Equifax, one of the three major credit reporting agencies in the U.S., announced a data breach that affects 143 million consumers. The hackers accessed Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses, and driver’s license numbers.
Equifax has launched a tool that will let you know if you were affected by the breach. Visit Equifax’s website dedicated to this breach to learn if you were impacted. You will need to provide your last name and the last six numbers of your Social Security number.
If you are impacted, Equifax offers you a free credit monitoring service, TrustedIDPremier. However, you won’t be able to enroll in it immediately. You will be given a date when you can return to the site to enroll. Equifax will not send you a reminder to enroll. Mark that date on your calendar, so you can start monitoring your credit as soon as possible.
If you detect suspicious activity on your credit report due to the breach, learn how to report it immediately.
The FTC also offers more information to protect yourself after a data breach. Learn how to report and recover from identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.
Identity (ID) theft happens when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud.
The identity thief may use your information to fraudulently apply for credit, file taxes, or get medical services. These acts can damage your credit status, and cost you time and money to restore your good name.
You may not know that you’re the victim of ID theft immediately. You could be a victim if you receive:
- Bills for items you didn't buy
- Debt collection calls for accounts you didn't open
- Denials for loan applications
Children and seniors are both vulnerable to ID theft. Child ID theft may go undetected for many years. Victims may not know until they’re adults, applying for their own loans. Seniors are vulnerable because they share their personal information often with doctors and caregivers. The number of people and offices that access their information put them at risk.
Types of ID Theft
There are several common types of identity theft that can affect you:
- Tax ID theft - Someone uses your Social Security number to falsely file tax returns with the IRS or your state
- Medical ID theft - Someone steals your Medicare ID or health insurance member number. Thieves use this information to get medical services or send fake bills to your health insurer.
- Social ID theft - Someone uses your name and photos to create a fake account on social media
Take steps to avoid being a victim of identity theft. Secure your internet connections, use security features, and review bills. Read more about how you can prevent identity theft.
Keep these tips in mind to protect yourself from identity theft:
- Secure your Social Security number (SSN). Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Only give out your SSN when necessary.
- Don't share personal information (birthdate, Social Security number, or bank account number) because someone asks for it.
- Collect mail every day. Place a hold on your mail when you are away from home for several days.
- Pay attention to your billing cycles
Billing Cycle: the number of days between statements on a regularly recurring bill.
. If bills or financial statements are late, contact the sender.
- Use the security features
Security Feature: an app or setting on a wireless device that can help protect the device and the information on it from threats and vulnerabilities.
on your mobile phone.
- Update sharing and firewall settings
Firewall: security monitoring software that analyzes and blocks or allows information traveling between the internet and your computer based on a defined set of security rules.
when you're on a public wi-fi network
Public WiFi Network: (WiFi hotspot) a network that anyone can use to connect to the internet or other networks.
. Use a virtual private network (VPN)
Virtual Private Network (VPN): a private network that connects your computer or mobile device to the internet and encrypts (codes) your information to protect your internet activity from monitoring or spying.
, if you use public wi-fi.
- Review your credit card and bank account statements. Compare receipts with account statements. Watch for unauthorized transactions.
- Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired credit cards. This can prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your personal information.
- Store personal information in a safe place.
- Install firewalls and virus-detection software
Virus Detection Software: (antivirus software) a computer program used to prevent, detect, and remove malicious programs that have been placed on your computer to spy on you or to do damage to your computer.
on your home computer.
- Create complex passwords that identity thieves cannot guess. Change your passwords if a company that you do business with has a breach of its databases
- Review your credit reports
Credit Report: a report that shows your bill payment history, current debt, and other financial information.
once a year. Be certain that they don't include accounts that you have not opened. You can order it for free from Annualcreditreport.com.
- Freeze your credit files with Equifax, Experian, Innovis, TransUnion, and the National Consumer Telecommunications and Utilities Exchange for free. Credit freezes prevent someone from applying for and getting approval for a credit account or utility services in your name.
Report identity (ID) theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338.
If you report identity theft online, you will receive an identity theft report and a recovery plan. Create an account on the website to:
- Update your recovery plan,
- Track your progress,
- Receive prefilled form letters to send to creditors.
If you don't create an account, you won't be able to access the report or letters later. Download the FTC's publication for detailed tips, checklists, and sample letters.
If you report identity theft by phone, the FTC will collect the details of your situation. But it won't give you an ID theft report or recovery plan.
You may also choose to report your identity theft to your local police station. It could be necessary if:
- You know the identity thief
- The thief used your name in an interaction with the police
- A creditor or another company requires you to provide a police report.
Report Specific Types of Identity Theft
You may also report specific types of identity theft to other federal agencies.
Report Identity Theft to Other Organizations
You can also report the theft to other organizations, such as:
- Credit Reporting Agencies - Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies to place fraud alerts or freezes on your accounts. Also get copies of your credit reports, to be sure that no one has already tried to get unauthorized credit accounts with your personal information. Confirm that the credit reporting agency will alert the other two credit reporting agencies.
- National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center - Report cases of identity theft due to a stay in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
- Financial Institutions - Contact the fraud department at your bank, credit card issuers and any other places where you have accounts.
- Retailers and Other Companies - Report the crime to companies where the identity thief opened credit accounts or even applied for jobs.
- State Consumer Protection Offices - Some states offer resources to help you recover from identity theft.
You may need to get new personal records or identification cards if you're the victim of ID theft. Learn how to replace your vital identification documents after identity theft.
Medical identity theft happens when someone uses your name, Social Security number, insurance plan number, or other personal information to get:
- Medical care
- Medication
- Access to your medical records
- Coverage under your name from your insurance company or Medicare
Report Medical Identity Theft
If you believe you've been a victim of medical identity theft, call the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-438-4338 (TTY: 1-866-653-4261) and your health insurance company’s fraud department. You can report the theft through IdentityTheft.gov to share with the FTC and with law enforcement. Also get copies of your medical records and work with your doctor's office and insurance company to correct them.
If you suspect that you have been the victim of Medicare fraud, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Inspector General at 1-800-447-8477.
Prevent Medical Identity Theft
Take these steps to prevent medical identity theft:
- Guard your Social Security, Medicare, and health insurance identification numbers. Only give your number to your physician or other approved health care providers.
- Review your explanation of benefits or Medicare Summary Notice to make sure that the claims match the services you received. Report questionable charges to your health insurance provider or Medicare.
- Request and carefully review a copy of your medical records for inaccuracies and conditions that you don’t have.
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Last Updated: November 27, 2019
