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ALERT

2024 National Data Breach

Please note that Cathell Tax HAS NOT been breached.  Client data remains secure.  However...
National Public Data (NPD), a consumer data broker, recently spilled billions of Social Security Numbers, addresses, and phone numbers online. It appears to include the personal data of everyone in the US, UK, and Canada.  

More Information About The Breach

https://9to5mac.com/2024/08/20/data-leak-affecting-everyone-even-worse/
https://krebsonsecurity.com/2024/08/national-public-data-published-its-own-passwords/

To check if your data has been breached

Breaches involving name, address, DOB, SS#, phone number and/or email:
https://npd.pentester.com/

email breaches that may include other info, including where the breach took place:
https://haveibeenpwned.com/

How to tell if your online accounts have been hacked

Tech Crunch Article:
https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/26/how-to-tell-if-your-online-accounts-have-been-hacked/

To check your credit report

See if anyone has used your data to open credit cards or conduct other similar fraudulent activity:
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
Please note:  Usually, you can get one free copy per year from each agency, but as of this update, each one is offering a free report weekly.

To prevent others from using your credit

Freeze all three (3) credit bureaus
To freeze credit reports, you must register with each agency and request a freeze on each one:
Equifax: 
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/   or  1-888-298-0045
Experian: 
https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html     or  1-888-397-3742
​TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze   or  1-800-916-8800


To prevent others from filing taxes using your SSN

Request an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) from the IRS
Then, no one will be able to file taxes using your SSN without the IP PIN.
The IRS will mail you a different IP PIN every year.

Print, fill out and mail this form:  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15227.pdf
or
Set up an IRS ID.me account and apply for an IP PIN online:
https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

To prevent others from opening a bank account using your data

Put freeze on opening fraudulent bank accounts and related accounts.
https://www.chexsystems.com/   or 1-800-428-9623


To prevent others from opening utility accounts using your data

Utility account freeze via National Consumer Telecom and Utilities Exchange (NCTUE) helps prevent fraudulent accounts being opened for phone service, electric service, cable and satellite service, home security services, etc. 
​
Put a freeze on opening fraudulent utility accounts.
https://www.exchangeservicecenter.com/Freeze/#/   or 1-866-349-5355


Other Security Tips

Article:  Hack-proof your finances
https://www.salon.com/2024/08/27/hack-proof-your-finances-how-to-protect-your-personal-data-like-a-cybersecurity-expert/

Please Be Advised

If you, yourself, wish to take out a new credit card, open a new bank account, establish a new utility account, etc.
you must UNFREEZE the relevant service to do so.  However, you may once again re-freeze the service afterwards.

If Your Identity Is Stolen

You may wish to take the following actions

Place A Fraud Alert On Your Credit Reports

7 Things To Know About Fraud Alerts
https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/identity-theft/articles/-/learn/7-things-to-know-about-fraud-alerts/

Contact the IRS

Fill out an Identity Theft Affidavit
Online:   ​https://www.irs.gov/dmaf/form/14039
PDF:  ​https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14039.pdf

Contact the FTC

Report identity theft and get a recovery plan
https://www.identitytheft.gov/​

Contact the FBI

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)    https://www.ic3.gov/

Disclaimer:  The above information represents our best advice in the capacity of TAX PREPARERS.
The above should NOT be considered all inclusive, nor should it be considered legal advice.
If your data has been breached or your identity has been stolen, contact the authorities and seek legal council.

Page Last Updated 08/28/2024
Cathell Tax, Translation and Bookkeeping Service provides preparation, guidance & resources for recording and reporting your finances to the Internal Revenue Service and state & local agencies.

We deliver quality care, knowledge and experience that enhance your peace of mind.


Are you ready to take action?  
CONNECT WITH US:
Phone: 757-710-8667
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In Person:
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Parksley, VA 23421
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Directions: 
- Take US 13 Toward Parksley, Virginia.
- Turn onto Route 176,  Parksley Road. 
- Cathell Tax
is less than 2 mi. ahead,
on the left, just past the school. 
24454B Parksley Road,
Parksley, VA 23421

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Phone
757-710-8667

Email
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