News that 4 million current or former federal employees may have had their personal information compromised in a massive data breach, should be concerning to everyone. Data breaches and cybercrimes are already common place and only expected to get worse in the near term.
“It’s unfortunate that some consumers only consider monitoring their personal consumer information after a data breach has been announced,” says Berni Koch, Chairman and CEO of AAA Mid-Atlantic. “That’s like buying car insurance after an accident when the damage is already done.”
By the time an organization makes its data breach announcement, weeks may have elapsed since the actual occurrence of the data breach. During that time, an individual’s personal consumer information may have already been exposed on the internet enabling unauthorized access to personal consumer information, establishment of a consumer loan such as a credit card without authorization, or even use of an individual’s healthcare benefits.
While consumers should be aware that personal risks may exist when a data breach occurs, they should also be proactive in preparing for such an occurrence.
Many identity theft monitoring products are available. For example, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s ProtectMyID is a no cost member benefit that may help enrolled subscribers proactively monitor their personal consumer information as a means of early detection of any unauthorized use and possible identity theft.
If you are the victim of identity theft, act quickly to limit the damage. The Federal Trade Commission advises:
Step 1: Call the companies where you know fraud occurred.
Step 2: Place a fraud alert and get your credit report. Contact one of the three credit bureaus. That company must tell the other two.
- Equifax.com/Credit Report Assistance 1-888-766-0008
- Experian.com/fraudalert 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion.com/fraud 1-800-680-7289
Get your free credit report right away. Go to annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
Step 3: Report identity theft to the FTC.
Complete the FTC’s online complaint form (https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/). Give as many details as you can. The complaint form is not available on mobile devices, but you can call 1-877-438-4338 to make your report.
Step 4: File a report with your local police department.
Go to your local police office with:
- Copy of FTC Identity Theft Affidavit
- Government-issued ID with a photo
- Proof of your address (mortgage statement, rental agreement, or utilities bill)
- Any other proof of the theft (bills, IRS notices, etc.)
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