Hi Everyone,

You all would have heard on the news about the data breach at Equifax. This is serious given both the scope of the breach (over 143 million US customers) and the potential for long term damage. The information stolen includes social security, birth dates, and addresses; meaning that unlike credit card data, it may not be possible to safeguard by just replacing your card.  

This is an important issue for all of us and here are few things that we should do to protect ourselves at the earliest;

2) Put a credit file freeze. This is important because if thieves try to open a new credit line in your name, the credit bureaus will need your approval prior to sharing any information with the banking institution. This is different from credit monitoring as in it will prevent fraudulent activity versus credit monitoring only alerts you after the activity has happened on your file. Adding a credit freeze has some fees but can be beneficial in this situation. You should do this with the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. 

3) Sign up for fraud alert at each of the three major reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion 

4) Review account statements and credit reports yourself to check for incidents of fraud. Request a free copy of your credit report online at www.annualcreditreport.com. You are allowed a free copy once a year from each of the three credit reporting agencies. So, about every four months you can request a free copy of your credit report from one of them to monitor any unauthorized activity.

Beyond this, I am available to discuss an action plan to protect yourself from ID theft and enhance cyber security. 

Best Wishes,

 

Agent, New York Life Insurance Company

Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC ( Member FINRA/SIPC)

New York Life Insurance Company

1490 S Price Road, Suite 209B, Chandler, AZ 85286

 [email protected] 

Cell 602-380-2730