Worried You May Be One Of The Millions Of Consumers Affected By The Equifax Data Breach?
Duke University Federal Credit Union realizes a significant number of our members were likely affected by the recent Equifax breach. When the story first broke, the Credit Union offered advice from the NC Department of Justice (Read Alert Above).
We recommend you visit Equifax Breach 2017 often, to stay up-to-date. (due to volume the site may be a bit slow.)
Ways to Protect Your Credit
Set Account Alerts: use the electronic alerts the credit union offers for your mobile/online accounts. In addition, the Credit Union offers card controls within our mobile app. This function permits you to disable/enable debit and/or credit cards at your fingertips.
Set a Credit Freeze: lock down the ability for anyone (including you) to take out credit in your name until you unfreeze your credit by unlocking it with a PIN number that either the bureau assigns you or you set yourself.
- www.equifax.com Go to the bottom of the page and click on "place a security freeze on reports."
- www.experian.com Under the Credit Report Assistance tab, click on security freeze, then click "add a security freeze."
- www.transunion.com Security Freeze Line 1-888-909-8872
Set Fraud Alerts: A fraud alert tells potential creditors that you are on the lookout for fraud and provides a phone number they can call to verify your identity. (it’s their choice to call or not). You can set up a 90-day fraud alert with all three credit bureaus just by calling one of them (and if you want to continue it, mark your calendar to call again before 90 days is up).
Additional Items to Keep in Mind
Credit Monitoring: Equifax is offering free credit monitoring – act fast before their November cut-off date.
Credit Report: Check your credit reports every four months at annualcreditreport.com, where you are eligible for one free report from each bureau each year.
Tax Returns: File Early. Criminals may file false tax returns requesting refunds using your name and social security number. The earlier you file the less time criminals have to file a false return.
Phishing: Be weary with emails and phone calls. Criminals will have additional data to make inquiries seem legitimate. Do not respond.
More than Savings: Criminals will likely target medical, retirement, and other opportunities. Please regularly review such information.
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