Ticketmaster: a problem for more than just Swifties
I’ve got some news that’ll make you want to throw your concert t-shirt in the trash (but please, don’t do that – they’re collectibles now).
Ticketmaster just hit a sour note – they’ve been hacked. Again. Here’s the lowdown on this not-so-greatest hit:
1. Data Breach Bonanza
About 560 million customers might be affected—that’s more people than the entire United States population. The hack includes names, emails, phone numbers, and encrypted credit card information, which is more than enough information to create “clones” of your existing credit card and potentially enough to open new accounts.
2. Dark Web Debut
Like most hacks, the hackers’ goal is not to use your information themselves but to resell it in places like the fabled “Dark Web” (which, come to think of it, sounds like the title of a Metallica song).
3. Ticketmaster’s “Solution”
As with any hack (at least in the beginning), Ticketmaster’s offer of free identity monitoring for a year is worth taking up. But is that enough? No, it’s not.
So once again, here is our list of tips that will make it easier for ID Thieves to learn a Jack White guitar solo than open an account in YOUR name:
- Place a Credit Freeze. We’ve said it before, but it deserves an encore: PUT A SECURITY FREEZE ON YOUR CREDIT REPORTS. It’s easy. Visit Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian and follow their steps. It only takes a few minutes. The freeze lets you lock your credit reports. While this won’t stop existing creditors from seeing your file, it will prevent the vast majority of new account openings.
- Monitor your bank account and credit card statements. You have no liability, generally, for fraudulent charges made with debit or credit cards. Pro Tip: Credit cards have slightly better protection if fraud does occur. You should avoid using debit cards in online accounts like Ticketmaster and use credit cards instead.
- If you see fraud, move fast. The moment you see fraud in a credit or debit account (or a “new” account opened in your name), file a police report or an FTC Fraud Report. This gives you a much better chance of avoiding liability on fraudulent charges and getting any money back that has been used to make them. You can also use these to get credit reporting agencies to block fraudulent accounts from your credit report.
Remember that not all data breaches mean you will become an ID theft victim. But in the event you are, remember we’re here for you with free resources.
There, you’ll find letters to dispute false credit card charges, unauthorized withdrawals or debit charges from your bank account, and, of course, forms to dispute fraudulent (or just plain wrong) items on your credit report.
Stay savvy and keep rockin’.
