AT&T pays $177 million in data breach settlement
AT&T will pay a $177 million class action lawsuit settlement following two alleged data breaches that exposed sensitive customer data on the dark web.
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- If you receive a data breach notification, first contact the company directly to verify that it is legitimate.
- Change passwords on affected accounts immediately and enable multi-factor authentication for added security.
- If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.
Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, affecting millions of consumers each year. Whether a major retailer, financial institution or healthcare provider is involved in a breach, the Better Business Bureau urges consumers to act quickly to protect their personal information and minimize potential harm.
If you receive a notification that your data has been breached, it is important to take steps to protect your identity, monitor your account, and understand your rights.
Check for violations
First, make sure the infringement notification is legitimate. Scammers sometimes send fake alerts to trick people into clicking on malicious links or providing sensitive information. Contact the company directly using a verified phone number or website to confirm the breach and determine what data was compromised.
change password
Please change the passwords of affected accounts immediately. If you use the same password on multiple platforms, update them as well. Choose strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager to securely manage your passwords.
Enable multi-factor authentication
Adding a layer of security to your account helps prevent unauthorized access. Multi-factor authentication typically requires a second form of verification in addition to a password, such as a text message code or an authenticator app.
monitor your account
Carefully monitor your bank statements, credit card activity, and online accounts for suspicious transactions. Set alerts for unusual activity and report any unauthorized charges to your financial institution immediately.
Check your credit report
Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Check your reports for any accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize. If you see anything suspicious, please contact our office to dispute the information.
Consider a credit freeze or fraud alert
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Fraud alerts notify lenders to take additional steps to verify your identity before approving your loan. Both options are free and can be set up through a credit reporting agency.
Report identity theft
If you believe your personal information has been stolen, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. This site provides a personalized recovery plan and assists you in filing the necessary reports and documents.
Get the latest information
Follow updates from companies involved in the breach and be on the lookout for additional guidance. Some organizations may offer free credit monitoring or privacy services to affected customers. Take advantage of these resources when available.
For more BBB news, scam alerts, and tips, visit BBB.org. For more information on how to avoid common scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams. If you or a loved one encounters a scam, whether you lost money or not, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
Jan Diaz is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana, which serves 23 counties. Contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or visit www.bbb.org.
