Have you been wondering if your Social Security number was compromised in the massive National Public Data breach? With 2.9 billion records reported stolen last December, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your personal information. Here’s how you can check if your personal data was leaked and what you can do to safeguard your identity.
In August, National Public Data—a data broker that sells personal information to private investigators, consumer public record sites, and human resources agencies—reported that a “third-party bad actor” had hacked their system. This breach resulted in the stolen data being leaked on the dark web. According to a proposed class action lawsuit, National Public Data had obtained this information by scraping nonpublic sources without consent.
If you’re concerned that your Social Security number or other personal information was compromised, follow these steps:
- Check your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unusual or unauthorized transactions.
- Consider using identity theft protection services to alert you of suspicious activity.
If you discover that your information was indeed leaked, here are steps you can take to protect your Social Security number:
- Freeze your credit: Contact the major credit bureaus to place a freeze on your credit. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
- Place a fraud alert: A fraud alert warns creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit.
- File a report with the FTC: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the theft and create a recovery plan.
For more information on protecting your identity, consider looking into the best identity theft protection services. Also, learn how to freeze your credit to add an extra layer of security. For those concerned about their Social Security benefits, here’s when you can expect your Social Security check to arrive this month and four ways you could potentially lose your benefits.
Stay vigilant and proactive to protect your personal information from potential identity theft.
The recent breach in the National Public Data system has left many wondering, “How was my personal information stolen?” This alarming incident, according to a statement from National Public Data this month, was caused by a third-party bad actor attempting to hack into the database in late December 2023. It’s believed that certain data leaks occurred in April 2024 and continued into the summer of 2024.
The Scale of the Data Breach
This theft, allegedly orchestrated by a cybercriminal group known as USDoD, could potentially involve nearly 3 billion personal records. Among the stolen data are critical pieces of information including your name, email address, phone number, Social Security number, and mailing addresses.
How Many Were Affected?
The exact number of affected individuals remains unclear. While Maine’s Attorney General’s office estimates that around 1.3 million people have been impacted, based on discussions with the data broker, security expert Troy Hunt of Have I Been Pwned suggests that the breach includes 134 million unique email addresses.
What You Need to Know
- The breach involved a third-party bad actor.
- Attempts to hack into the database occurred in December 2023.
- Data leaks potentially happened in April 2024 and summer 2024.
- The cybercriminal group responsible goes by the name USDoD.
- Nearly 3 billion personal records may have been compromised.
- Information stolen includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and mailing addresses.
Staying Safe and Informed
In light of this significant breach, it is more important than ever to remain vigilant about your personal information. Regularly check for unusual activity in your accounts, and consider using services that can alert you to potential misuse of your data. Stay informed and protect yourself from the ramifications of this unfortunate event.
In today’s digital age, protecting your personal information is more crucial than ever. With the recent National Public Data breach, many are left wondering if their sensitive data, like their Social Security number, has been compromised. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to check if your information has been affected.
How to Check if Your Social Security Number Was Stolen
Two prominent online security companies have developed websites that allow you to check, for free, if your Social Security number is part of the stolen data:
- Atlas Privacy offers a tool at https://www.npdbreach.com/
- Pentester provides a similar service at https://npd.pentester.com/
These lookup tools are straightforward to use. Simply enter the required information to search through the database of stolen data. When I checked the various states I’ve lived in, both tools confirmed my personal information had been compromised in the hack.
National Public Data’s Response to the Data Theft
In response to the breach, National Public Data has issued a statement explaining their actions. They are:
- Collaborating with law enforcement and governmental investigators
- Conducting a thorough review of the potentially affected records
For those whose information has been stolen, the company has committed to notifying you if there are any significant developments that apply to you. They also recommend closely monitoring your financial accounts for any unauthorized activity to protect yourself from potential fraud.
In these uncertain times, staying vigilant and proactive about your online security is essential.
Wondering if your Social Security number has been leaked? While you can’t completely prevent the theft, there are steps you can take to monitor your credit reports and financial accounts for any unexpected activity. This way, you can spot if your Social Security number or other personal information is being misused.
Check If Your Data Has Been Leaked
Start by visiting a free site like Have I Been Pwned to see if your email has been compromised in a data breach. This can give you an initial clue if your personal information might be at risk.
Monitor Your Credit Reports
To detect identity theft, request a free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Examine these reports for any unfamiliar activity, such as new accounts you didn’t open. Additionally, keep an eye on your credit card and bank statements for unexpected charges and payments.
Sign Up for a Credit Monitoring Service
Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service. These services continuously monitor your credit report on all major credit bureaus and alert you to any unusual activity. With a monitoring service, you can set up fraud alerts that notify you if someone is trying to use your identity, including attempts to use your Social Security number.
