YouTube- Identity Theft and Massive Data Breach

In this video, I discuss the data breach that has compromised millions of people’s personal information. This data breach includes emails, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers. Here’s a summary of what to expect in this YouTube video, using your credit report to prevent identity theft.

Listen to the podcast version.

Tips to Protect Your Identity and Prevent Identity Theft

Personally, I can tell my email address is part of this breach based on the substantial increase in spammy emails I’ve been receiving lately. It seems I block the email address and get the same email from another address the next day.

You can take steps to protect yourself from identity theft. Start by avoiding clicking on suspicious links in your email. For example, if you get an email from your bank, go straight to your bank’s login page instead of clicking the email.

Using Credit Reports to Your Advantage

You can also consider freezing your credit. This means new credit can’t be obtained until you “unfreeze” your credit. You can freeze your credit directly with the three major credit report bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can also try this link.

It would be best if you also made it a habit to check your credit reports regularly. A recent blog post discusses how common credit report errors are. But it also allows for checking for any fraudulent activity.

If there are errors with your credit report, disputing them with the credit reporting agencies is a simple process. Take advantage of accessing your credit report for free every twelve months.

I also recommend having alerts set up with your bank account so that any purchases with a credit or debit card you will be notified instantly via text message.

You can learn more about filing for bankruptcy and the bankruptcy petition via this link. Information on the bankruptcy court system, contact information for trustees, and your state’s exemptions can be found here. The federal bankruptcy exemptions are listed here. The latest version of the 341 Meeting of the Creditors can be found here.

Colleges and universities can purchase my bankruptcy law textbook directly from Routledge Publishing. For paralegals and students buying single copies, you can do so via Amazon Books. To access my YouTube channel, click this link. Archives can be found via this link.

Additional categories of interest below:

• Bankruptcy
• Your Wallet

Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.

Updated on September 19, 2025.