Experian data breach affects T-Mobile customers, applicants

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- The personal information of T-Mobile customers and applicants may have been affected in a recent breach of an Experian server, said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

T-Mobile used Experian to run credit checks on applicants. Credit applications from Sept. 1, 2013 – Sept. 16, 2015, approximately 15 million records, were affected. About 1.2 million of customers in Florida were affected.

Personal information that may have been compromised includes name, address, date of birth, and Social Security numbers. At this time, Experian believes no payment card or banking information is involved in the breach.

To guard against identity theft, the attorney general reminds consumers to follow these tips:

1. Monitor credit and banking activity to identify any potential unauthorized transactions. If such transactions are found, contact your financial institution immediately.
2. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on a credit report. A credit freeze locks down a person’s credit report so credit may not be issued until the freeze is lifted. A fraud alert requires creditors to take steps to verify a person’s identity before issuing credit in his or her name. Service members on active duty may place an active duty alert on their credit, requiring creditors to take steps to verify the service member’s identity before issuing credit. Call one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert, active duty alert or credit freeze on a credit report or to check a credit report:
   — Equifax: 800-525-6285
   — Experian: 888-397-3742
   — Transunion: 800-680-7289
3. Keep all receipts to cross-reference credit and banking statements; and
4. Call local law enforcement if suspicious of identity theft.

For more information and resources on identity theft, visit MyFloridaLegal.com.