Additional Security Resources
If you ever find yourself a victim of an online attack or fraudulent scam, please follow the steps below.
How to report fraud and to protect yourself online
- If you suspect malware was installed on your device, disconnect from the internet (turn on Airplane Mode on a cell phone or tablet) to prevent further communication with the attacker's server.
- Run a comprehensive malware scan on your device to check for any malicious software that may have been installed.
- Change passwords for all potentially affected accounts, using strong, unique passwords for each.
- Enable 2FA/MFA as an extra layer of security by enabling it on all accounts that support it.
- Contact your bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions immediately to inform them of the potential breach.
- Report the attack to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or other relevant authorities like the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Regularly check your bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts for any suspicious activity.
- If you've provided sensitive information like your social security number, consider signing up for credit monitoring or identity theft protection services.
- Educate yourself by staying informed about phishing techniques and how to identify them to avoid future attacks.
Credit Bureaus and Federal Resources
The three major credit bureaus listed below are required by law to each give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it. You can contact the credit bureau directly, go the site listed or call 877-322-8228.
- Equifax (www.equifax.com(Opens in a new window))
- Report fraud - 800-525-6285
- Order credit reports - 800-685-1111
- Experian(www.experian.com(Opens in a new window))
- Report fraud - 888-307-3742
- Order credit reports - 888-397-3742
- Trans Union (www.tuc.com(Opens in a new window))
- Report fraud - 800-680-7280
- Order credit reports - 800-888-4213
- Social Security Administration (www.tuc.com(Opens in a new window))
- Report fraud - 800-260-0271
- Order benefits and earning statements - 800-772-1213
- Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov(Opens in a new window))
- Identity Theft Hotline- 877-438-4338
Computer Security and Safeguards
- Identity Theft Resource Center
- Stay Safe Online
- Stop. Think. Connect.
- US Computer Emergency Readiness Team Publications
- Direct Marketing Association - mail preferences - www.the-dma.org(Opens in a new window)
