AT&T announced on Saturday that the data of 73 million current and former customers, including Social Security numbers, was found on the dark web. The data, from 2019 or earlier, includes personal information for approximately 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former customers. The leak was initially reported in 2021 when hackers claimed they had stolen customer data from AT&T. In March 2024, the stolen customer data was discovered on the dark web, prompting AT&T to contact the affected customers and reset their passcodes.
If you believe that your data may have been part of the AT&T breach, there are steps you can take to potentially minimize the damage. AT&T is in the process of contacting the affected customers, but you can also use tools like Have I Been Pwned to check if your data has been leaked. Additionally, Google’s Password Checkup tool and premium password managers like Bitwarden can help you monitor for any exposed account information. Monitoring your credit report for signs of potential fraud is also important, as you can look for unfamiliar activity and set up fraud alerts to notify you of suspicious activity.
If you suspect you are a victim of fraud or identity theft, taking immediate action is crucial. Placing a fraud alert with the major credit reporting companies can help notify creditors that you have been a victim of fraud. Contacting the fraud departments of any businesses or credit card companies where unauthorized activity has occurred is also important, as you are not responsible for fraudulent charges but need to report the activity promptly. Freezing your credit can prevent unauthorized credit requests in your name, and creating a recovery plan with the Federal Trade Commission can help you dispute any fraudulent charges.
It is essential to document everything related to the identity theft, including keeping copies of documents and records of conversations about the theft. By following these steps, you can take control of the situation and work towards recovering your identity and minimizing any potential damage. Maintaining vigilance over your online accounts, using secure password managers, and considering identity theft protection services can also help safeguard your personal information in the future. If you believe you are at risk, it is important to act quickly and proactively to protect yourself from further harm.
