While this is not normal subject matter for the MDS Tech site, this IS a part of the digital life we are living that we all have to deal with.
The recent massive Equifax security breach is a huge example of network breaches that occur just about every day. One of the problems is that the thieves will often sit on the data until things cool down -i.e. people forget about it – THEN they try to use or sell the stolen data to steal people’s identities.
What can they do with it?
- Buy stuff for themselves, but you get the bill is common.
- So is getting ID papers using your credentials – opening accounts, not paying for things….ruinng YOUR credit and not theirs.
What can YOU do about it?
Freeze your credit. If you have ANY banking/payments/accounts, you probably have a file at the three credit agencies – which is sometimes true even if you are only 12 years old. Freezing your credit means that no one can open an account in your name with the PIN number – and for heaven’s sake, don’t lose that number [NOR should you carry it in your wallet or purse!]
In Georgia it costs $3 to freeze your credit unless you have been a victim of ID theft. You would unfreeze it if you are applying for credit at a new institution – any place you ALREADY have a financial relationship with already has permission to access your info.
These articles have more [easy to read] information, plus links to get started:
- http://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/credit-freeze-and-thaw-guide/
- http://consumersunion.org/research/consumers-unions-guide-to-security-freeze-protection-2/
- http://consumersunion.org/pdf/SecurityFreeze-Consider.pdf – here’s a link to the pdf stashed on THIS site –> SecurityFreeze-Consider
- http://consumersunion.org/research/frequently_asked_questions_about_security_freeze/
- http://consumersunion.org/news/cus-guide-to-security-freeze-protection/