A recent data breach has reportedly compromised the personal information of nearly every American, with hackers claiming to have stolen up to 2.7 billion records, including birthdays and Social Security numbers. This alarming incident, which originated from a background check company in April, has led to a class action lawsuit and heightened anxiety among individuals concerned about identity theft. Experts warn that the exposure of such sensitive information poses significant risks, as identity thieves can use these details to open fraudulent accounts and loans without the victim's knowledge. To safeguard against potential identity theft, individuals are advised to freeze their credit with the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—ensuring that no new accounts can be opened in their name. Additionally, placing fraud alerts on credit reports and regularly reviewing credit histories can provide further protection. Simple measures, such as using unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication, can also help mitigate risks.
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