Rise in Data Breaches Following Natural Disasters Leaves People Vulnerable

The incidence of information theft is increasing, with more than 1.1 million individuals in the United States alone reporting such crimes to the Federal Trade Commission in 2022. It can be disempowering when a thief exploits your personal data by opening accounts or engaging in other fraudulent activities. However, there are measures you can adopt to mitigate the most severe consequences.

Colleen Tressler, senior project manager at the FTC, has tracked consumer issues, including identity theft, for more than three decades. He said fraud and scams often emerge during special emergencies such as the COVID pandemic and as a result of climate-related disasters.

“They’re scammers, so they’re looking for your personal information and your financial information any way they can,” he said. “They connect it to anything in their deck — COVID, weather.”

People who are in a heightened emotional state after a wildfire or hurricane should be especially wary of impersonators asking for personal information, Tressler said. Scammers may pretend to be from a utility company or the Federal Emergency Management Agency and ask to “verify information.”

“If someone uses that phrase, ask them why they need it and contact the company or agency directly,” Tressler said. “They should have this information.”

In the fall, when student loan payments resume, Tressler warns that borrowers should be wary of someone claiming to be a debt service person and asking for personalpersonal information. For example, the actual student loan officer never asks for your federal student aid ID or password, and neither does the Department of Education. You also never have to pay a third party to contact service. The Federal Student Aid website offers more tips on how to avoid identity theft online.

Medical ID theft and tax ID theft are also common, especially during tax season or Medicare re-enrollment periods.

“Scammers are after your money,” he said. “But very often your identity can be just as valuable.”

If you believe your personal information has been compromised, you should first go to IdentityTheft.gov. where the FTC offers you a personalized recovery plan. The prompts and questions ask you what the thief has used your information for – whether it’s opening a credit card account, getting a car loan or lease in your name, or applying for government benefits.

“They could open checking, checking or savings accounts, checking accounts, get Social Security, Medicare or a driver’s license,” Tressler said. “Also insurance or medical accounts.”

Here are the step-by-step guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to identity theft:

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR IDENTITY HAS BEEN DAMAGED?

It can take a long time to realize that your information has been stolen. According to the FTC, brands include:

— Bills for things you didn’t buy

— Collection requires accounts that you have not opened

— Your credit report contains incorrect information

— Rejection of loan applications

— Mails that no longer arrive in your mailbox or are missing from it

— A telephone, electricity or gas account opened in your name

— Missing tax refund or government benefits

— Medical bills or insurance premiums for procedures you did not have

If you notice any of the above, do the following:

REPORT THEFT FIRST

Contact:

— Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338.

— Three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Ask them to set fraud alerts and freeze credit on your account to prevent misuse of your information.

— The fraud department of your credit card company, bank, and other places where you have accounts, such as a health insurance account.

By acting quickly, you can prevent consequences for your credit score and financial health. Incorrect information on your credit report can cause permanent damage if not addressed quickly. Once you’ve done the above, continue checking your credit card and bank statements. Monitor and report any unauthorized or suspicious activity.

NEXT, PROTECT YOUR DATA AND INFORMATION

The FTC recommends that everyone do the following to protect your identity:

– Never share your bank account number or social security number, especially over the phone with unknown callers or via e-mail or text message.

— Collect your mail every day and keep your mail when you are on vacation or away.

— Keep personal information, including your Social Security card, in a safe place. Don’t carry it in your wallet.