Benefits of Credit Monitoring Services
- Continuous monitoring of your credit reports
- Alerts for unusual activity
- Fraud alerts for attempts to use your identity
Taking these steps can help you stay vigilant and protect your personal information from potential misuse.
What to Do If You Think Your Social Security Number Was Stolen
If you suspect that your Social Security number has been stolen, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself from potential fraud. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration itself can’t do much if someone uses your stolen information to open a line of credit or get a job. However, there are steps you can take to safeguard your identity and mitigate the damage.
Step 1: Report the Theft
Your first move should be to head to the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov and fill out a form to receive a personal recovery plan. This plan will guide you through the process of protecting yourself from fraud and recovering your identity. You can also call 877-438-4337 for assistance.
Step 2: Contact the IRS
If your Social Security number has been stolen, it’s crucial to notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This will help prevent the thief from using your number to file a tax return and claim your tax refund. Additionally, it will stop them from using your number to get a job, which can result in owed taxes showing up on your record. Visit the IRS’s Identity Theft Central to dispute any fraudulent claims, get help, and clear up any issues you may have.
- Report the theft at IdentityTheft.gov.
- Contact the IRS to prevent misuse of your Social Security number.
- Dispute any fraudulent claims through the IRS’s Identity Theft Central.
- Follow the personal recovery plan provided by the FTC.
By taking these steps swiftly, you can significantly reduce the risk of further damage and begin the process of restoring your identity. Remember, the sooner you act, the better your chances of minimizing the impact of this unfortunate event.
Dealing with internet crime can be daunting, but knowing how to take the right steps can make a significant difference. One of the first actions you should take is to file an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This organization actively monitors cybercrime complaints to help combat internet crime effectively.
Stay Vigilant: Monitor Your Credit Report
It’s crucial to regularly check your credit report to spot any suspicious activities early on. You can visit www.annualcreditreport.com to receive a free credit report. This proactive step can help you detect and address any unusual behavior as soon as it occurs.
Contact the Social Security Administration
If you suspect that your Social Security number has been compromised, it’s important to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately. The SSA can assist you in reviewing your statements and ensure that your personal information is secure.
Do I Need a New Social Security Number?
Wondering if you need a new Social Security number? Here’s what you need to know:
- If you have followed all the steps recommended by the SSA and find that your Social Security number is no longer being misused, then you do not need to apply for a new SSN.
- If, despite taking all the necessary precautions, your number continues to be used by someone else, then you have the option to apply for a new Social Security number.
Taking these steps can help protect your identity and ensure your personal information remains safe. Stay vigilant and proactive in monitoring your financial and personal data.
Getting a new Social Security Number (SSN) isn’t straightforward. The administration requires strong proof that your number is being used by someone other than yourself. If you’ve lost your card or suspect your number has been stolen but lack evidence of misuse, you won’t qualify for a new one.
Preventing Identity Theft in the Future
While it’s challenging to keep your information entirely safe, especially in cases like the National Public Data breach, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk.
Tips to Protect Your SSN
- Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Instead, store it securely at home.
- Memorize your SSN to avoid having to take out your card when filling out forms.
- When providing your number over the phone, ensure privacy by staying far from others who might overhear.
Implementing these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and help keep your Social Security Number secure.
In today’s digital age, it’s common for employers and landlords to request documents electronically via email. However, if you need to provide sensitive information like your Social Security number or other personal documents, take precautionary steps to protect your data. Consider encrypting the document with a password or, alternatively, providing your number separately over a phone call.
Protecting Your Social Security Number During Job Applications
When applying for a job, your employer will need your Social Security number to conduct a background check. However, be cautious of any job postings that demand personal information right at the start of the application process. Unless you’re about to start a new position and have a formal offer in hand, it’s wise to refrain from sharing your Social Security number with a recruiter.
Stay Vigilant with Financial and Personal Information
Regularly monitoring your bank statements and credit statements is crucial to address any potential issues as soon as they arise. Enhance your online security by enabling two-factor authentication on your passwords. This added layer of protection helps safeguard your private information on websites and apps.
Verify Communication Sources
It’s essential to verify the source of any notices you receive, whether they come through phone calls or emails. The Social Security Administration has stated that they generally only call if you have requested a call. If you suspect that you’ve received a scam call or email, do not provide any personal information to the sender.
By following these guidelines, you can better protect your personal information and reduce the risk of identity theft. Stay informed and vigilant, and take proactive steps to secure your sensitive data.
Theft happens everywhere, all the time. People will steal wallets and bags or go through the mail in search of personal bank or credit card information. The Social Security Administration warns that people rummaging through trash outside of homes or businesses in search of critical information is another way identity theft takes place, along with people buying personal information from insider sources. There’s also the risk of receiving phone calls, texts, or emails from seemingly official sources who are actually fraudsters looking to trick you into revealing information.
