FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE EQUIFAX HACK
The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs and New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman encourage consumers to take steps to see if your data was compromised and to strongly consider additional measures to protect yourself:
· Check your credit reports by visiting annualcreditreport.com. This is a free service. Accounts or activity that you do not recognize could indicate identity theft.
· Consider placing a credit freeze on your files. It will not prevent a thief from using any of your existing accounts, but a credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name.
· Monitor your existing credit card and bank accounts closely for unauthorized charges. Call the credit card company or bank immediately about any charges you do not recognize.
· Since Social Security numbers were affected, there is a risk of tax fraud. Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. Consider filing your taxes early and pay close attention to correspondence from the IRS.
Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.