Millions of Canadians with Capital One credit cards are living in fear after a massive data hack came to light this week.

The Better Business Bureau's, Shawna-Kay Thomas says job one is to stay calm.

"Your emotions can run high and you'll be tempted to click on random e-mails and random text messages that we know scammers may be tapping into at this moment just to get your personal information. So stay calm, the institution will contact you if you're affected."

Thomas says stay calm and check into the Capital One website for the latest updates.

"Do this very regularly so you can be kept abreast of what is happening, what they are going to be doing. And when you're checking their website, you want to type their website in the browser and not from a random link that you get from somebody else."

Thomas says Capital One has been offering free credit fraud alert's since a massive data hack was made public Monday, July 29.

"They are supposed to be doing this for their customers as well. But it's millions that they're going through at a time. So, it shouldn't be a problem if you try to do this on your own as well, if there's already one in place then you will be notified by Capital One. But it's always best to check that there is one that's already been placed by them."

She says the company will be in touch with you, if they haven't already, but by phone or snail-mail, not by text or e-mail, so she says don't click on links e-mailed to you as it's likely hackers looking to take advantage.

The Better Business Bureau is providing these tips for people who may be affected:

1.) Stay calm. Consumers are not liable for fraudulent charges on stolen account numbers.

2.) Check with the website of the company that was breached for the latest information. Type the company name directly into your browser. Do NOT click on a link from an email or social media message.

3.) If a credit card has been compromised, you will likely hear from the bank or card-issuer first. If you have questions, call the customer service number on your card.

4.) Consider putting a credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit reports (bbb.org/creditfreeze). A credit freeze will prevent anyone from accessing your credit report or scores. This means you cannot apply for new credit without lifting the freeze. A fraud alert flags your account but does not automatically halt new credit being opened in your name.

5.) Everyone should check their credit reports annually, whether or not they have been the victim of a data breach.

6.) If your credit card(s) has been breached: Monitor your credit card statements carefully (go online; don't wait for the paper statement).If you see a fraudulent charge, report it to your bank or credit card issuer immediately so the charge can be reversed and a new card issued.Keep receipts in case you need to prove which charges you authorized and which ones you did not.

7.) If your debit card has been breached: Do all of the above as for credit cards, but pay very careful attention to your account. Debit cards do not have the same protections as credit cards and debit transactions withdraw funds directly from your bank account.Contact your bank for more information, or if you want to pre-emptively request a new debit card or put a security block on your account.

8.) Beware of scammers who may purport to be from the retailer, your bank, or your credit card issuer, telling you that your card was compromised and suggesting actions to "fix" the problem. Phishing emails may attempt to fool you into providing your credit card information, or ask you to click on a link or open an attachment, which can download malware onto your computer.

 

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