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Protect Your Credit Card Information After a Data Breach

At O1ne Mortgage, we prioritize your financial security and education. Learning that your credit card information has been compromised in a data breach can be alarming. While you can’t prevent a breach from happening, there are steps you can take to minimize potential damage. Here’s what you can do to protect your credit card information.

Steps to Take After a Data Breach

1. Request New Credit Cards

If your credit card number has been exposed, contact your credit card issuer to request a new card. This process is similar to reporting a lost card. Your account details, credit history, and limits will remain the same, but you will receive a new card number. Remember to update any recurring charges or autopayments with your new card number.

2. Change Your Passwords

Creating a new, strong password can help protect your account from unauthorized access. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords and enable multifactor authentication for added security.

3. Monitor Your Transactions

Regularly check your account transactions online to spot any unauthorized activity. Setting up alerts for every transaction can help you stay informed about the use of your credit card.

Additional Measures to Secure Your Information

Add a Fraud Alert

You can add a fraud alert to your credit file by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax). This alert will prompt potential creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. Fraud alerts last for one year and can be renewed.

Freeze Your Credit

Freezing your credit restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult for anyone to open new accounts in your name. You will need to lift the freeze temporarily if you apply for credit. While a credit freeze offers strong protection, it requires you to manage the freeze with each credit bureau individually.

Daily Habits to Protect Your Credit Card Information

Adopting good habits can help you safeguard your credit card information:

• Do not share your credit card number unnecessarily.
• Avoid saving your account password online.
• Do not keep a photo of your card on your phone; use a digital wallet instead.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi when making online purchases.

The Bottom Line

Receiving a notification about a data breach can be unsettling. The best course of action is to take steps to limit the potential damage. Requesting new credit card numbers, changing passwords, and monitoring your transactions are effective ways to protect yourself. Additionally, consider setting up alerts and regularly checking your credit reports for any unauthorized activity.

For any mortgage-related needs, feel free to call O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We are here to assist you with confidence and expertise.

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