We have identity defense free services because certain healthcare and public retirement websites has been hacked (National Public Data Breached 2.9 billion records). We recently received notification that my wife’s SS number is on the dark web. I did read older posts on identity theft, but it seemed perhaps an update would help my wife and me out.
We had already frozen our accounts in the past with the three credit bureaus. We also did do a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus. We also submitted a report to www. report fraud.ftc.gov. Here are my questions and concerns:
1. Should we fill out the IRS form 14039? We do have a PIN number that we used in the past to file online. If we submit form 14039, I read we then would receive a 5071c letter. Would this be a complicated process and slow everything down to receiving our tax refund. We usually submit our yearly 1040 form as soon as receiving information from various financial institutions? It’s a hassle to do taxes (use TurboTax services). I want to be protected but not over react. Also I don’t want our adult children to have it more complicated if we need their assistance. Please advise pros and cons.
2. Should I put a lock on my investments with the two financial institutions? Is this wise. How hard is it to unlock your accounts? I understand no money can then be withdrawn. But, can you still do transfers within your financial institution?
3. I do concurrently have two factor authentication with my investment firms and the bank. I really don’t understand Yubikeys or VIP autheticator App. Could these also be hacked? Or, is two factor authentication adequate?
4. Should I notify our credit card companies that our SS number is on the dark web?
5. Do I also file a criminal report to our local police department? Is this necessary?
So sorry with so many questions. Did I miss anything with protection? At our ages we are trying to simplify our lives but do worry about being a victim of identity theft plus losing some money or all of our money…especially from one institution. I do everything online so do have some concerns.
As always, thank you
We had already frozen our accounts in the past with the three credit bureaus. We also did do a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus. We also submitted a report to www. report fraud.ftc.gov. Here are my questions and concerns:
1. Should we fill out the IRS form 14039? We do have a PIN number that we used in the past to file online. If we submit form 14039, I read we then would receive a 5071c letter. Would this be a complicated process and slow everything down to receiving our tax refund. We usually submit our yearly 1040 form as soon as receiving information from various financial institutions? It’s a hassle to do taxes (use TurboTax services). I want to be protected but not over react. Also I don’t want our adult children to have it more complicated if we need their assistance. Please advise pros and cons.
2. Should I put a lock on my investments with the two financial institutions? Is this wise. How hard is it to unlock your accounts? I understand no money can then be withdrawn. But, can you still do transfers within your financial institution?
3. I do concurrently have two factor authentication with my investment firms and the bank. I really don’t understand Yubikeys or VIP autheticator App. Could these also be hacked? Or, is two factor authentication adequate?
4. Should I notify our credit card companies that our SS number is on the dark web?
5. Do I also file a criminal report to our local police department? Is this necessary?
So sorry with so many questions. Did I miss anything with protection? At our ages we are trying to simplify our lives but do worry about being a victim of identity theft plus losing some money or all of our money…especially from one institution. I do everything online so do have some concerns.
As always, thank you
Statistics: Posted by thenow — Tue Aug 27, 2024 10:50 am — Replies 3 — Views 338
