Data breaches have unfortunately become all too common in today’s increasingly digital world.
To protect your financial information, security experts offer these tips:
- Get a copy of your credit report immediately and review recent activity. You can request a free report through AnnualCreditReport.com, if you haven’t already done so.
- Consider signing up for free credit monitoring so you’ll be alerted to changes in your credit report.
- Continually monitor your financial accounts and change passwords regularly.
- File your income taxes immediately.
Experts also suggest you consider placing a security freeze on your credit reports. This will prevent someone from opening credit in your name without a PIN that you create.
Depending on your state, there may be a nominal fee to place the freeze and to lift it in order for future employers or creditors to access your credit report.
You’ll need to contact all three credit bureaus: Experian (888-397-3742), TransUnion (888-909-8872) and Equifax (800-349-9960).
The CyberSafe at USPS sites on Blue and LiteBlue and USPSCyberSafe.com have more tips and information.