Governor McKee Releases Public Service Announcement on How Impacted Rhode Islanders can Protect Personal Information

PROVIDENCE, RI - On December 16, 2024, Governor Dan McKee issued a message to the public urging Rhode Islanders who may have been impacted by the data security threat to RIBridges to take five key steps to protect their personal information.

“Right now, the most important thing for potentially impacted Rhode Islanders to do is protect your personal information," said Governor Dan McKee. “Freezing your credit, contacting the credit bureaus, setting up multiple levels of security, and staying alert will help keep your identity safe. Together, we will navigate this challenge."

1. Freeze Your Credit

• You should contact all three credit reporting agencies to do so.
• Equifax: 1-888-298-0045
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800

2. Order a Free Credit Report

• You should request from one of the listed reporting agencies
• You can also access a free credit report online here. 

3. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Files

• You can ask one of the credit reporting agencies for help.
• This is free, and it lets creditors know to contact you before any new accounts can be opened in your name. 

4. Use Multi-factor Authentication

• Double protection makes it much harder for cybercriminals to access your information. 

5. Be Aware

• Never share personal information - such as your social security number, date of birth or password - through an unsolicited e-mail, call or text. Legitimate companies and banks do not know your password and will never ask for it.