Receiving the news that your personal data may have been exposed can be scary.
Beyond changing your passwords for your accounts, there are identity protection measures that you may want to consider if you receive notice that your data was exposed.
- Review Account Statements. Carefully review your account statements, and notify the company that sent the statement if you find any errors.
- Obtain Free Credit Report. Federal law allows you to annually obtain one free copy of your credit report from each of the three major consumer reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union). To track your credit over a full year, request one report from a different agency every four months. To request a credit report online, go to www.annualcreditreport.com, or call 1-877-322-8228.
- Request a Credit Freeze. A credit freeze prevents any new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission. North Carolina residents may request a freeze online, at no charge. A fee may be charged if the request is made by mail or telephone. To request a freeze, contact each of the agencies below:
- Equifax Security Freeze P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, Georgia 30348 www.equifax.com (800) 685-1111
- Experian Security Freeze P. O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 www.experian.com (888) 397-3742
- TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance P. O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834 www.transunion.com (800) 916-8800