Most of us know that we should be monitoring our credit, but life gets busy, and that task often falls to the end of our to-do list.
However, with the recent breach involving Social Security numbers being exposed on the dark web, this is something that needs to be prioritized.
What Happened
According to USA TODAY, “An estimated 2.9 billion records, including names, addresses and Social Security numbers may be affected after National Public Data confirmed it suffered a massive data breach involving the personal information of millions of Americans.”
Now, before you start panicking, let’s take a look at ways that you can check your credit with reputable sources (don’t just start entering your Social Security number into random website “checkers”!) and how you can freeze your credit if you need to.
First, Check Your Credit
While some websites claim they can help you check if your information was stolen, it’s important to know who’s reputable and who might compound the problem. Here are some trusted sources to consider:
What to Do if You’ve Been Compromised
If your information has been compromised, you’ll need to freeze your credit immediately. Contact one of these agencies online, by phone, or by mail
- Equifax: 1-888-378-4329, Equifax Information Services LLC, PO Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742, Experian Security Freeze, PO Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
- TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800, PO Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094
- Innovis: 1-866-712-4546, Innovis Consumer Assistance, PO Box 530088, Atlanta, GA 30353-0088
Please note that if you are contacting these agencies by mail, many have online forms you can print out. You may need to provide your full name, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you’ve moved in the last five years, you may also need to provide your previous address(es). You may also need to provide proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or insurance statement. Finally, you may need to provide a photocopy of a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or military ID.
Remember that Bergland Wealth Management is dedicated to staying on top of any threats to your finances and identity. If you are concerned about this current issue or have questions about your financial safety, we’re here to help.
CLICK HERE to make an appointment.
To learn more about this latest security breach, visit the following resources:
- USA TODAY
- National Public Data Breach
- Pentester.com
- AnnualCreditReport.com
- Identity Theft Resource Center: Place a Credit Freeze
- Identity Theft Resource Center: Comparing Credit Locks, Fraud Alerts and a Credit Freeze
- New Identity Theft Resource Center Research Shows Consumers Know About Credit Freezes, But Rarely Use Them