2.7 billion Social Security numbers are allegedly leaked online: Here’s how to protect your identity

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The private information of hundreds of millions of Americans could be at risk after an alleged data breach.   

A recent lawsuit filed by California resident Christopher Hofmann claims that 2.7 billion documents like Social Security numbers and other private information was stolen from National Public Data by the hacker group USDoD.  

National Public Data uses Social Security information to run background checks. The lawsuit alleges the private information was then posted to an online hacker forum.  

Lieutenant Greg Willett with the Wilmington Police Department said during this time, you should keep an eye on things like your credit score and bank accounts.  

“Keep an eye on your money that’s in the bank. Keep an eye on your credit score. Keep an eye on anything like that that would indicate that somebody has maybe got your identity, or maybe does have access to your bank account or any kind of financial account,” Willett explained. 

A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration told us you should check my Social Security online for suspicious activity and beef up your passwords.  

If you think your data has been compromised, you should: 

• Reach out to police. 

• Contact the Federal Trade Commission at ww.idtheft.gov, or call 1-877-438-4338. 

• Contact the fraud units of the three consumer reporting companies—Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian. The company that is called is required to contact the other two.  

News of the breach has left some residents in the Cape Fear worried about their data.  

“I mean that’s definitely not a good thing. That’s sensitive information. So, I definitely wouldn’t want someone to have that information of mine,” one Wilmington resident said. 

“I hope my bank would let me know or, you know, whoever is trying to like, buy something, I hope someone would call me first,” another resident expressed. 

“I think what angers me more is just the irresponsibility of these companies that say they’re protecting you and they allow a data breach. How does that happen,” one resident asked. 

Lietenant Willett said even if the crime happens outside of the police department’s jurisdiction, WPD and other law enforcement agencies can point you to the correct authority. 

“Especially the world we live in today, which is very global, very internet-based, especially when you’re talking about finances. The crime could have occurred in another state, or in some cases, it can occur in another country,” Willett explained.