Facebook Hack Tips

Attorney General’s Office alerts Pennsylvania citizens about the latest Facebook Hack

Last week, we learned that Facebook suffered a hack, where users’ data and information from more than 50 million Facebook profiles may have been accessed.  Facebook logged out more than 90 million users, forcing them to log back in with their credentials, to avoid further access to the information.  Its investigation into the hackers and what was accessed is ongoing.

Until we learn more about the hack and information accessed, the OAG wants to provide consumers with tips on how to protect themselves from identity theft or other harm related to this type of hack:

  • Do not give money, financial or other personal information to anyone requesting it through Facebook without first speaking directly with that person (not through Facebook) that he or she has requested the money or information.
  • Log out of Facebook when not in use.
  • Change your password, and make sure it is strong. Continue to change your password regularly.
  • Enable log-in notifications in your profile settings to alert you any time a log-in occurs from a new device.
  • Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know, and even if you do know them, it could be a fake profile.
  • Monitor your credit card, banking and other financial statements as you receive them for any suspicious charges
  • Monitor your credit report by visiting the 3 major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – you can access your report for free once a year at each bureau.

If you believe you have been a victim of identity theft or feel that your personal information has been compromised, here are things you can do:

  • Contact the police
  • Immediately freeze or close all affected accounts
  • Change your pin numbers and passwords to your accounts
  • Report it:

Office of Attorney General – 1-800-441-2555

Federal Trade Commission – 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338)

  • Freeze your credit until you feel confident that the issue has been resolved; and only unfreeze it when you are attempting to obtain new credit opportunities
  • Contact the 3 major credit bureaus and place a “fraud alert” on your account:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285, www.equifax.com

Experian: 1-888-397-3742, www.experian.com

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289, www.transunion.com