Q: My social security, address, phone number, etc has been placed on the dark web due to the National Public Data breach.
What can I do? I was notified by Credit Wise through my Capitol One account.
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A:
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. First, immediately check your credit reports from the three major bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—to identify any unauthorized activity. You can obtain free reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. Consider placing a fraud alert or freezing your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Next, secure your online accounts by updating passwords and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible. Be cautious of any suspicious emails or calls that request personal information, as these may be attempts to exploit your data. Notify your bank and other financial institutions about the breach to monitor for unusual transactions.
Additionally, report the breach to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consider filing a police report if you notice any fraudulent activities. Keeping detailed records of all communications and actions you take can be helpful. Taking these steps can help protect your identity and minimize potential damage from the data breach.
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