An estimated 2.9 billion records, including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, may have been compromised following a massive data breach at National Public Data. Despite the privacy concerns, Americans should be cautious about submitting their Social Security numbers to websites claiming to help identify if they were affected by the breach.
Social Security scams are not new. On any given day, someone might receive a call from an individual claiming to be an FBI agent with a warrant for their arrest, demanding their Social Security number, bank information, and other personal details to resolve the issue.
But what about websites that claim they can help identify if your data was stolen in the recent breach? While some websites may not be scams, it is still unwise to submit your Social Security number and other identifying information to random websites that may not be legitimate.
Why You Should Be Concerned: Actions to Take Following the National Public Data Breach
Why Shouldn’t You Share Your Social Security Number?
Banks, schools, new employers, accountants, and landlords do require Social Security numbers. However, you should not submit your Social Security number to people, businesses, or websites you do not trust.
“The most important thing for the public to always be aware of is the need to protect their personal information,” said Darren Lutz, a spokesperson for the Social Security Administration, to USA TODAY.
Experts like James E. Lee, chief operating officer at Identity Theft Resource Center, “certainly don’t recommend” entering Social Security numbers on websites that claim to check if your personal information was affected or leaked.
Fraudsters can do a lot with your Social Security number and some identifiable information, such as:
- Opening credit accounts in your name
- Using your information to collect unemployment insurance
- Circumventing your benefits
Reputable Websites for Checking Data Breaches
Some reputable websites allow you to check if your data was stolen without requiring you to submit your Social Security number. According to CNBC, these include:
- NPD.pentester.com: Requires only your first name, last name, state, and birth year.
- NPDBreach.com: Allows you to search using your full name and zip code, SSN, or phone number.
Monitoring Credit Reports for Signs of Fraud
If you suspect your identity may have been stolen, you can check your credit reports for signs of fraud. Credit reports help monitor for unfamiliar or unexpected activity. You can request a credit report once a year from:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Additionally, you can regularly check your my Social Security account for suspicious activity. “If a person has not yet applied for benefits, they should not see information about payment amounts on their my Social Security account and will be able to access their Social Security Statement to receive estimates of their future benefits,” Lutz said.
If suspicious activity is found, you can place a credit freeze to protect yourself from identity theft and further misuse of stolen information, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
How to Report Suspected Fraud
If you believe your identity was stolen, contact the Federal Trade Commission at idtheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. Additionally, you should:
- File a police report where the identity theft occurred and keep a copy of the report
- Contact a fraud unit
- Monitor your credit report periodically
You can reach out to the following fraud units:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
The company you contact is required to alert the other two companies listed.
By taking these steps, you can better protect your personal information and mitigate the risks associated with data breaches.
View the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/dont-tricked-check-social-security-193623199.html
