Social Security Number Breach

Equifax Breach: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

What Happened?

In 2017, Equifax, a major credit reporting agency, was hacked and the personal information of 147 million Americans was stolen, including:

• Full names
• Addresses
• Dates of birth
• Social Security numbers (SSNs)

Why is Your SSN Important?

Your SSN is a unique identifier used by the government and financial institutions to track your credit history, tax information, and other sensitive data. If your SSN is exposed in a breach, identity thieves can use it to:

• Open new credit accounts in your name
• File fraudulent tax returns
• Access your medical records

What to Do If Your SSN is Compromised

If you believe your SSN may have been compromised, take immediate action to protect yourself:

1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports: Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to have a fraud alert placed on your credit reports. This will alert potential creditors to the possibility of fraud and make it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
2. Freeze your credit: Contact the same three credit bureaus to freeze your credit. This will prevent anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name without your express permission.
3. Monitor your credit reports: Regularly review your credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You can get free copies of your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com.
4. Report the theft to the Social Security Administration (SSA): If you believe your SSN has been stolen, report it to the SSA. They can issue you a new SSN and help you protect your identity.

Remember:

• Identity theft can cause significant financial and emotional harm.
• Acting quickly to protect yourself is crucial.
• By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage to your identity and financial well-being.