Critter Corner: What to Do if Your Social Security Number Is Part of the Recent Data Breach

Dear Hayek,

I heard recently that a massive data breach may have compromised the personal information of millions, or even billions, of Americans. How can I find out if my information was affected, and if so, what actions can I take?

Thanks for your help!

Dayta Breech

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Dear Dayta,

Personal data, including Social Security numbers of billions of people, have reportedly been stolen in a massive hack of a background check company. National Public Data failed to properly safeguard information including as many as 2.9 billion full names, current and past addresses, Social Security numbers, and information on parents, siblings, and other relatives. The hacking group USDoD is accused of stealing this information in April 2024. Sounds scary! But, how can you know if your personal information was breached?

There are actions you can take to check if your personal information has been breached and to stop criminals from misusing your personal information:

• Check your credit report: Regularly checking your credit report through Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion allows you to spot signs of identity theft or fraudulent activity, such as unauthorized accounts or inquiries. People can request a free credit report once a year from the three major credit bureaus listed above.
• Experts recommend freezing your credit files at the three major credit bureaus if suspicious activity is found on credit reports. This will prevent someone from using your information to misuse stolen information (e.g., applying for a loan). However, you will have to lift the freeze if you apply for a loan, credit card, or open a new account yourself. Here’s how to freeze your credit files:
  • Equifax
    • Online: Visit the Equifax Credit Freeze page.
    • By phone: Call Equifax at 1-800-685-1111.
    • By mail: Send a request to Equifax, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348. Include your name, address, Social Security number, and copies of documentation proving your identity (such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement).
  • Experian
    • Online: Visit the Experian Credit Freeze page.
    • By phone: Call Experian at 1-888-397-3742.
    • By mail: Send a request to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013. Include your name, address, Social Security number, and proof of identity.
  • TransUnion
    • Online: Visit the TransUnion Credit Freeze page.
    • By phone: Call TransUnion at 1-888-909-8872.
    • By mail: Send a request to TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094. Include your name, address, Social Security number, and proof of identity.

Don’t Trust Websites That Claim to Help See if Your Information Is Stolen

Please note that some websites claim they can help victims identify if their information was stolen. It may not be a scam, but people still shouldn’t submit their Social Security numbers and other identifying information to random websites that may not be legitimate resources.

Avoid Sharing Your Social Security Number

Fraudsters can do a lot with your Social Security number and some identifiable information, including opening credit accounts in your name, using your information to collect unemployment insurance, and circumventing your benefits, among other things. This is why you should never provide your Social Security number to individuals, businesses, or websites you don’t trust.

You should also always be vigilant about clicking links on unsolicited emails or text messages and monitor your credit report. For more details about Cybersecurity Training, a new client benefit from the Farr Law Firm, click here.

Hope this helps,

Hayek