How Do Online Identity Monitoring Alerts Work and What Should I Do If I Receive One?

How will I receive any Identity Alerts?

If the personal information you’re monitoring, or your child’s, is detected in a known data breach or on the dark web, we’ll notify you.

You’ll receive a push notification on your device, along with an in-app notification. Tapping either one will take you directly to the Online Identity Monitoring section, where you can review the alert details and recommended next steps.

Who receives Identity Alerts?

Identity alerts are designed to keep the right family member informed. Adults receive alerts about their own monitored information, and if a child’s information is detected, the Primary Accountholder will be notified. Children won’t see identity alerts directly in their app.

What Should I Do If I Receive a Dark Web Monitoring Alert?

If you receive a Dark Web Monitoring alert, it means personal information you’re monitoring was detected in a known data breach or on the dark web. This does not automatically mean your identity has been stolen, but it’s a good time to take proactive steps.

Greenlight does not receive full details about how the information was exposed. The guidance below outlines practical first steps to help protect your information and reduce potential risk.

Secure your accounts

If login credentials may have been exposed, strengthening your accounts should be your top priority.

• Change passwords for important accounts — especially email, banking, and shopping accounts
• Use strong, unique passwords for each account
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever available
• Review recent account activity for anything unfamiliar

Email accounts are especially important to secure first, since they’re often used to reset passwords for other services.

If the alert involves your child’s information, update their passwords as well and strengthen security anywhere their information may be used.

For additional guidance on securing accounts and enabling MFA, you may find this resource helpful: What to Do If Your Information Is Found on the Dark Web

Monitor for suspicious activity

Even if everything looks fine right now, it’s important to stay alert.

• Monitor bank and credit card statements closely
• Review your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries
• Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal information
• Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown sources

Scammers may attempt phishing attempts after information appears in a breach.

The FTC offers helpful advice on avoiding follow-up scams: Did You Get a Dark Web Alert?

Consider additional credit protection

Depending on the type of information exposed, you may want to take added protective measures.

• Placing a fraud alert with a credit bureau(s)
• Freezing your credit to help prevent new accounts from being opened in your name or setting fraud alerts
• Locking your TransUnion credit file in the Greenlight app

If sensitive information such as your Social Security number was exposed, taking additional credit protections may be especially important.

For step-by-step guidance based on specific types of exposed data (such as SSN, credit cards, or driver’s license numbers), this guide may be helpful: What to Do If Your Information Is Found on the Dark Web

Take further action if you suspect Identity Theft

If you notice signs of identity misuse, such as fraudulent charges or unfamiliar accounts, act quickly.

• Contact your financial institution immediately
• Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov
• Consider additional government protections, such as:
  • Requesting an IRS Identity Protection PIN
  • Reviewing your Social Security account activity

Taking early action can help limit potential damage.

 Limit Future Exposure

To help reduce the chances of future exposure, consider taking a few preventative steps:

• Review privacy settings on social media accounts
• Remove personal details (like phone numbers or birthdates) from public profiles
• Opt out of data broker websites that publish personal information
• Be cautious about sharing sensitive information online

Small adjustments can help lower your risk over time.