How To Recognize Bogus OPM Breach Letters From Scammers

Earlier this year, a data breach at the Office of Personnel management (OPM) federal government agency exposed the sensitive personal information of government employees, former government employees, and their families. Identity criminals and fraudsters are taking advantage of the breach by sending bogus breach letters supposedly from the OPM.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advised consumers how to recognize valid letters from the OPM:

"Real Letters Contain>: a) A 25 digit PIN to register for credit and identity monitoring services. Make sure your PIN is real by entering it at opm.gov/cybersecurity; b) Instructions to visit the website opm.gov/cybersecurityto get more information and sign up for monitoring"

How to spot bogus OPM solicitations from scammers:

1. The OPM will not ask you to confirm your personal information. So, do not share it with anyone asking
2. The OPM is not using e-mail. They are using surface postal mail.

If you lost your PIN number or didn't receive a breach notice from the OPM and think that you are affected, then you can confirm your status at the OPM security site. If you receive a bogus letter from scammers about this or other breaches, report it to the BBB.