If you haven’t heard already, Equifax, which is one of the three major credit bureaus had a data breach.  This breach has potentially exposed the personal information of 143 Million people.  So it is possible one of those victims could be you. 

 

According to Equifax the breach occurred sometime between mid-May and July where social security numbers, credit card numbers, addresses, drivers license numbers and birth dates were stolen. 

 

As of this moment Equifax has not provided a way to let you know if you a victim.  They are, however, offering a complimentary identity theft protection and credit file monitoring service which you can enroll in by clicking here.

Other things you can do.  Get a copy of your latest credit report.  Click here.

If you feel you have been a victim of fraud you can report it here.  

You can put a freeze on your credit.  When you freeze your credit, no one can try to open up a new credit card in your name.  You would have to contact all three credit bureaus to do this.  When you freeze your credit they provide you with a PIN number so anyone trying to open a new credit card would have to know that PIN number to unfreeze your account.

The telephone numbers to the three reporting agencies to freeze your credit are as follows:

1. Equifax: 1-800-349-9960

2. Experian:  1-888-397-3742

3. TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872

Please also remember that other members of your family may not be as experienced with the internet, etc. as you are.  Consider helping them to protect themselves as well.