Solution 15 - I have received a breach letter, what are the steps to take?
It can be unnerving to be told that your information has been compromised in a breach. There are some steps you can take at this time. Please remember that the more people affected by a breach, the less likely they will become a victim of identity theft.
For majority of breaches:
Call the credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert. We recommend that you call all three. You will go through the automated system when you do this.
Once you place fraud alerts on your credit reports you should receive a free credit report for your review. Please go over these reports to look for any signs of identity theft.
Use the annual credit reports system to monitor your credit report over the next year. Stagger them out by ordering one every four months.
If your bank information is compromised:
Close all affected accounts and have account numbers changed.
Cancel all affected credit cards and debit cards.
Password protect your account.
Watch your account statements closely
Report any fraudulent activity immediately to the bank.
If your insurance information is compromised change the policy numbers.
If it is HR data that was compromised change account numbers for your 401-K, life insurance, and accounts holding your stock options. Please password protect these accounts as well.
Related Links:
Solution 3 - Contacting the Credit Reporting Agencies to Place a Fraud Alert
Fact Sheet 129 - I recieved a security breach letter, what do I do now?
This Solution should not be used in lieu of legal advice. Any requests to reproduce this material, other than by individual victims or their
own use, should be directed to ITRC.
Solution 15, Copyright February 2008, Identity Theft Resource Center ®,
Created by the ITRC staff
This project was supported by Grant No. 2007-VF-GX-K038 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
Points of view in this document are those of the ITRC and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.