There has been a data breach of 2.9 billion records, including names, social security numbers and addresses. This information has been stolen from National Public Data (NPD). This company collects data to provide background checks. John Terry’s line from Full Metal Jacket puts it best, “…it’s a huge s**t sandwich, and we’re all gonna have to take a bite.”
Not everyone’s information was in the breach.
You can check if your data was included here. This cybersecurity firm, Pentester, acquired the list of the data in the breach. I implore you to check and see if your data has been compromised.
What do you do if it is?
The most proactive route would be to freeze your credit. This means if any bad actor tries to use your information to open a new credit application, no service will accept the application. Sounds easy enough, right? The problem is time. There are three credit bureaus you would have to freeze your credit at:
TransUnion
Has an automated line at 800-916-8800 or 888-909-8872 or create and use their online account (I recommend this for ease in unfreezing when you have an anticipated new credit application for a credit card, mortgage, car loan, etc.)
Equifax
Has an automated line at 800-349-9960 or customer care at 888-298-0045 or create and use their online account
Experian
You can call 888-397-3742 for information, but one must create an online account to monitor and freeze credit
As I briefly mentioned above, if you do not intend on getting a new credit card or touching/initiating any loans in the near future, freezing your credit can make a lot of sense. I want to point out that this just stops fraud the a sense of someone opening up a new credit line (most likely in the form of a credit card). It does not stop fraud on your existing cards. For example, a credit freeze will not stop a random, fraudulent charge at an In-N-Out in Arizona. You will still have to report the fraud to the credit card company to freeze that individual card, receive a new one, and receive your refund.
Most credit card companies offer free credit score monitoring.
T
ypically, they also put your credit score/report on the opening page of their respective apps. I recommend looking at those numbers a little more closely as you go in to pay off your card monthly or redeem rewards. If it looks like your score has dropped anywhere from 20-50ish points, that would be an immediate red flag that another credit inquiry/application has taken place. Certainly not the end of the world, but added hassle and stress to get removed from your record.
Stay safe out there, my friends.
September 2024
