T-Mobile Data Breach: How 1.7 Million Affected In NJ Can Protect Their Personal Info

NEW JERSEY — It's been months since a T-Mobile data breach compromised the personal info of more than 50 million people. But state officials released steps for those potentially affected to keep their information safe, and Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin urged them to take action to protect their identities.

The data breach, which T-Mobile reported Aug. 17, compromised the personal info of the company's 53 million current, former and prospective customers, including 1.7 million New Jerseyans, according to Platkin.

Millions of customers had their names, dates of birth, social security numbers and driver's licenses compromised, among other information. Recently, much of the compromised T-Mobile information was discovered for sale on the dark web — a part of the internet that requires specific software, configurations or authorizations to access. On the dark web, people buy, sell and track personal information, among many other activities hidden from plain sight.

Many have since received alerts through identity theft-protection services saying their information was found online in connection with the breach, putting them at heightened risk for identity theft.

“We encourage all consumers to play a proactive role in safeguarding their personal data,” Platkin said. “With today’s consumer alert, we’re ensuring that consumers have information they need to protect themselves.”

Anyone who believes the data breach affected them — including former and prospective T-Mobile customers — should take the following steps, Platkin says:

• Monitor your credit. Credit-monitoring services track your credit report and alert you whenever a change is made, such as a new account or a large purchase. Most services will notify you within 24 hours of any change to your credit report.
• Consider placing a free credit freeze on your credit report. Identity thieves will not be able to open a new credit account in your name while the freeze is in place. You can place a credit freeze by contacting each of the three major credit bureaus:
  • Equifax: visit online or call 1-888-766-0008
  • Experian: visit online or call 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion: visit online or call 1-800-680-7289
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert tells lenders and creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit. You can place a fraud alert by contacting any one of the three major credit bureaus.
• Additional Resources. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, go to identitytheft.gov for assistance on how to report it and recover from it. Consumers can also contact AskConsumerAffairs@dca.lps.state.nj.us.