Impacted by the Equifax Hack? Take These Steps Now!
Diane Glover
Sep 14, 2017
If you were a victim of the recently announced Equifax hack, you need to take action to mitigate any negative impact it may have on your finances and credit. If you’re not sure if you were affected, you can use Equifax’s Potential Impact tool to find out. You will need to input your last name and the last six digits of your social security number to use this tool.
Unfortunately, hacks like this one are likely to happen again, so it’s vital to prepare by protecting your digital information as much as possible. Here are some steps you can take to begin the process:
- Set up fraud alerts with the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to alert you if someone tries to apply for credit in your name.
- Use the fraud alerts that are available for your credit and debit cards, if you don’t already.
- Consider credit freezes to lock your credit files to stop any new credit information releases. This will prevent any new accounts being opened in your name by an identity thief.
- Check your credit report. You can get one free credit report every year from all three major reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com. It is advisable to check in every four months, using one of your “freebie” reports rather than using them all at once. When you get your credit report, look for any suspicious activity. This should be a regular part of your financial self-monitoring.
- Consider a credit monitoring service. Equifax is offering one free year of credit monitoring. However, before signing up you should review the terms of the agreement—and those of any other credit monitoring services that you may consider.
The Equifax hack is one more reminder of how critical it is to regularly monitor your financial and personal information for potential theft and misuse. If you do suspect that your information has been compromised, contact one of the credit reporting agencies mentioned above and the FTC Identity Theft Hotline at (877) IDTHEFT (438-4338).
About The Author
As the Manager of Practice Growth, Diane focuses on the market awareness and growth of Kirsch CPA Group…
Tags
Sign Up for Email Updates
Related Articles
Does your Business Deduct Research & Development Expenses? Major Changes Impact 2022 Taxes…
- 11-09-22
- Elizabeth Michalak
Why Have Your Financial Statements Reviewed (Even When Not Required)
- 10-17-22
- Kirsch CPA Group
Case Study: Strategic Accounting Support from Acquisition to Sale
- 09-20-22
- Kirsch CPA Group
Prevent a Poorly Structured Chart of Accounts from Hiding Your Profitability
- 01-06-22
- Nick Roell
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Kirsch CPA Group Sets a Framework for Growth
- 10-28-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
What Your Numbers Are Saying: Are You Listening?
Part 2: How Attractive Is Your Balance Sheet?
- 07-19-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
What Your Numbers Are Saying: Are You Listening?
Part 1: Do You Know Your Profitability?
- 06-09-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
Using Cash Flow Forecasting to Avoid Problems & Grow Your Business
- 04-07-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
Selecting the Right Payroll System for Your Construction Business
- 04-01-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
Self-Employed May Be Eligible for COVID-Related Tax Breaks for 2020
- 03-17-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
COVID-19 Relief: Overview of the New American Rescue Plan Act for Individuals
- 03-17-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
COVID-19 Relief: Business Overview of the New American Rescue Plan Act
- 03-17-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
Opportunity Zone Investments: A Tax Deferral Opportunity You May Have Overlooked
- 02-17-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
The Status of Temporary COVID Tax Relief Measures After the New Law
- 01-21-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
8 Accounting Practices for a Financially Healthy Construction Business
- 01-07-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
Appropriations Law Adds Some Business Tax Breaks and Extends Others
- 01-07-21
- Kirsch CPA Group
Contending With the Patchwork of State Requirements for Nonprofits
- 12-17-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
Employee or Independent Contractor? The Rules May Be Getting Simpler
- 11-12-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
Do the COVID-19 Extended Deadlines for Health Plans Still Apply?
- 11-12-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
Using Remote Workers? Protect Sensitive Company Data from Exposure
- 10-28-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
What You Need to Know About the Deferral of Payroll Tax Obligations
- 09-15-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
Hobby or Business? How to Treat COVID-19 Sideline Activities for Taxes
- 09-15-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
Monitor These 3 Things as COVID-19 Changes Your Nonprofit’s Priorities
- 08-11-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
FASB Offers Reprieve from Updated Lease and Revenue Recognition Rules
- 07-23-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
COVID-19 Crisis May Affect Tax Angles for Rental Property Losses
- 07-10-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
Last-Minute Strategies for Businesses that Deferred Filing Tax Returns
- 07-01-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
Can Your Business Survive and Even Thrive in These Trying Times?
- 06-18-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
Five COVID-19 Obstacles a Construction Company Needs to Navigate
- 06-12-20
- Kirsch CPA Group
Cash Flow Tip: Postpone Payment of Certain Federal Employer Payroll Taxes
- 04-20-20
- Sue Schloemer
Tax Filing Deadline Remains April 15 – Payment Due Extended to July 15
- 03-19-20
- John Kirsch
8 strategies to help you adapt to economic down turn without layoffs
- 02-24-18
- Diane Glover
Which Research Activities Qualify for the Qualified Small Business Tax Credits
- 07-17-17
- Diane Glover