Equifax hack: Freezing your credit isn’t enough

The Equifax hack exposed the names, addresses, birthdates and Social Security numbers of up to 145.5 million Americans. Drivers license information for 10.9 million people was also exposed, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Credit freezes won’t prevent criminals from taking over credit, bank, retirement and investment accounts, says security expert Avivah Litan with Gartner Research. Thieves also could use the purloined information to snatch your tax refund or mess with your Social Security benefits. Your email, phone, shopping and cloud-based storage accounts aren’t safe, either.

Read my Associated Press column for the steps you should take now.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: A dangerous new type of identity theft is on the rise. Also in the news: Tax breaks overlooked by small business owners, how CD loans could cover short-term needs, and the first thing to do when you get a new credit card.

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

200150236-001Today’s top story: The increasing threat of medical identity theft. Also in the news: the student loan time bomb, how to gain an edge when selling your home, and how to fix a high electric bill.

A Dangerous Form of Identity Theft Is Growing Fast
Medical identity theft is on the rise.

Student Loan Time Bomb Is Ticking Louder
The delinquency rate is skyrocketing.

5 Ways Spring Home Sellers Can Gain an Edge
How to make your home stand out.

How to fix that high electric bill
The vampires of standby mode.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

how_to_build_an_emergency_fundToday’s top story: How to boost your emergency fund. Also in the news: What you need to worry about for retirement besides money, why you should worry about medical identity theft, and deciding when it’s time to dump your credit card.

11 Ways to Boost Your Emergency Fund
How to prepare for unexpected expenses.

5 Things to Worry About Besides Money for Retirement
There’s more to retirement planning than just money.

Medical identity theft: Why you should worry
And you thought credit theft was bad…

6 Signs You Should Dump Your Credit Card
Deciding when to cut the card.

This Simple 6-Step Routine Could Save You $30 Per Week on Groceries
An extra $1500 a year would be nice!

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: The dangers of medical identity theft. Also in the news: the pros and cons of identity theft insurance, how to pick the perfect credit card, and how to save your retirement after losing your job.

Medical Identity Theft: The Fraud That Can Kill You
The repercussions are serious.

Is identity-theft insurance a waste of money?
Is the protection worth the cost?

How to Pick the Perfect Credit Card
The important things to consider.

Lost Your Job? Here’s How to Save Your Retirement
Don’t panic.

5 Ways to Fix a Failing Personal Budget
Everyone makes mistakes.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to avoid medical identity theft while at the doctor’s office. Also in the news: What you need to do with your 401(k), ways to save on child care, and nine jobs with the biggest earning potential.

4 Things Your Doctor Doesn’t Need to Know
Avoiding medical identity theft.

No plan for your 401(k)? You’re not alone
Just having a 401(k) plan isn’t enough.

6 ways to cut child care costs
Without sacrificing quality!

9 Jobs With the Biggest Earning Potential
You probably shouldn’t rely on the second one.

7 Steps To A Secure Retirement For Women
Preparing and securing the future.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Savings experts reveal ways you save money. Also in the news: How to manage your debt as you get older, how to avoid medical identity theft, and what to do when you’re addicted to credit cards. Credit Check 1

Financial Expert Reveals Three ‘Super Savings Solutions’
Everyday ways you can save money.

Too Old to Manage Debt and Good Credit?
Managing your debt can become more difficult as you get older.

Avoid and repair medical identity theft
Medical identity theft can be dangerous to your health.

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Credit card addiction can be dangerous.

What to Look Out for This 2014 Tax-filing Season
Changes you’ll need to pay attention to.