Data Theft Affects Every Sheboygan County resident

Recently, a major data breach involving National Public Data, a background check and public records company, has exposed the Social Security numbers and other sensitive information of nearly every American, therefore, nearly everyone in Sheboygan County. The breach reportedly includes over 2.7 billion records, containing full names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. This massive leak puts millions of people at risk of identity theft and other forms of fraud.

The breach occurred in April 2024, when a hacking group known as USDoD claimed to have accessed the data and attempted to sell it for $3.5 million. While email addresses and photos like driver’s license images were not included, the information leaked is still sufficient for criminals to take over existing accounts or create new fraudulent accounts in your name.

Victims of this breach are encouraged to take immediate action to protect themselves, such as placing a freeze on their credit files with the major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Additionally, it’s advisable to monitor your financial accounts for any unauthorized activity and to consider using identity theft protection services.

This breach has led to several class-action lawsuits against National Public Data, accusing the company of failing to properly secure the sensitive information it collected. The incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by data breaches and the importance of taking steps to safeguard personal information.

Protect Your Credit: How to Lock Your Credit Bureau Files and Prevent Identity Theft

In the wake of recent data breaches, including the alarming leak that exposed the Social Security numbers of nearly every American, it’s more crucial than ever to take steps to protect your credit. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your credit is by locking your credit bureau files, also known as placing a credit freeze. This prevents identity thieves from opening new accounts or taking out loans in your name.

What Is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, restricts access to your credit report. When your credit file is frozen, credit bureaus cannot release your credit information to potential creditors, effectively blocking unauthorized attempts to open new accounts. This is a free service offered by all three major credit bureaus, and it remains in place until you lift it, either temporarily or permanently.

The Three Major Credit Bureaus

1. Experian
   • Website: Experian
   • How to Set Up: Visit the Experian website, create a free account, and follow the steps to initiate a credit freeze. You’ll need to provide your personal information and verify your identity.
   • Cost: Free for both freezing and unfreezing your credit file.
2. Equifax
   • Website: Equifax
   • How to Set Up: Go to Equifax’s website and create a free account. Once your account is set up, you can easily place a credit freeze. Equifax also offers a free service to lock and unlock your credit report as needed.
   • Cost: Free for both freezing and unfreezing your credit file.
3. TransUnion
   • Website: TransUnion
   • How to Set Up: TransUnion allows you to freeze your credit file by creating a free account on their website. Follow the instructions to verify your identity and place the freeze.
   • Cost: Free for both freezing and unfreezing your credit file.

Steps to Set Up a Credit Freeze

1. Visit Each Bureau’s Website: Use the links provided above to navigate to each credit bureau’s credit freeze page.
2. Create an Account: If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create an account with each bureau. This will involve entering your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, and address.
3. Place the Freeze: After your account is set up and your identity is verified, follow the prompts to place a credit freeze. You’ll receive a confirmation once the freeze is in place.
4. Secure Your PIN or Password: Each bureau will provide you with a PIN or password to lift the freeze. Keep this information secure, as you’ll need it to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze when you apply for new credit.

Why Freezing Your Credit Matters

With your credit files frozen, identity thieves cannot open new accounts in your name, even if they have your Social Security number and other personal details. This is particularly important in light of recent breaches, where such information has been exposed to malicious actors.

Taking the time to freeze your credit is a simple yet powerful step to protect your hard-earned credit. While it may be slightly inconvenient to lift the freeze when you need to apply for credit, the peace of mind it offers is well worth it.

For more information on safeguarding your identity, consider signing up for an identity theft protection service or monitoring your credit reports regularly. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and keep your personal information secure.

Join the Conversation

Have you placed a credit freeze on your accounts? Share your experience and any tips you have for others in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this article to help others protect their credit too.