With rising incidents of data breaches, financial fraud, and increasing concerns over government access to personal and business data, individuals and organizations—especially those focused on women and diversity—must take proactive steps to protect themselves. From securing your Social Security number (SSN) to pushing back against overreach and potential targeting, here’s what you need to know and what actions you can take.

Immediate Steps If Your Social Security Number or EIN Has Been Compromised

Place a Fraud Alert

Contact the three major credit bureaus to prevent identity thieves from opening accounts in your name:

• Equifax Fraud Alert
• Experian Fraud Alert
• TransUnion Fraud Alert

Freeze Your Credit

A credit freeze blocks lenders from accessing your credit report, preventing fraudulent accounts:

• Equifax Credit Freeze
• Experian Credit Freeze
• TransUnion Credit Freeze

Monitor Your Credit & Bank Accounts

Sign up for alerts through your bank or use monitoring services:

• IdentityForce
• LifeLock

Report Identity Theft

If fraud occurs, file a report with the FTC:

• FTC Identity Theft Reporting

Notify the IRS

Prevent tax fraud by filing Form 14039:

• IRS Identity Theft Affidavit

Check Your SSN Activity

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers guidance on potential misuse:

• SSA Identity Theft Help

Types of Identity Theft

Understanding the various forms of identity theft is essential for protecting yourself. Here are some common types:

• Financial Identity Theft: Financial identity theft is likely the most well-known form of identity theft. Criminals use your personal information to access your bank accounts, open new lines of credit, or take out loans.
• Medical Identity Theft: With medical identity theft, criminals steal your information to receive medical treatment or prescriptions, leaving you with medical bills and inaccurate health records.
• Tax Identity Theft: With tax identity theft, thieves file false tax returns using your Social Security number to claim refunds fraudulently.
• Criminal Identity Theft: When someone gives their name and personal details to law enforcement during an arrest or investigation, this is called criminal identity theft. It can lead to wrongful criminal charges against them.

These types of fraud can have long-lasting effects on your financial stability and personal life; therefore, it is crucial to understand how to protect yourself and your information.

Practical Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity. Setting up alerts for large or unexpected transactions can help catch fraud early.
• Shred Important Documents: Paper documents like bank statements, medical records, and tax forms contain sensitive information. Shredding them before discarding them can prevent dumpster-diving thieves from accessing your data.
• Use Strong Passwords: A secure password is your first line of defense against hackers. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security to your online accounts can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Two-factor authentication requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, making it harder for hackers to gain entry.
• Be Cautious When Using Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing personal accounts or entering sensitive information when connected to public Wi-Fi networks, as these are prime targets for cybercriminals.
• Freeze Your Credit: If you’re not planning to apply for credit anytime soon, consider freezing your credit reports with the major credit bureaus. This prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your consent.

Concerns Over Government & Corporate Data Access

Concerns have surfaced regarding Elon Musk’s companies—including X (formerly Twitter)—potentially gaining access to financial data through U.S. Treasury collaborations. Such access raises alarms about:

• Surveillance & Data Sharing:  Could data from financial transactions, social media, and government databases be cross-referenced to profile individuals and organizations?
• Targeting of Activists & Businesses:  Women-focused and diversity-driven organizations may be disproportionately scrutinized if their financial transactions or communications are deemed politically or socially disruptive.
• Censorship & Funding Restrictions: Government or corporate actors may deplatform or financially disable individuals or nonprofits based on ideological grounds, limiting access to banking, payment processors, and grants.

Specific Targeting of Women & Diversity-Focused Organizations

Potential Risks:

• Nonprofits & Advocacy Groups: Organizations advocating for women and underrepresented communities may face funding challenges, IRS audits, or data scrutiny.
• Women Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses: Government policies or corporate partnerships could lead to restricted access to funding, business grants, or certifications, limiting opportunities.
• Media & Censorship: Social media platforms, under pressure from corporate or government influences, may suppress content related to women’s rights, economic mobility, or diversity.
• Financial Deplatforming: Banks and payment processors (such as PayPal, Stripe, or Venmo) have previously frozen accounts based on perceived political or social alignment.

How to Protect Yourself & Your Organization

At the Individual Level

• Use Privacy-Focused Financial Services: Consider options that limit data sharing.
• Secure Digital Communications: Use encrypted messaging to prevent unauthorized access.
• Minimize Social Media Exposure: Be mindful of linking personal financial information to online platforms, particularly those owned by companies with government contracts.
• Use a VPN: Protect your online activity

At the Local & State Level

• Advocate for State-Level Privacy Laws: Some states (e.g., California’s CCPA) have stronger consumer privacy protections.
• Push for similar legislation in your state.
• Support Local Business Coalitions: Join groups that protect small businesses from unfair financial restrictions or government overreach.
• Encourage Data Transparency: Demand that local agencies disclose how they collect and use business and personal financial data.
• Contact your elected officials 

At the Federal Level

• Push for Stronger Digital Rights Protections
• Support groups fighting for privacy laws and our legal protections such as:
  • Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
  • Fight for the Future
  • ACLU
  • Demand Oversight of Government-Corporate Partnerships: Contact legislators to inquire about Treasury partnerships with private entities and advocate for clear accountability.
• Support FOIA Requests & Transparency Laws
• File a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to uncover whether government agencies are tracking you or your organization:
  • Submit FOIA Request

Contact government officials at the local, state, and federal levels through multiple channels.

Find Your Representatives 📍

Local Officials (City & County Government)

• Mayor’s Office & City Council: Find contact details on your city’s website.
• County Commissioners: Contact your county government for broader policy concerns.
• Public Comment at Meetings: Attend and speak at city council or county board meetings.
• Local Office Visits: Schedule a meeting with officials representing your district.

State Officials (Governor, Legislature, & Agencies)

• Governor’s Office: Contact for executive-level state concerns.
• State Representatives & Senators: Advocate for state legislation and business protections.
• Attorney General’s Office: Report concerns about privacy, financial regulations, or discrimination.
• State Consumer Protection Agencies: File complaints regarding financial deplatforming or unfair practices.

Federal Officials (Congress & Agencies)

• U.S. Senators & Representatives: Contact them to advocate for privacy laws, business protections, and data transparency
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File complaints about data privacy violations.
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Report financial discrimination or deplatforming.
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests: Request records from federal agencies to uncover data tracking or surveillance.

File Complaints or Requests: 📍 FTC Consumer Complaints 📍 CFPB Complaints 📍 FOIA Requests

Additional Ways to Engage

• Social Media Advocacy: Many officials respond to consistent public pressure on platforms like X (Twitter), LinkedIn, or Facebook
• Petitions & Advocacy Groups: Join advocacy and support organizations such as (but certainly not limited to):
  • Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
  • Fight for the Future
  • ACLU
  • The National Women's Law Center
  • the NAACP
  • the Equal Rights Coalition
  • The American Association of University Women
  • WBENC
• Public Hearings & Town Halls: Attend events where officials discuss policies and take public input.
• Letter-Writing Campaigns: A formal letter can be more effective than an email, especially if many people participate.
  • Tips on Writing Your Elected Representatives
  • Find Your Legislator Here

As technology and financial data become more intertwined with corporate and government interests, protecting yourself, your business, and your advocacy efforts is critical. Proactive measures such as freezing your credit, securing financial data, and staying informed about government data-sharing policies will help safeguard your rights. Engage at the local, state, and federal levels to push for stronger privacy protections and ensure that women- and diversity-focused organizations are not unfairly targeted or silenced. Make your voice heard.

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.