How to Avoid Getting Scammed Again After a Data Breach
When a company’s security is compromised, your personal data—like your Social Security Number, credit card details, or account numbers—can be exposed. That kind of breach doesn’t just stay in the past. It opens the door to identity theft, phishing scams, and other tactics used by scammers, hackers, and even criminals operating on the dark web.
Even worse? Opportunistic fraudsters use data breaches as bait—offering fake “protection” or “credit monitoring” services to steal even more of your sensitive information.
What Is the Data Breach Remedy Scam?
This scam targets those who’ve already been hit by a security breach. Scammers pretend to be from credit bureaus like Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax, or they impersonate cybersecurity experts or even the IRS.
They may offer to “fix” the situation by selling you identity theft protection, help with credit freezes, or “restore” your credit file—but what they really want is your bank account details, credit card number, social media logins, or financial information.
Sometimes these offers include real buzzwords like fraud alert, two-factor authentication, or multi-factor authentication, to sound more legitimate. But don’t be fooled—this is just another layer of the scam.
Example of the Scam
Natalie receives a text message from a company claiming to be a cybersecurity firm that helps with credit report recovery after a data breach. The message warns her of potential identity theft and offers a “comprehensive protection plan” for $19.99/month.
Worried about her credit score and possible new accounts being opened in her name, Natalie enters her personal data—including her card number, phone number, and even her Social Security Number. Days later, she notices unauthorized charges on her debit card, and fake profiles appear on her online accounts. The company was fake. The damage was real.
Tips for Protecting Yourself
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers. If someone contacts you after a data breach, don’t trust them without verification—even if they mention the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or well-known credit bureaus.
- Don’t click on suspicious links. Phony emails, phishing messages, and texts may claim to offer identity theft protection or credit monitoring. Instead, visit official sites like annualcreditreport.com or identitytheft.gov.
- Use strong passwords and a password manager. Avoid reusing passwords across online accounts—identity thieves often try breached credentials on multiple platforms.
- Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze. Contact Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax to flag your credit file or freeze it entirely, stopping anyone from opening new credit in your name.
- Set up credit monitoring. Get alerts for suspicious activity across your financial accounts, bank account, or when your credit score changes.
If You’ve Been Scammed
- Contact us. If you notice any unusual account activity, unauthorized credit card charges, or scams affecting your Blue account, we’re here to help.
- Report the scam to the FTC. Go to ReportFraud.FTC.gov and also notify law enforcement and your state attorney general.
- Dispute fraudulent charges. Contact your credit card company, debit card provider, or financial institution to flag and reverse any unauthorized charges.
- Check your credit report. Request your free credit reports from all three credit bureaus and look for signs of new accounts or financial information that doesn’t belong to you.
- Stay alert. Scammers often come back. Keep your cybersecurity tight by using unique passwords, turning on multi-factor authentication, and keeping your antivirus software updated.
Still Have Questions?
Blue Federal Credit Union is committed to helping you protect what matters—your money, your identity, and your peace of mind.
If you’ve been affected by a data breach, or want guidance on credit monitoring, fraud alerts, or securing your financial accounts, connect with us.
For more resources and tips, visit Blue University to explore our financial education library, including our latest course on Fraud Shield. We’re not just here for today’s problem—we’re here For You. For Life.