Last year, we reported that we were part of the Harvard Pilgrim Health breach. At that time, we provided instructions on how to maneuver these challenges.

With the announcement of another possible breach affecting billions of individuals, we are reissuing and updating this information to help you stay safe.

This new National Public Data breach is monumental, and it’s safe to assume you’re at risk.
The hackers put the entire database — which includes Social Security numbers, full names and addresses on the Dark Web for sale and when it didn’t sell for the $3.5m that they wanted, so they handed it out for free!
We know all these breaches and hacks start to feel like white noise, but you can’t ignore this one.

Here’s why it matters:

If your Social Security number is stolen and used for someone’s gain, like opening up a loan or getting a job, start with the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov (https://www.identitytheft.gov/Steps). Fill out the form there, and you’ll get an entire plan for how to recover your identity and protect yourself going forward.

The IRS also has a place to report if you suspect someone is using your SSN: Identity Theft Central (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central). Major red flags to watch for? You receive a tax form for a job you didn’t do or you submit your taxes and there’s already something on file.

You know things are bad when both the FTC and the IRS have dedicated portals to help you because someone is using your SSN and stealing from you.

Kim Komando issues a special Tech Alert on August 15th.
Here are some of her signs to watch for:
A fake tax form is one thing; most signs of identity theft are more subtle — at least, in the beginning. Here’s what to look for, along with steps to lock down your identity and protect your money:

• Double-check all health care communications. If you get an explanation of benefits (EOB) or bill for services you didn’t receive, contact your health care provider and insurance company ASAP. It likely means someone is using your benefits for their own care.
• Treat email requests with caution. Be skeptical of anything that seems super urgent. It’s OK to slow down for safety.
• Freeze your credit. This will keep scammers from opening a credit card or loan in your name. Like setting up a fraud alert, you’ll need to contact each of the three credit bureaus. Watch out for bogus emails from the credit bureaus, too.
• Be wary of “old friends” who appear out of nowhere. It could be a hacker who happens to have a little (stolen) info. Take the time to confirm they are who they say they are.
• Make a list of exposed data. Keep this digitally or on a Post‑it. Be suspicious of anyone who references it in an email or phone call. Say the company you financed your car through was hacked. Alarm bells should sound if you get a call out of the blue about a major issue with your loan.
• Update your PIN and banking login credentials, even if they weren’t involved directly in a breach. Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for anything out of the ordinary. Set up banking alerts on your phone while you’re at it.
• Want to get Free Kim’s daily newsletter? https://join.komando.com/ef9e9759/

Here’s what else you need to do:

• Change your password(s), especially if you have used your passwords on other sites.
• FREEZE your accounts at the three major credit bureaus. This will keep anyone (even yourself) from opening a new line of credit. Don’t worry; you can unfreeze your credit or temporarily lift a freeze for a set amount of time when you are ready to apply for a new credit card, line of credit, and allow access to lenders. https://www.komando.com/tips/money/instructions-to-freeze-your-credit/Experian – https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
  TransUnion – https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
  Equifax – https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
• Activate credit alerts
• If your identity has been compromised or misused, file an Identity Theft Report with your local police department.
• Cybercriminals often sit on their spoils for months until the turmoil dies down and our vigilance diminishes. Then, they’ll use their ill-gotten gains with fewer chances of immediate disclosure. It’s not unusual for companies to say that they are unaware of breached information being used at the time they disclose the breach.
• Your healthcare insurance itself is also very valuable and can be sold on the Dark Web so stay vigilant.
• Minor children may also be at risk. We suggest putting a credit freeze on their accounts at all three national credit bureaus. Since they have no credit on file, a form must be completed and mailed. Although it’s more of a hassle than completing your requests online, it is protection that you don’t want to exclude.
  For more information, read:
  https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/identity-theft/child-identity-theft/

  Print copies of this article are available at https://actsmartit.com/stolen-ss-number/

On Tuesday, August 20, 2024 David spoke with Rob Hakala and the South Shore’s Morning News about the Unprecedented Data Breach: 2.9 Billion Records Compromised.
You can find his original blog post and a recording of the radio spot here.
The above article added information to his radio spot’s blog, so we decided to share it.