[Natfinwellness] Equifax Data Breach

[Kris Alban]

Hi Niki,

This is a great question, and an issue which most experts believe will substantially increase in the coming years as most organizations realize that the data security standards currently in place are severely inadequate.

While you likely know that we do not typically endorse 3rd party services out of respect for our partner schools, I personally use CreditSesame to monitor my own credit.  It is free, updates me with a credit score every month, and alerts me when there is any type of change on my credit.  There are several other free services that do the same thing (ie. Credit Karma), and I always strongly recommend using one of these services to all of my friends, family and colleagues.

I can honestly say that I have not vetted any others and am guessing they are all equally effective, but am happy with the one I am using.  Important Note - these services do not protect you, they alert you to possible red flags on your credit which could be an early indicator of identity theft.  You must view each alert when it comes in to make sure that you recognize it, and take action if you do not.


Kris Alban
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From: Natfinwellness [mailto:natfinwellness-bounces at lists.osu.edu] On Behalf Of Niki Pechinski
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 9:19 AM
To: National Financial Wellness Listserv <natfinwellness at lists.osu.edu>
Subject: [Natfinwellness] Equifax Data Breach

Hello Financial Literacy Colleagues,

My name is Niki Pechinski, I am the Financial Literacy Educator at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

In light of the Equifax data breach, I am curious, how your conversations with students changed (or not changed) regarding credit retrieval and online security? I believe in safe online practices but I also don't think not monitoring credit is an effective way to reduce identity theft.

What do you think? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Warmly,
Niki

Niki Pechinski
Financial Literacy Educator
University of MN Duluth
(218) 726-7039
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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