Tips to Protect Your Identity Online
Updated: Aug 3
There is no time that is more important to protect your identity online than right now.
Hackers may have stolen the Social Security numbers of every American, among additional sensitive personal information, and a member of the group has reportedly released most of it for free on an online marketplace for stolen personal data.
National Public Data is a broker responsible for background checks for hiring, data management, and security. Their security measures failed them, meaning they failed us.
Scammers can gather enough personal information about you in this breach to convincingly pose as you. By using your information, they can open credit accounts, open utility accounts, and even undergo medical procedures in your name.
One of the most concerning aspects of any data breach is that your social security number will never change. Scammers could wait years before using your data. The breach might also affect children who won’t realize their credit is ruined until they turn 18.
As you can see, the National Public Data Breach is a serious enough problem that I recommend taking action immediately.
I have done each of the following for myself and my family.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
You need to take action immediately after a data breach to protect your credit. Freezing your credit reduces your chances of being a victim of identity theft and financial fraud. The more actively you manage your credit, such as freezing it, monitoring your credit reports, and setting up fraud alerts, the harder it is for criminals to exploit it.
Freeze Your Credit
Freezing your credit is free. You can do it online, by phone, or by mail with the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
“Freeze your credit on all three company websites.”
Experian
Click here to freeze your credit on Experian.
Equifax
Click here to freeze your credit on Equifax.
Transunion
Click here to freeze your credit on Transunion.
Monitor Your Credit Report
Take advantage of your right to access your credit report for free.
Go to AnnualCreditReport.com.
Once a year, you can access your credit report from each credit reporting company: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.
Review your transactions for mistakes or suspicious activity. If you see either, the website provides instructions on the appropriate next steps.
Freeze Your Child’s Credit
Freezing your child’s credit is a bit more challenging but it’s equally important. If your child has a social security number, they are at risk for fraud. Scammers often target children because their credit typically goes unchecked until they turn 18.
Do Not Wait
You need to spend an hour working through the safeguards explained in this post. The breach is real. Safeguarding your identity is much easier than repairing it after you’ve been scammed.
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