Finding out your personal information may be circulating on the dark web can be unsettling but taking quick, informed action can help limit the damage.
- Lock down your accounts right away
If your credentials are exposed, update passwords immediately; especially for email, financial accounts, and anywhere you reuse the same login information. Use strong, unique passwords and turn on multi‑factor authentication whenever possible.
- Keep a close eye on your finances
Regularly review bank statements, credit card activity, and online accounts for anything out of place. Early detection is key to stopping fraud before it escalates.
- Add an extra layer of credit protection
Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus to make it harder for criminals to open new accounts in your name. It’s a proactive step that puts you back in control.
- Be on high alert for scams
Exposed data is often used to fuel phishing emails, fake texts, and spoofed phone calls. Treat unexpected requests for personal information with skepticism, even if they appear to come from a trusted source.
- Document and report suspicious activity
If you spot signs of identity theft, such as unfamiliar charges, new accounts you didn’t open, or alerts from financial institutions, take action right away. Start by contacting your bank, credit card issuers, or any affected companies to report the issue and secure your accounts. If you’re a Chelsea Groton Bank customer and believe your information may have been compromised, contact the Bank’s Customer Care Center at 860‑448‑4200 or email Security@chelseagroton.com for guidance and next steps. Next, report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which tracks identity theft and provides recovery guidance. The FTC’s official reporting site, IdentityTheft.gov, will walk you through the reporting process and create a personalized recovery plan with clear next steps, checklists, and sample letters you can use with creditors and credit bureaus. Throughout the process, keep detailed records of what happened, who you contacted, and any actions taken. This documentation can be critical if issues resurface or if you need proof when disputing fraudulent activity later on.
- Continue monitoring and stay informed
A single exposure doesn’t always equal immediate fraud but staying vigilant over time matters. Keep devices and software updated, and continue monitoring accounts for future signs of misuse.
