When registering for a service online, you may be asked to provide a great deal of personal information, ranging from your name and address to your banking details or social security number. While most companies go through a great deal of effort to protect this information, that does not stop hackers from attempting to break into their databases. In a successful attack, the malicious group or individual may be able to steal these records and distribute them online, often through illegal marketplaces on the dark web. This is how a scammer may be able to acquire your personal information, banking details, or even your passwords.
It is difficult to prevent scammers from obtaining your data once it has leaked. The best way to keep yourself safe from this method is to take immediate action in the event of a data breach. Many companies will immediately notify their customers of the breach and provide you with recommended actions. You can also freeze your credit to prevent scammers from using it in your name. Using multi-factor authentication can prevent scammers from accessing your account with just your password, forcing them to prove their identity through something like a fingerprint scan or by entering a one-time code from a mobile app. In the most severe cases, you can request a change in your bank account number, or contact the federal government for .