7 Things To Do When Your Identity Has Been Compromised In A Data Breach

The most recent data breach on Anthem Insurance has compromised tens of millions' of customer's identities. BBB offers advice on what to do when a data breach compromises your identity

1. Do not take a “wait and see” approach...

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You may have done this with credit card breaches in the past, however you must act quickly. Breaches involving Social Security numbers have the potential to be far more detrimental to victims and the damage can be difficult to repair.

2. Consider taking a preemptive strike by freezing your credit reports.

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This won't impact existing credit cards and accounts. However it will make it more difficult for thieves to create fraudulent accounts using your personal information.

3. At the very least place an alert on your credit reports.

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While this is less effective than a freeze, you know your Social Security number has been compromised. Having an extra cushion for protection is always advisable.

4. Take advantage of free credit monitoring services.

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When a business suffers a data breach sometimes they will offer a credit monitoring service to those who were victimized. While this will not prevent anything, it will alert you to new accounts or inquiries using your Social Security number. This enables you to act quickly should anything happen.

5. Be vigilant.

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Regularly checking your credit reports will help catch any unauthorized charges or signs of fraud.

6. Visit the FTC's identity theft resources.

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Seek out as much information about repairing damage caused by identity theft as possible.

7. Expect that scammers will take advantage of a data breach.

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You will probably notice emails and other messages appearing to be from a credit bureau, or another legitimate business - beware, it could be a phishing message. Do not click links from any email, text, or social media message about any data breach.

For more information about scams check out BBB Scam Stopper.