BBB Offers Tips For How To Handle A Data Breach

Last updated on Wednesday, October 22, 2014

(UNDATED) - With the recent data breaches that happened over the last several months, Better Business Bureau Serving Central Indiana offers some suggestions for consumers and how they can proceed if there was a data breach at a place they frequent.

Here is what to keep in mind if these continue to happen in the future:

Stay calm.

Consumers are not liable for fraudulent charges on stolen account numbers.

Check with the website of the retailer for the latest information. Type the store name directly into your browser. Do NOT click on a link from an email or social media message.

If your card was compromised, you will likely hear from the bank or card issuer first. If you have questions, call the customer service number on your card.

If your card was compromised, consider putting an alert or freeze on your credit report with the three major credit reporting agencies. A credit freeze will prevent anyone from accessing your credit report or scores. This means you cannot apply for new credit without lifting the freeze.

If you shopped at the retailer with a credit card:

Monitor your credit card statements carefully (go online; don't wait for the paper statement).

If you see a fraudulent charge, report it to your bank or credit card issuer immediately so the charge can be reversed and a new card issued. Keep receipts in case you need to prove which charges you authorized and which ones you did not.

For those who shopped at the retailer with a debit card:

Do all of the above as for credit cards, but pay very careful attention to your account. Debit cards do not have the same protections as credit cards, and debit transactions withdraw funds directly from your bank account.
Contact your bank for more information, or if you want to do it yourself, preemptively request a new debit card or put a security block on your account.

Beware of scammers who may purport to be from the retailer, your bank or your credit card issuer, telling you your card was compromised and suggesting actions to "fix" the problem. Phishing e-mails may attempt to fool you into providing your credit card information or ask you to click on a link or open an attachment, which can download malware designed to steal your identity.

If you have a question about a company or want to find an Accredited Business you can trust, visit BBB's website at: bbb.org/indy/

Don't Get Hacked! Protect Your Identity and Finances by Creating Strong Passwords for All Accounts

With recent breaches and passwords stolen, it is hard to keep track of the many changing passwords that each of us has. Not to mention we have passwords for email, social media, and work accounts. Better Business Bureau® Serving Central Indiana realizes it is a challenge to keep track of those ever changing passwords, but BBB offers these tips and tricks for creating passwords:

Use a longer password than the system requires and use at least 10 to 12 characters.
When creating your password, use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters.
Don't use identifiable information, such as your birth date or common words.
Don't give out passwords through text, e-mail or mail.
Record your passwords and keep them stored in a secure place and out of the reach of others. Consumers can also store their passwords on a flash drive and only have the document on the flash drive. Plug in the drive when you need it.

If you have a question about a company or want to find an Accredited Business you can trust, visit BBB's website at: bbb.org/indy/

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

Click here to go back to previous page