STEPS TO TAKE IN THE EVENT OF
A POTENTIAL DATA BREACH
Healthy Living | Fall Issue | 2017 11
The Better Business Bureau has
some suggestions for consumers
concerned that their credit or
debit cards may have been compromised
by a data breach.
1. Stay calm. Consumers are
not liable for fraudulent charges
on stolen account numbers.
2. Check with the website of
the company that was breached
for the latest information. Type
the company name directly into
your browser. Do NOT click on
a link from an email or social
media message.
3. If a credit card has been
compromised, you will likely
hear from the bank or card-issuer
first. If you have questions,
call the customer service number
on your card.
4. Consider putting a credit
freeze or fraud alert on your
credit reports with the three major
credit reporting agencies (go.
bbb.org/creditfreeze). A credit
freeze will prevent anyone from
accessing your credit report or
scores. This means you cannot
apply for new credit without
lifting the freeze. A fraud alert
flags your account but does not
automatically halt new credit
being opened in your name.
5. AnnualCreditReport.
com is the only website authorized
by the Federal Trade Commission
to provide you with
a free annual credit report. Be
wary of ads, emails, and social
media messages for other services.
Everyone should check
their credit reports annually,
whether or not they have been
the victim of a data breach.
6. If your credit card(s) has
been breached:
- Monitor your credit card
statements carefully (go online;
don’t wait for the paper statement).
- If you see a fraudulent
charge, report it to your bank or
credit card issuer immediately