AT&T: How to Know If Your Data Was Stolen and What to Do
Another day, and another data breach where data was stolen. According to a statement from AT&T sent out Friday (July 12), the call and text message records of nearly all of the company’s cellular customers were exposed in a data breach. Here’s how to know if your data was stolen and what to do about it.
AT&T: How to Know If Your Data Was Stolen
In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday, AT&T said it discovered in April that customer data was illegally downloaded from an AT&T workspace, and that data went onto a third-party cloud platform. AT&T also said it’s currently working with law enforcement to arrest those who are responsible for this happening and that they’ve already apprehended at least one party involved. “We have an ongoing investigation into the AT&T breach and we’re coordinating with our law enforcement partners,” the Federal Communications Commission said on social media.
If you’re an AT&T customer, you’re likely worried about this data breach and want to know if your data was stolen. So, how do you know if you were affected and what to do if you were impacted. According to AT&T’s SEC filing, the data breach happened with records of customer call and text interactions that took place approximately between May 1 and October 31, 2022. AT&T also said the compromised data also includes records from January 2, 2023, but those are for a “very small number of customers.” On top of the cellular customers, customers of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that use AT&T’s wireless network and AT&T landline customers who interacted with these cellular numbers were also part of the breach.
The good news is that according to AT&T, “the data does not contain the content of calls or texts, personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or other personally identifiable information.” They added that, “It also does not include some typical information you see in your usage details, such as the time stamp of calls or texts.”
So, what do you do if you’re impacted? AT&T says that customers should be very careful when it comes to any phone call or text request asking you for personal, account or credit card details. Also, if you think you have suspicious text activity, they say to forward the text to AT&T. Also, forwarded messages are free. Also, if you think that you’re dealing with fraud on your AT&T wireless number, tell AT&T’s fraud team. If you think there’s fraud on another account, call the customer service number on your bill. Of course, don’t open text messages from anyone you don’t know and trust, and don’t reply to text messages from unknown senders. Keep reading below for information on some new scams going around.
You Should Know These New Scams That Are Trending
Watch out for the new 'check cooking scam'
The AARP warns of a new scam called the “check cooking scam.” The AARP states, “In check cooking, thieves take a digital picture of a stolen check and then use commercially available software to alter it.” It can look super real, but it’s fake. So, how do you stay safe? “Consider using a safer payment method, such as a credit card,” they suggest.
Getty Images / Andrey Popov
Look out for the 'delayed-action sweepstakes scam'
The AARP states also warns of a new sweepstakes scam where “instead of trying to get you to pay taxes or other fees in advance to collect the nonexistent prize, the scammers will ask for personal information so that they can validate you and set up the payout.” Just say no.
Getty Images / Torsten Asmus
Watch out for AI-powered scams
These days, AI scams are big. Experian.com says today, scammers use technology to “write more convincing and natural-sounding phishing emails and text messages.” They can also “Impersonate the victim’s friend or relative and ask for money as part of a grandparent scam.” It’s scary stuff. Beware of anything that sounds too crazy, as these can often seem far-fetched, but AI makes them look real.
Getty Images / Userba011d64_201
Beware of student loan forgiveness scams
Experian.com says that student loan forgiveness scams are on the rise. They note that, “scammers may contact you via phone or create phony application sites aimed at stealing your Social Security number or your bank account information.” Don’t give out your information. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Getty Images / Pla2na
Look out for the Paris Olympics scam
This one is really wild. With the games on the way, scammers can use the games to scam you. The AARP states, “A scammer hacks someone’s email account, and shortly after, all of that person’s contacts will receive the same message — something to the effect of, ‘Hey guys, I’m over in Paris and my wallet got stolen! Can anyone please help me out by sending gift cards or a Venmo deposit?”
Getty Images / Marcio-Binow-Da-Silva
The best way to avoid scams
Whether the scam is new or old, the best way to avoid it is to stop and think about what’s happening. These scam artists are super good at what they do, but if you just stop for a moment and really think out any actions, you can avoid making a rash decision that could cost you.
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