This year has seen several data breach announcements, including the AT&T breach that could potentially impact 73 million people. Data breaches have become more common these days, especially as businesses collect and store more customer data than ever before. It is very important that you take active steps to protect your information as much as possible.
No two data breaches are the same, and each incident can potentially expose unique information. Those affected by the breach may be at increased risk of identity theft. Thieves can use stolen information to fraudulently apply for credit, unemployment benefits, and more. In some cases, your personal financial accounts can be accessed by thieves.
While it's difficult to completely avoid data breaches, some breaches especially occur when using credit or debit cards, so to minimize your chances when shopping online or managing your online accounts There are steps you can take.
First, always make sure you're visiting a website that uses secure protocols before sharing any personal information. Basic security measures include the “HTTPS” protocol that appears at the beginning of a company's URL. ('s' stands for page security). You'll also see a closed lock symbol or similar symbol to ensure the page is secure.
Additionally, if a site collects personally identifiable information, make sure that the company provides a clear and detailed privacy policy, and ensure that the company protects your information. Please check what steps you will take. Also, look for and verify the validity of a trusted seal, such as the BBB's Approved Business Seal.
Another area that requires attention is social media. It can be easy to get caught up in oversharing information online. It's not just about social security numbers. Online quizzes and games can be at risk. Sharing things like the name of your first pet or the town you were born in can be used to hack your account, especially if you use the same data for your password or security question.
Signs your information has been compromised
Compromised data may be identified before a breach is publicly declared. Signs may include unexplained withdrawals, charges, and new accounts opened in your name or Social Security number.
This is easiest to do by setting up a routine to regularly check your banking and financial transactions. You can also schedule a review of your credit report through each of the three major credit bureaus. This can be done for free using the officially sanctioned site, AnnualCreditReport.com. You can space these checks throughout the year by selecting a different creditor and requesting a report each time.
Another proactive step is to schedule bill due dates. An identity theft tip-off occurs when you stop receiving certain bills. This can happen because the scammer has changed the address associated with your bank account or credit card. If you don't receive your bill by the due date, contact your creditor. In the meantime, we recommend setting up automatic alerts on your account so that you are notified every time a transaction is made.
If you learn that your data was involved in a data breach, we recommend that you remain calm. Individuals are not liable for fraudulent charges resulting from stolen account numbers, and most companies provide resources to help monitor your information to detect a breach.
If you receive a notification, please check the website of the infringed company to verify that the notification is legitimate. Be sure to use a genuine URL to access your company's site. Don't click on links in emails or social media messages. This in itself could be an identity theft scam. Visiting the wrong site can load malware on your computer.
If a company offers credit monitoring services, be sure to check the monitoring company's reporting with the BBB to ensure that the company has a strong rating and customer experience record.
If you believe your data has been compromised, consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit report with the three major credit bureaus. This can be done at AnnualCreditReport.com. Once you set these up with one of your creditors, it should spread to all three. A credit freeze prevents anyone from accessing your credit report or score, but fraud alerts flag your account and automatically prevent new credit from being opened in your name. It doesn't stop.
If you notice any unauthorized charges on your bank or credit card statement, report them immediately to your bank or credit card issuer using the number listed on your credit card. They will work with you to reverse the charge and issue you a new card. Keep your receipts in case you need to prove which charges you authorized and which charges you disapproved.
If your debit card has been compromised, contact your bank immediately to discuss getting a new debit card or placing a security block on your account. Debit cards don't have the same protections as credit cards, and debit transactions take funds directly from your bank account.
Overall, be wary of phone calls or other forms of contact from people claiming to be from a retailer, bank, or credit card issuer. It tells you that your card has been compromised and suggests steps you can take to “resolve” the problem. Since they are behind the breach, they may be aware of it and are using the opportunity to get more information directly from you.