When there is a potential security breach it is important to protect your credit online. Security breaches can expose personal information which can allow others to have unauthorized access and pretend to be you. A way to protect you credit online is by credit monitoring.
Credit monitoring is a way to stay current with changes to your credit reports so you can address unauthorized activity and minimize unauthorized use of your personal information. If you don't monitor your credit regularly, someone could open new accounts or use your credit without you realizing it.
Monitoring your credit, either with a credit monitoring service or on your own, is an important step to help prevent identity theft.
Due to the many security breaches that happen, please take the 5 recommended actions to secure your personal information if it becomes compromised.
1. Freeze all three credit reports and Monitor Your Credit
Freeze all three credit reports with the major credit bureaus of Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This will prevent others from opening new accounts or borrowing money in your name with loans or credit cards.
You can freeze your credit reports online or by contacting the three major credit Bureaus
Experian | Equifax | TransUnion |
2. Change your passwords
As a precaution, change passwords for your online accounts such as banking, social media, and medical accounts.
Example of a strong password:
A combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
3. Request Identity Protection Pin from the Internal Revenue Service
Prevent others from filing returns or receiving your federal tax refund. You can request an identity protection pin which will help ensure you have an additional layer of protection.
Request an Identity protection Pin from the IRS by:
Calling 1-800-829-1040.
4. Register for a Social Security Administration account
Anyone who is eligible, applied for, and/or are receiving social security benefits (including disability), please consider registering for a ssa.gov account. This will prevent others from stealing your benefits.
You can register for an account with Social Security Administration by:
Going to https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
Calling 1-800-772-1213
If you suspect Social Security fraud submit an online complaint at: oig.ssa.gov or call call the Office of Inspector General hotline at 1-800-269-0271, Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213
5. Monitor your financial accounts
Monitor your financial accounts and report any suspicious activity.
You can contact the Federal Trade Commission by:
Going to www.ReportFraud.FTC.gov
Calling 1-877-FTC-HELP