The Better Business Bureau (BBB) emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure in the event of a data breach. For consumers worried that their credit or debit cards may have been compromised, the BBB has released a set of eight crucial recommendations.
First and foremost, it is vital to remain calm, as consumers are not responsible for any fraudulent transactions made with stolen account information. The next step involves checking the official website of the breached entity for the most recent updates. Individuals are advised against clicking on links found in emails or social media messages, as these may lead to phishing attempts.
Typically, if a credit card has been compromised, the first notification comes from the bank or card issuer. In such cases, it is prudent to reach out to the customer service number printed on the card for verification and inquiries.
Utilizing a credit freeze or a fraud alert via the three major credit reporting agencies can serve as an effective precautionary measure. A credit freeze restricts access to credit reports and scores, thereby preventing new credit accounts from being opened without lifting the freeze. Conversely, a fraud alert indicates potential identity theft but does not stop the opening of new accounts outright.
For those monitoring their credit, it is essential to be vigilant. The only federally authorized website for obtaining free annual credit reports is AnnualCreditReport.com. Vigilance is especially critical for consumers who have experienced a breach, as they may need to review their reports more diligently than others.
If a credit card has been affected, one should regularly scrutinize digital account statements, as online access shows transactions faster than waiting for paper statements. Rapid reporting of any fictitious charges to the financial institution is recommended to facilitate prompt reversal and the issuance of a new card. Holding onto purchase receipts can be beneficial, providing proof of authorized transactions.
For debit card breaches, consumers must adopt similar monitoring strategies as with credit cards but exercise even greater caution. The lack of comparable protections means that fraudulent debit transactions can directly deplete personal bank accounts. Contacting the bank for proactive measures, such as requesting a new debit card or implementing a security block, is advisable.
Additionally, consumers should remain alert for potential scams wherein individuals may impersonate representatives of retailers, banks, or credit card issuers. These scammers may falsely claim account breaches in an attempt to extract sensitive information or prompt individuals to click on harmful links.
This guidance is aligned with known tactics listed in the MITRE ATT&CK Matrix. Methods such as initial access, which typically involves phishing or exploitation of vulnerabilities, may have been leveraged during the data breach. Consequently, businesses are urged not only to stay informed about such incidents but also to adopt strong cybersecurity practices to mitigate risks going forward.
