The data breach may have happened in 2023, but the risks aren’t over. Here’s how to protect yourself.
If your personal information was exposed in the Chestertons cyberattack, the danger doesn’t end with the breach itself. Criminals may later try to use your data for fraud, identity theft, or phishing scams. That’s why it’s important to stay alert.
Think you might be at risk following the Chestertons cyberattack? Here are some practical steps you can take:
Keep an eye on your bank statements
It only takes a few minutes a week to scan through your transactions, but it could save you a world of stress. Look for unfamiliar payments, direct debits, or transfers you didn’t authorise. If something looks off, report it to your bank immediately. Most banks have fraud teams ready to act quickly if they spot unusual activity.
Tip: Set up instant transaction alerts if your bank offers them. The faster you catch it, the easier it is to stop.
Be cautious of cold calls, texts, or emails
Scammers often use information from data breaches to make their messages sound more believable. You might get a call claiming to be from your bank, an email from a “solicitor”, or even a text from what looks like a legitimate company.
Here’s the rule: if someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for personal or financial details, don’t share anything. Hang up, delete the message, and contact the company directly using details from their official website.
Monitor your credit report
If someone tries to take out credit in your name, it’ll show up on your credit file. That’s why it’s smart to keep tabs on it. Services like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion offer credit monitoring, and many now include fraud alerts or notifications if new accounts are opened using your details.
Some providers offer free trials or no-cost basic monitoring, so you don’t have to pay to stay protected.
Update your passwords
If you’ve reused the same password across different websites, now’s the time to change it. Start with your email and bank accounts, these are your most sensitive digital assets.
Choose strong, unique passwords for each account, ideally using a password manager to keep track of them. And always turn on two-factor authentication where available. It’s a simple extra layer of defence that makes a big difference.
Don’t assume you’re safe
Even if Chestertons hasn’t contacted you, your data might still have been exposed. Because, according to some data breach experts, many of those affected still haven’t received data breach notification letters. And with records going back years, many people may be unaware they’re at risk.
If you’ve ever rented, bought, sold or enquired through Chestertons, it’s worth checking.
Join the Chestertons data breach claim
You don’t need to wait until something goes wrong. If your information has been mishandled, you have a legal right to claim compensation. whether or not you’ve suffered financial loss.
At Join the Claim, we’ll help you check if you’ve been affected and connect you with trusted UK law firms offering no win, no fee support.
