like we hear about data breaches so often that they’ve become like background noise. But waiting for someone else to inform you that your personal information has been compromised isn’t a good idea. If your data is stolen, it could be used to open new lines of credit or even secure employment, leading to significant financial consequences, including damaged credit scores and identity theft. Amy Davis explains how to check your information and what to do to keep it safe.
A recent data breach exposed the sensitive information of 106 million people through the background check company MC2 Data. This follows another major incident involving over two billion records from National Public Records. If your information is compromised, it can be used for identity theft, which can have serious consequences.
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What information was exposed?
The compromised data includes names, birthdays, Social Security numbers, property records, and other personal information—data that can be used by identity thieves to commit fraud.
How to check if you’ve been impacted
It’s important to proactively check if your information has been compromised instead of waiting for problems to arise. You can use the following trusted services to see if your Social Security number or other personal information has been part of a data breach:
You don’t need to enter your Social Security number to use these services.
Steps to take if your social security number is stolen
If you believe your Social Security number has been compromised, follow these steps immediately:
- Create an Online Social Security Account
Go to the Social Security Administration’s website and create your online account. This prevents anyone else from creating an account in your name, which could allow them to change your personal details.
- Register with IdentityTheft.gov
Visit IdentityTheft.gov to receive a personal recovery plan. This will guide you in reclaiming your identity and securing your information.
- Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Inform the IRS to put a flag on your account. This will help prevent someone from using your Social Security number for fraudulent purposes. There is also a checklist of things to look out for and what you can do if you suspect unusual activity.
Request your free credit report
Even if your information doesn’t show up in these checks, it’s still a good idea to get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These services provide credit monitoring:
Credit monitoring services can help you stay on top of any unusual activity on your credit report.
Beware of snail mail scams
While you might be wary of phishing emails and scam phone calls, be aware that criminals may also use physical mail to impersonate companies or organizations. If you receive suspicious mail, verify its authenticity before responding.
You should also use the links we posted above - instead of just googling information and following random links. Sometimes scammers use common google search terms to create fake websites to trick you. Yes, they have thought of everything.
Do you have a question for Amy? Email AskAmy@kprc.com.