Do You Know What to Do After a Personal Data Breach?

The Georgia Secretary of State Office experienced a massive data breach that revealed the personal information of more than six million voters last November. This breach of personal data left many individuals wondering how to better secure their sensitive information. In fact, the Georgia breach, which included Social Security numbers, was one of the largest of all U.S. states. While the Secretary of State’s office offered voters free credit and identity theft monitoring to those affected for one year, the threat of additional hacks continues to rise at an alarming rate in Georgia and throughout the nation.

The financial and personal toll that identity theft it can take on an individual or a family is significant. That’s why knowing beforehand what actions to take if your identity is at risk – and then taking those steps immediately – could mean a world of difference in mitigating the damage early on. Whether an online account has been hacked or someone has stolen your wallet, consider taking the following steps the instant you learn of a potential data breach that can expose your personal information.

Place a Fraud Alert

Even though a company that suffered a breach tells you that your information is encrypted, don’t take their word for it. Contact one of the three credit reporting bureaus and request to place a fraud alert on any names wherein personal information has been compromised. A fraud alert is free and lasts for 90 days. There is no need to place an alert with each bureau; the three bureaus share fraud alerts with each other.

• Equifax 1-800-525-6285 / equifax.com
• Experian 1-888-397-3742 / experian.com
• TransUnion 1-800-680-7289 /transunion.com

Issuing a fraud alert will make it more difficult for you – or potentially someone posing as you – to secure credit under your name, since the credit bureau will now have to verify your identity before credit is granted. A fraud alert is not the same as freezing your credit. Someone can still access your credit report with a fraud alert in place if you so authorize.

Secure Your Free Credit Reports

By law, you are permitted to secure one copy of your credit report for free from each of the three credit reporting bureaus once every 12 months (their phone numbers and website addresses are above). You should secure a copy now and do so going forward on an annual basis. If you note any transaction that is not yours, report it immediately to the credit reporting bureau.

Credit Monitoring Services

Another option to consider, if this option hasn’t already been provided to you for free by the agency that was responsible for the data breach, is to utilize a credit monitoring service. A credit monitoring service can place a fraud alert on your account, as well place a freeze on your credit. The monitoring service will usually send you an email alerting you that credit is being extended in your name, or that someone has inquired as to your credit. Credit monitoring services charge based on the frequency of notification—the more frequent notification, the higher the cost.

Place a Credit Freeze on Your Account

It is easy and relatively inexpensive to freeze your credit. Fees associated with initiating a credit freeze vary by state. In Georgia, placing a “freeze” on your account, if you have not been an identity theft victim, will cost $3 per account per credit reporting bureau. To “thaw” your account (i.e., remove the freeze) will also cost you $3 per transaction per credit reporting bureau. However, if you have been an identity theft victim and have filed a police report, or you’re a senior citizen, these services are free.

To freeze or thaw an account, all you need to do is contact each of the three credit reporting bureaus. A freeze will last until you remove it.

Finally, be sure to reset all of your account passwords and be vigilant of suspicious emails asking you to click on a link. Request new credit card numbers from your creditors, cancel debit cards and request new PINs.