Tips For Protecting Yourself From The Recent Nationwide Data Breach

Recently, the social security numbers of millions of Americans and potentially billions of data records were leaked in the National Public Data Breach breach.  Below are some tips that you can follow to protect your social security number and other personal data. To find out if you were impacted, visit this site.

Monitor All Financial Accounts & Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

Check your bank and credit card accounts and statements for any unauthorized transactions. If anything suspicious is found, report it to the appropriate entities, such as your financial institution, credit bureaus, or law enforcement immediately.  Even if you do not find suspicious transactions on your account, but you may have been impacted by the breach, you should inform your credit union or bank because they may take additional precautions. You can reach out to our Contact Center at 800-221-4020. It is also a great practice to set up alerts for your accounts to receive notifications for any transactions or changes.

Secure Your Online Accounts

Change passwords for all online accounts, particularly those tied to financial institutions. Use strong, unique passwords and consider enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible.

Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Reports

Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This alert makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. The bureau you contact will notify the other two.

Consider Freezing Your Credit

A credit freeze prevents anyone from accessing your credit report without your permission, making it much more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. You can lift the freeze temporarily if you need to apply for credit.

Obtain Your Free Credit Reports

You are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus through annualcreditreport.com. Review your credit reports for any suspicious activity.

File a Report with the FTC

Visit identitytheft.gov to file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This report will help you create a recovery plan and serve as an official document for disputing fraudulent claims.

Contact Social Security Administration (SSA)

If your Social Security number was exposed, consider contacting the SSA to inform them of the potential fraud. While they may not issue a new number unless there's clear evidence of fraud, they can provide guidance on additional steps.

Keep Detailed Records

Document all communications, reports, and steps taken if you’ve been affected. This will be invaluable if you need to dispute charges or take legal action.

Be Wary of Phishing Scams

Scammers may use this opportunity to send phishing emails or texts pretending to be from your bank, credit union, or government agencies. Do not click on links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited communications.

Consider Identity Theft Protection Services

If you're concerned about the long-term impact of the breach, consider enrolling in an identity theft protection service that offers monitoring and recovery assistance.

Educate Yourself on Identity Theft Prevention

Stay informed about ways to prevent identity theft and keep personal information secure. Regularly updating your knowledge can help you avoid becoming a victim in the future.

To learn more about fraud prevention tips, visit our fraud prevention page.