Here are 11 ways to prevent identity theft after data breach at Modesto Police Department
An online security breach at the Modesto Police Department might have exposed some people to a risk of identity theft.
The announcement Thursday, March 2, should remind everyone of preventive steps they can take.
The city has not disclosed how many people might be affected by the ransomware attack. It did say the data could include Social Security and driver’s license numbers.
The Federal Trade Commission takes reports of ID theft online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338. It offered this advice on preventing the crime:
- Keep your Social Security card in a safe place, which does not mean your wallet.
- Do not share your birth date, Social Security number or bank account number with people not authorized to know them.
- Collect your mail daily. Place a hold with the U.S. Postal Service when you are away from home for several days.
Review your credit card and bank account statements for unauthorized transactions.
Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements and expired credit cards. This can prevent theft from trash bins.
Create complex passwords that ID thieves cannot guess. Change your passwords if a company you do business with has a breach.
Use an online service that keeps track of billing due dates, and contact the sender if statements are late.
Use the security features tooltip on your mobile phone.
Update the sharing and firewall settings tooltip when you are on a public wi-fi network. Also use a virtual private network (VPN) tooltip on public wi-fi.
Install firewalls and a virus-detection software tooltip on your home computer.
Freeze your credit files for free with Equifax, Experian, Innovis, TransUnion and the National Consumer Telecommunications and Utilities Exchange. Credit freezes prevent someone from applying for and getting approval for a credit account or utility services in your name.
