[Tezcatlipoca]

MoneySavingExpert - PlayStation users' data stolen in hack: what should you do?

Originally Posted by MSE

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Should I be worried about my card details?

Financial Fraud Action (FFA), which represents card firms, says Sony is due to pass it the details of all card numbers that may have been stolen, which FFA will then distribute to banks and building societies.

FFA says this is standard procedure after a hack.

It therefore says anyone who has entered their card number on the PlayStation network does not need to contact their provider as firms will cancel many cards automatically.

FFA adds in a statement: "Customers should keep a close eye on their account for any unusual activity – if they spot any they should contact their bank or card company.

"If anyone is the innocent victim of fraud they will get their money back from their bank or card company."

Sony is not certain that credit card details have been stolen but states on its website: "While there is no evidence credit card data was taken we cannot rule out the possibility.

"To be on the safe side we are advising your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may also have been obtained."

What about my passwords?

Names, addresses, PlayStation log-in details and email addresses are also thought to have been taken by the hackers.

FFA is therefore also advising users to change passwords for all their accounts, be it a bank or email account, if it is the same as they use on PlayStation.

And what about ID fraud?

Playstation users also need to be alert to the threat of identity theft, according to credit reference agency Equifax.

It says fraudsters only need three items of personal information to be able to steal an individual's identity.

If you're worried, you can check your credit report to identify whether fraudsters try to open accounts in your name (see the Credit Rating guide to check for free).

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---------- Post added at 03:37 ---------- Previous post was at 03:04 ----------

New Q&A from Sony:

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/...city-services/