MoneyGram data breach: Here’s how to protect your credit and finances

[Watch in the player above: What to do after a data breach]

COLUMBUS , Ohio (WJW) — A new state consumer alert warns Ohioans of a data breach affecting customers of money transmitting service MoneyGram.

The cyberattack occurred between Sept. 20 and 22, according to the Wednesday notice. Hackers obtained sensitive personal information from MoneyGram customers such as names, contact information, birth dates, Social Security numbers, government-issued identification documents, bank account numbers, transaction information and more.

MoneyGram said it’s taken steps to contain the breach. An investigation is now underway, but is in the early stages, the company said in a Monday news release. It’s still working to identify the affected customers.

“While cyberattacks are increasingly common, the impact of those attacks on consumers can be limited if those who are impacted take the appropriate measures, and do so quickly,” Ingrid White, deputy superintendent of the department’s Division of Financial Institutions, is quoted in the release.

“By taking steps such as regularly and closely reviewing financial statements and credit reports to identify unauthorized transactions or accounts, individuals can help protect themselves from becoming the victim of identity theft and potentially experiencing significant financial loss.”

The company has a FAQ for affected customers on its website . It’s also established a call center, available in English and Spanish, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. The number is 833-918-1122. The reference number is B132368.

MoneyGram is also now offering U.S. customers two years of identity protection and credit monitoring services.

If you’ve used MoneyGram or think your personal data may be compromised, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

Review your financial statements and credit reports

You can get a free credit report each week at AnnualCreditReport.com .

Consider freezing your credit

This stops creditors from accessing your credit file, and also keeps identity thieves from opening new accounts under your name. You can call the three major credit reporting bureaus for help:

• Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872

For identity theft victims

The Federal Trade Commission offers a step-by-step process to recover from identity theft and what to do if you’re affected by a data breach at IdentityTheft.gov

MoneyGram is now back to normal operations. It operates in more than 200 cities across Ohio and is licensed by the department’s Division of Financial Institutions.

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