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Capital One data breach: Here's how to protect yourself

The Better Business Bureau is urging Capital One customers to be vigilant and protect themselves as the bank continues its investigation.

Are you worried that your information was stolen during the Capital One data breach?

The bank announced Monday that a hacker stole the accounts and applications of more than 100 million people in March. Federal authorities arrested a Seattle woman as a suspect in the case.

While Capital One says it does not believe the stolen information has been used in a fraudulent way and the company has fixed the vulnerability in its system, the Better Business Bureau is urging Capital One customers to be vigilant and protect themselves as the bank continues its investigation.

The BBB is also reminding consumers that they are not liable for fraudulent charges on their stolen credit cards.

RELATED: Who, what was affected by Capital One data breach

Here are the steps to protect yourself that the BBB recommends taking if you are worried your personal information may have been stolen:

Contact Capital One - Check its website for the latest information. Type the name directly into the browser. Do not click on a link from an email or social media message.

Activate a credit freeze or fraud alert - If a card or account has been compromised, consider placing a fraud alert on the account and contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies. This will prevent anyone from accessing a credit report or scores. Learn more from the BBB here

Watch: What to do if you've been hacked

Monitor credit card statements - If fraudulent charges are spotted, report it to the bank or credit card issuer immediately so the charge can be reversed and a new card issued. Keep receipts in case you need to prove which charges you authorized and which ones you did not.

Beware of scammers - Scammers may pretend to be from the retailer, bank or credit card issuer, telling the customer their card was compromised and suggesting actions to fix the problem. Phishing emails may attempt to fool someone into providing credit card information or ask the person to click on a link or open an attachment, either of which can download malware onto a computer.

You can report any fraudulent issues or scams on BBB Scam Tracker.

RELATED: Capital One data breach: 100 million affected in the US

RELATED: Seattle man arrested on firearms charges along side Capital One hacking suspect

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