Over 1 million CenterPoint Energy customers in Texas were affected by a data breach, according to the Texas DA's office. If you're a CenterPoint customer, you need to take action now.
Large breaches like this one create opportunity for identity thieves and scammers. Your information may be circulating where you don't want it. The good news is that you can reduce your risk with a few straightforward steps.
Watch Your Bank and Credit Card Accounts
Check your accounts more often than usual for the next several months. Look for charges you don't recognize, no matter how small. Thieves often test stolen information with small purchases before making larger ones.
Set up transaction alerts if your bank or credit card offers them. You'll get a text or email whenever a charge posts. It's the fastest way to catch fraud.
If you spot something wrong, call your bank or card issuer right away. The sooner you report it, the better your protection under fraud liability rules.
Monitor Your Credit Reports
You're entitled to free credit reports from all three major bureaus. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get them. Don't use other sites that claim to offer free reports but want to sell you something.
After a breach, check all three reports instead of spacing them out. Look for accounts you didn't open, inquiries you didn't authorize, and addresses you don't recognize.
If you find problems, dispute them directly with the credit bureau. Each bureau has an online dispute process.
Consider a Credit Freeze
A credit freeze blocks new creditors from accessing your credit report. That means identity thieves can't open new accounts in your name, even if they have your personal information.
Freezing your credit is free. You'll need to contact all three bureaus separately: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each has an online process that takes a few minutes.
When you need to apply for credit yourself, you can temporarily lift the freeze. You'll get a PIN to manage it. Keep that PIN somewhere safe.
A freeze doesn't affect your credit score or prevent you from using existing accounts. It just stops new account applications.
Watch for Phishing Attempts
After breaches, scammers send emails and texts claiming to be from the affected company. They'll ask you to click a link, verify your information, or call a number. Don't do it.
If you get a message claiming to be from CenterPoint about the breach, don't click anything. Go directly to CenterPoint's website by typing the address yourself. Look for official statements there.
Legitimate companies won't ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or account details by email or text. When in doubt, call the company directly using a number from your bill or their official website.
Know What Information Matters Most
Not all exposed data creates the same level of risk. Your Social Security number, date of birth and full account details are the most dangerous in the wrong hands.
Names, addresses and email addresses are less critical on their own, but they still help scammers target you with convincing phishing attempts.
If the breach notification tells you what specific information was exposed, pay attention. That tells you what kind of fraud to watch for.
Consider Credit Monitoring Services
Some companies offer credit monitoring as part of breach response. These services watch for changes to your credit report and alert you.
If CenterPoint or a government agency offers free monitoring to affected customers, sign up for it. It costs you nothing and adds another layer of watching.
If you're paying for monitoring yourself, understand what you're getting. Basic monitoring just checks your credit reports. More expensive services may include identity theft insurance and recovery assistance.
A credit freeze provides stronger protection than monitoring alone, and it's free. Monitoring tells you after something happens. A freeze stops it from happening.
Update Your Utility Account Security
Log into your CenterPoint account and change your password if you haven't recently. Use a strong, unique password you don't use anywhere else.
Enable two-factor authentication if it's available. This requires a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in.
Review your account contact information. Make sure your email and phone number are current so you'll receive legitimate notifications.
Keep Records
Save any notification you receive about the breach. Note the date you received it and what it said about the exposed information.
If you do experience fraud, these records help you prove the connection to the breach. That can matter for credit disputes and legal claims.
Keep a simple log of the steps you take in response. Note when you checked credit reports, froze your credit, or contacted your bank. This helps you stay organized and provides documentation if you need it.
What to Do Right Now
The best time to protect yourself is before fraud happens. Check your accounts this week. Pull your credit reports. Consider freezing your credit if you're not planning to apply for loans soon.
Set a calendar reminder to check your credit reports again in three months and six months. Breaches create long-term risk, not just immediate danger.
Stay alert, but don't panic. Most people affected by breaches never experience fraud. The ones who do catch it fastest are the ones who watch their accounts and take basic precautions.
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Book a 10-Minute Discovery Call →Last updated: October 15, 2026
