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Fraud & Security

Protecting Yourself After a Data Breach

Overview

When your personal information is compromised, every minute matters. Whether the result of a large-scale cyberattack or an individual crime, quick action can help minimize damage and protect your identity. From contacting your advisor and reporting suspected fraud, to engaging with agencies like the Social Security Administration, FTC, and IRS, there are essential steps to take within the first 24–48 hours of discovering a breach.

In the days and weeks that follow, additional safeguards—such as closing compromised accounts, running security scans, changing passwords, placing fraud alerts with credit bureaus, and monitoring financial statements—are critical to protecting your assets and restoring confidence. Long-term vigilance, including regular reviews of account activity and credit reports, is key to preventing further harm.

This step-by-step guide outlines what to do in the critical hours, days, and months following a data breach. Download the full resource now to access detailed instructions, key contacts, and tools to protect yourself and your financial well-being.

What this checklist covers

  1. 1The first 24 to 48 hours: who to call and what to report
  2. 2Key agency contacts — Social Security Administration, FTC, and IRS
  3. 3Closing compromised accounts and rotating passwords
  4. 4Placing fraud alerts and freezes with the credit bureaus
  5. 5Ongoing monitoring of statements and credit reports

Common questions

Assess your exposure with the full checklist

A printable review of where your accounts and identity are vulnerable.

PDF · 612 KB · No email required

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Educational information only, not legal or tax advice. Contact your advisor about your specific situation.