Korea’s financial authorities suggested Wednesday 10 tips to safeguard personal information in response to the recent card leak.

The tips are as follows:

1. You can continue to use the original cards, as the leaked information has been fully retrieved, blocking the possibility of additional abuse.

2. Request the free mobile text messaging service that notifies customers immediately about every payment made with the card.

3. If you suspect your card has been used illegally, contact the card company websites and call center to check your detailed account statement.

4. Those worried about the leak can change their PIN numbers, request a new credit card or cancel your account.

5. In case of losses caused by the leak, report either directly to the card company’s customer call center or to the Financial Supervisory Service for full monetary compensation.

6. Beware of messages impersonating card companies. They are not sending out notices through mobile text messages regarding the data spill.

7. Do not open Internet links sent from unidentified sources through emails or text messages.

8. End calls asking for important personal information, as it is likely that impersonators are attempting to get access to individual confidential data.

9. Any suspected smishing scams should be notified immediately to the police, Financial Supervisory Service and the financial companies’ call center.

10. Make use of the damage report center, which is open around the clock.

By Yoon Ha-youn, Intern reporter (yhayoun@heraldcorp.com)