Was your citizen service number stolen in the national public data breach? What to do?

Was your personal information stolen in the alleged National Public Data hack, which reportedly stole the data of 2.9 billion people, including full names, current and former addresses, and social security numbers?

The alleged violation of the background check company whose data are used by private researchers, public consumer registration sites, human resources and employment agencies, which took place before April 2024, a proposed class action lawsuit saidAccording to the proposed class action, National Public Data obtained the information by scraping non-public sources without consent.

Here are steps you can take to protect your Social Security number, if you’re worried that your personal information was leaked in the massive data hack. For more on Social Security, here’s when to expect your Social Security check this month and 4 ways you could lose your Social Security benefits.

How was my data stolen in the National Public Data Protection Authority data breach?

According to the proposed class action, sometime before April 2024, a cybercriminal group called USDoD breached the National Public Data Network and stole the personal information of nearly 3 billion people. The group then offered the information for sale on the dark web.

The action says the stolen information includes full names; current and former addresses for at least the past three decades; Social Security numbers; and information about parents, siblings and other relatives — including aunts, uncles, cousins ​​and nieces — and those who are deceased.

I think my Social Security number has been stolen. What should I do?

First, if you think your Social Security number has been stolen, you should know that the Social Security Bank itself cannot do much if someone uses your stolen information to, for example, open a line of credit or get a job.

Go to the Federal Trade Commission IdentityTheft.gov and fill out a form to receive a personalized recovery plan. This plan will guide you through everything you need to know about protecting yourself from fraud and recovering your identity. You can also call 877-438-4337.

Contact the Internal Revenue Service if your Social Security number has been stolen to prevent the thief from using your number to file a tax return and get your tax refund or to prevent them from using your number to get a job. If a thief uses your Social Security number to get a job, taxes owed could appear on your record. Visit the IRS’s Identity Theft Central to dispute these claims, get help, and resolve any issues.

File a complaint online with the Complaints Center for Internet Crimethat monitors cybercrime complaints to combat internet crime. It is also advisable to check your credit report every now and then to suppress suspicious behavior as soon as it occurs. Visit www.jaarlijkscreditreport.com to get a free credit report.

Contact the Social Security Administration If you think your Social Security Number has been compromised, the administration can help you check your statements.

Do I need a new citizen service number?

If you have completed all the steps recommended by the Social Security Administration and your Social Security number is no longer being used by anyone other than you, you do not need to apply for a new SSN. If you have completed all the necessary steps and still find that your number is being used, you can request a new one.

But the administration doesn’t make it easy to get a new SSN. You need proof that your number is still being used by someone other than you. The administration said If you have lost your card or think someone has stolen your number, but you have no proof that someone else has used your card, you cannot receive a new card.

What can I do in the future to prevent identity fraud?

Sometimes, like with the PayPal breach, there is little you can do to keep your information safe. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Instead, keep it in a safe place in your home. Try to memorize your SSN so you don’t have to pull out your card every time you fill out a document that requires it. If you have to give your number over the phone, make sure you’re far away from other people who might hear you.

Employers and landlords often ask for documents to be sent electronically via email. If you must provide your Social Security number or other personal documents via email, try encrypting the document with a password or providing your SSN separately in a phone call.

Your employer will need your Social Security number to perform a background check. But you should be skeptical of any job posting that requires you to enter personal information at the beginning of an application. Unless you’re starting a new position and have an offer in hand, you shouldn’t give your SSN to a recruiter.

Finally, check your bank and credit statements regularly to address any issues as soon as possible. Enable two-factor authentication on your passwords to protect your private information on websites and apps. And check the source of your notifications, whether they’re phone calls or emails. The Social Security Administration said in general, it will only call you if you have requested a callIf you think you have received a scam call or email, do not give the person any personal information.

What other ways could my personal information be stolen?

Theft happens everywhere and at all times. People steal wallets and purses or search through the mail looking for personal bank or credit card information. The Social Security Administration warns that people who rummage through trash outside homes or businesses looking for important information is another way to commit identity theft, along with people who buy personal information from insider sources. There is also the risk of receiving phone calls, texts or emails from seemingly official sources who are actually fraudsters trying to trick you into divulging information.

If CNET’s Bree Fowler explainedCyberattacks occur when hackers use online accounts with username and password combinations that have often been stolen in previous data breaches to break into as many accounts as possible. That strategy is reason enough to diversify your passwords and implement two-factor authentication whenever possible.

For more, Here you can read how to apply for a new citizen service number.