There’s nothing scarier than finding out your sensitive, personal information was leaked on the internet. Not only are your credit cards revealed, but data like your address or social security numbers can be sold to hackers. Under federal law, consumers have a right to privacy when making purchases or using services, so you may be able to receive compensation for the damages sustained when a business doesn’t protect personal data. If you received notice that you were involved in a data breach, there are steps you can take to help secure your personal information. Similarly, you will also want to reach out to a Los Angeles, California data breach lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Secure Your Accounts Following a Data Breach
When your information is revealed in a data leak, you may begin to panic. However, taking the necessary steps to secure your accounts is crucial to endure as little disruption as possible.
The affected company will likely email, call, or send you a letter to inform you that your information was compromised. It’s important to know what information is stored on their servers and immediately take action. You should begin by changing your password for the affected site and any other website where you use the same password.
If your banking or credit card information was exposed, you should contact the companies to inform them of the issue. They can help monitor your accounts for any unusual activity and send you alerts for any purchases or transfers that seem suspicious.
Monitor Your Credit Reports
After a data breach, it’s essential to monitor your credit reports. If someone gets a hold of your social security number, they can open accounts in your name, ruining your credit score in the process.
As soon as you find out this information was affected, you should initiate a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus. This ensures they must request identity verification from the applicant before continuing with the submitted application.
You can also place a freeze on your credit with Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. They will provide a pin that allows you to submit legitimate applications or unfreeze your account. However, you should still continue to check your credit report frequently to ensure your account is secure.
Contact a Lawyer
If you are the victim of a data breach due to a company’s negligence in securing your information, you may be eligible to recover damages. You can sue the business for unauthorized charges to recover the money spent or for damage to your credit report caused by the breach.
When your personal information is affected by the negligence of a company to keep it secure, you shouldn’t be left to pick up the pieces on your own. Contact LA Legal Solutions for guidance on how to proceed with your data breach case.
