Data Breaches have become an unfortunate reality. Here is some really good advice from our friends over at Jarvis Financial:
“Unfortunately, the Equifax data breach is only the most recent of the more than 300 REPORTED major data breaches that have occurred over the last decade. At this point we can virtually guarantee that somewhere, some bad guy has a database with enough of your personal information to do some real damage, including, but not limited to, ID Theft, opening accounts in your name, accessing your accounts, committing crimes in your name and dozens of other bad things.
While there is really nothing you can do at this point to keep your personal information out of the hands of bad guys, there are things you can do, like locking your front door, that can greatly reduce your odds of being a victim. You can also take great comfort knowing that in the event you are a victim, you have almost zero liability.
Here are a few key action items:
- Unless you plan on taking out new credit, place a freeze on your credit report. In Washington State people over 65 can do this at no charge. Those of us under 65 have to pay $10 per agency. The Washington Attorney General’s office has instructions on their website: Click Here
- Watch your financial statements for suspicious activity
- Assume EVERYTHING is a scam, especially emails and phone calls, even if they appear to be coming from a reputable source and they know personal information about you. Bad guys will have a much easier time tricking you into giving them money than in trying to trick your bank.
- Do NOT waste your money on any kind of credit monitoring service as it doesn’t prevent your information from getting into the hands of bad guys, nor does it reduce your risk of being a victim of fraud.
The most important thing you can do regarding the Equifax breach (or whatever database gets breached next), is to not worry about it. If a bad guy uses the information they got from Equifax to break into your bank account or your investment accounts, YOU ARE NOT LIABLE (assuming you report it within 60 days). For example, if someone managed to trick Fidelity into sending them your money, Fidelity is responsible for making you whole. For more details from Fidelity Click Here. As an added layer of safety, our office is also closely monitoring [our client] account[s] for any suspicious activity.
So Keep a close eye out for suspicious activity, but otherwise don’t worry about Equifax and instead enjoy life.”
-Matthew Jarvis, CFP
Member FINRA/SIPC