Unfortunately, data breaches remain an ongoing threat. If your data has been compromised, or if you’d like to take proactive steps to protect your information from such threats, here are a few steps and resources to help minimize your risk.
Review Your Account Statements and Notify Law Enforcement of Suspicious Activity
As a precautionary measure, we recommend you review your account statements and credit reports closely. If you detect any suspicious activity on an account, immediately contact your financial institution. Also be sure to report any fraudulent activity or suspected identity theft to proper law enforcement authorities, including your state attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
To file a complaint with the FTC, visit IdentityTheft.gov or call 877-438-4338. Complaints filed with the FTC will be added to the FTC's Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, a database made available to law enforcement agencies.
Obtain and Monitor Your Credit Report
You can obtain a free copy of your credit report online from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once every 12 months. To do so, call 877-322-8228 or complete an Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
PO Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348
Consider Placing a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report
It’s free to place an initial fraud alert on your credit report, and the alert will stay on your credit file for at least 90 days. This alert informs creditors of possible fraudulent activity within your report and requests that the creditor contact you before establishing any accounts in your name. To place a fraud alert on your credit report, contact any of the three credit reporting agencies identified above.
Take Advantage of Additional Free Resources on Identity Theft
We recommend you review the tips provided by the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information website, a valuable resource with some helpful tips on how to protect your information.
For more information, visit IdentityTheft.gov or call 877-438-4338. A copy of Identity Theft – A Recovery Plan, a comprehensive guide from the FTC to help you guard against and deal with identity theft, can be found on the FTC's website.
Security Freeze
You have the right to put a security freeze on your credit file. A security freeze (also known as a credit freeze) makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. It is designed to prevent potential creditors from accessing your credit report without your consent. As a result, using a security freeze may interfere with or delay your ability to apply for a new credit card, wireless phone, or any service that requires a credit check. You must separately place a security freeze on your credit file with each credit reporting agency.
To place a security freeze, you may be required to provide the consumer reporting agency with your Social Security number; date of birth; current and previous addresses; a copy of your state-issued identification card; and a recent utility bill, bank statement, or insurance statement. There is no charge to request or remove a security freeze.