Social Security data breach: 7 steps to take if you're affected, according to the Social Security Administration

In an early August Bloomberg Law report, it was discovered that ultra-sensitive and personal information of nearly three billion people was leaked in an April 2024 data breach. A cybercriminal group called "USDoD" exposed a database owned by National Public Data, a background check company, on a dark web forum.

Some of the exposed information includes Social Security numbers, home addresses, full names, information on relatives, and more. Concerned readers can find out whether they are one of the billions who are affected by visiting npd.pentester.com.

However, the question is, once you discover that you're affected by the data breach, what do you do?

Social Security data leak: 7 steps to take if you've been affected

According to recommendations from the Social Security Administration (SSA), here are seven steps you should take if your personal data has been breached:

1. Visit IdentityTheft.gov. File a report and get a recovery plan. You can also call 1-877-438-4338.

2. Visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center. File an online report.

3. Notify one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

4. Consider adding a credit freeze and/or fraud alert to your credit report.

5. Check your credit report for anything out of the ordinary. (You can get a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com)

6. File a police report. Keep a copy of it for your records in case issues arise in the future.

7. Contact the IRS to prevent others from using your Social Security number to file a tax return to steal your refund. Call 1-800-908-4490 or visit Identity Theft Central.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB), the go-to organization for consumers to resolve complaints against businesses, also provided its own set instructions, which align with the SSA's recommendations. The BBB, like the SSA, suggested monitoring your bank and credit card accounts for odd activities and purchases.

The BBB also suggested a credit freeze.

“When you freeze your credit you can't open anything new. So any scammers that might have your social security number, they're not going to be able to access that and go to a store and open a credit card or another kind of account. It will not prevent you from using your active credit,” Annie Mitchell, CEO of the BBB of Eastern Oklahoma, told Fox 23 News.