Answers from Our Care Team: What Should I Do If I Receive a CyberScan Alert?

IDX CyberScan is a tool that monitors your personal data on all layers of the web, including the dark web where cybercriminals lurk. It alerts you immediately if your personal data has been breached, giving you valuable time to keep identity fraud from happening.

If you receive an email from IDX alerting you to a breach of your personal information, log into your account dashboard and click Alerts (bell icon) in the left column. You’ll be taken to the Alerts page, where you’ll see details about the breach.

Please note that if CyberScan has found your personal information for sale on the dark web, it is not possible to get your information removed—not even law enforcement agencies currently have the ability to do that. However, there’s no need to panic. You can take steps to help avoid becoming a victim of identity fraud.

Depending on the type of information we’ve found to be compromised, there are different actions you could take. For example:

• Compromised Email Address – Change your email password, and continue changing it every 3-6 months. Watch for phishing attempts (emails that appear to be from a legitimate source but are actually from fraudsters trying to trick you into clicking harmful links) and other email-related scams.
• Compromised Financial Data – Change your account password and keep a careful eye on your financial account statements. If you spot any suspicious activity, report it to your financial institution immediately and ask them to freeze the account.
• Compromised Medical Data – Change the passwords on any medical portals you use. Request a copy of your medical record from your providers, so you’ll have an accurate record in case an imposter’s information ends up in your file. Check your Explanation of Benefits statements (EOBs) from your insurers even more carefully than usual.
• Compromised Phone Number or Home Address – As with emails, watch for phishing attempts made through text messages, phone calls, or mailers. If you get an unusual message claiming to be from a legitimate business or organization, don’t click any links or call any numbers. Find the contact information for the real organization and reach out to them that way.
• Compromised Social Security Number – Place a fraud alert with one of the three major credit bureaus. An initial fraud alert is a great tool for avoiding identity theft, as it warns companies that your information is at risk of being used for fraudulent purposes. The alert is free and lasts for one year. The bureaus work together on your behalf so you only need to notify one of them; we suggest using Experian here.
• Lost/Stolen Driver’s License – Notify the issuing agency in your state.
• Lost/Stolen U.S. Passport – Notify the U.S. Department of State.

Learn more about IDX privacy and identity alerts here.