(NECN) - A new warning issued today about a data security breach. Visa and Mastercard are alerting credit unions that consumer's account information may have been compromised. Hackers reportedly were able to break into payment processing companies. The announcement comes on the heels of a similar breach about a month ago involving the "Heartland Credit Card Processing Company". About 100 million accounts are estimated to have been compromised in that case.
Here are some tips to help keep your accounts safe.
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At Home
- Check credit report at least annually
- Freeze your credit
- Use tamper-proof checks
- Read your statements
- Use a shredder
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Online
- Check privacy policies
- Protect social security number and private info
- Update virus and spy protection software
- Use secure browser/check for encryption
- Make sure your wireless is secure
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Out and about
- Don't carry family member info with you
- Only carry cards you need
- Use "strong" password on laptop
- Have mail held at Post Office
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What to Do if ID Stolen
- Place a fraud alert on credit report
- Close affected accounts
- Contact police
- Contact FTC.gov
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