When your Social Security Number (SSN) is compromised or leaked, an identity thief with access to it and other personal information can open new credit accounts, like credit cards or car loans, in your name; claim your tax refunds; create a fake identity to get a job, apartment, or other services; and so on.
In light of this serious potential damage, it is important you know if any of your personal information was compromised in the recent National Public Data breach.
If you happen to be among the about 2.9 billion records including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, you should also know what steps to take for protection. So let’s begin
Identify If You Were Compromised
To check if your data was part of the breach, you can use online tools provided by cybersecurity firms. Pentester has set up a tool at npd.pentester.com where you can enter your first and last name and birth year to see if your data was affected.
Another option is the website npdbreach.com by Atlas Privacy, which allows you to search using your full name and zip code, or phone number. These tools don’t require you to enter your full Social Security number, which is important for maintaining your security.
In the future, monitor your credit reports to identify potential leaks. You can request free annual credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Carefully examine these reports for any unfamiliar activities or accounts you didn’t open.
If Compromised, Do These
If you suspect your Social Security number has been compromised, there are several immediate actions you should take.
First, visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report and receive a personalized recovery plan. You can also call 877-438-4337 for assistance. Additionally, file an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which monitors cybercrime complaints.
Contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your account is a crucial step. This alert will notify creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or changing existing ones. Once set up with one agency, it will go into effect with the others and remains active for one year, with the option to renew.
For those particularly concerned about identity theft, consider a credit freeze. As noted by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, “Your best protection against someone opening new credit accounts in your name is the security freeze (also known as the credit freeze), not the often-offered, under-achieving credit monitoring.”
Ongoing Protection Measures
Most people don’t keep close tabs on their checking and savings balances or examine every item on their credit card bills, which hackers count on. Therefore, it’s crucial to break this habit and become more vigilant.
Continuous monitoring of your financial accounts is essential. Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Stay vigilant with your credit reports by periodically reviewing them for any suspicious activity.
It’s also advisable to create your online Social Security account at ssa.gov. This prevents someone else from creating an account in your name, where they could potentially view your statement or change your address.
If your Social Security number has been stolen, contact the Internal Revenue Service to prevent the thief from using your number to file a tax return and receive your refund, or from using your number for employment purposes.
Another important thing is to not submit your SSN to people, websites, and bodies you don’t trust. While schools, new employers, banks, accountants, and landlords do require Social Security numbers, ensure you provide it to them discreetly, either separately via a call or in encrypted documents
Remember, while you can’t prevent data breaches, staying informed and taking quick action can significantly mitigate the risks associated with compromised personal information. Continue to educate yourself about the latest identity theft tactics and protection methods, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you suspect your information has been misused.
