In recent years, many large retailers and other institutions have had consumers’ personal and financial information compromised. A data breach at the credit reporting agency Equifax exposed the personal information of about 147 million people, leading to a $425-million settlement for consumers.

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs reminds consumers that the best protection against a data breach is to consistently monitor their credit report.

To ensure credit safety, people should get a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. For information, visit annualcreditreport.com, or call (877)322-8228.

People should also check their credit reports closely, making sure all the information is correct, including names, addresses and all account and payment history details. If a report is wrong, contact DCBA at (800)593-8222 for help reporting errors to credit reporting agencies.

People should also consider freezing their credit if they do not plan on making any major purchases or taking out loans that require new credit. A security freeze, which is free to set up, stops the major credit reporting agencies from sharing your credit information.

DCBA’s Center for Financial Empowerment has more tips to help with finances. For information, visit dcba.lacounty.gov/financial-empowerment, or call (800)593-8222.