Better Business Bureau released 8 Things to Do After a Data Breach:
-
Stay calm — consumers are not liable for fraudulent charges on stolen account numbers.
-
Check with the website of the company that was breached for the latest information, typing the company name directly into a browser. Do not click on a link from an email or social media message.
-
If a credit card has been compromised, consumers are likely to hear from the bank or card issuer first. Questions can be referred through the customer service number on a card.
Advertisement -
Consider putting a credit freeze or fraud alert on credit reports with the three major credit reporting agencies. A credit freeze will prevent anyone from accessing a consumer’s credit report or scores. A fraud alert flags the account but does not automatically halt new credit being opened in the consumer’s name.
-
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized by the Federal Trade Commission to provide a free annual credit report. Be wary of ads, emails, and social media messages for other services.
-
If a credit card has been breached, monitor credit card statements carefully, report any fraudulent charges to the bank or credit card issuer immediately so they can be reversed and a new card issued, and keep receipts in case proof of authorized charges is needed.
-
If a debit card has been breached, do all of the above for credit cards, but pay very careful attention to the account. Debit cards do not have the same protections as credit cards, and debit transactions withdraw funds directly from your bank account. Contact the bank for more information or to preemptively request a new debit card or put a security block on the account.
Advertisement -
Beware of scammers who may purport to be from a retailer, the bank, or the credit card issuer, saying that the card was compromised and suggesting actions to “fix” the problem. Phishing emails may attempt to fool consumers into providing credit card information or ask them to click on a link or open an attachment, which can download malware onto a computer.
