Identity theft after a data breach: DFW-specific steps to protect yourself

If your data was exposed in one of the many recent breaches (AT&T, Change Healthcare, National Public Data), here's exactly what to do. These steps are Texas-specific.

Immediate actions (do all of these today):

1. Freeze your credit at all three bureaus. Free under federal law.

   • Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze
   • Experian: experian.com/freeze
   • TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze

2. Freeze ChexSystems (bank account fraud): chexsystems.com

3. Set up IRS Identity Protection PIN: irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin. Prevents fraudulent tax returns.

4. Enable two-factor authentication on everything. Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy), NOT SMS.

Texas-specific resources:

• File an identity theft report with Texas AG: texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/identity-theft
• Texas Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act (Business and Commerce Code Chapter 521) — Requires businesses to notify you within 60 days of a breach.
• Free annual credit reports: annualcreditreport.com (federally mandated)

Monitoring:

• Credit Karma (free) — monitors TransUnion and Equifax
• Many breached companies offer free Experian monitoring — take it

If identity theft has already happened:

• File a report at identitytheft.gov (FTC)
• File a police report with your local PD (you need this for disputes)
• Dispute fraudulent accounts with each bureau in writing (certified mail)

Sources:

• FTC — identitytheft.gov
• Texas Business and Commerce Code, Chapter 521
• Texas Attorney General — identity theft resources
• IRS — Identity Protection PIN program

Freeze your credit. It takes 10 minutes. There is no downside.

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