Equifax Data Breach Settlement Announced

In September 2017, Equifax announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million people. Under a recent settlement, Equifax agreed to spend up to $425 million to help people affected by the data breach. Read on to understand how the settlement may affect you. Also know that the announcement of this settlement represents a field day for more scammers to use this opportunity to deceive people by pretending to be someone who can help them access their settlement money.

How It Works • Individuals affected by the breach may be eligible for up to 10 years of free credit monitoring services or a cash payment of up to $125 if they already have credit monitoring. • Individuals who have incurred expenses as a result of the breach may be eligible for cash payments of up to $20,000 to recover losses from unauthorized charges, fees paid to accountants and attorneys, and other expenses. • Even if you don't file a claim, you can get free help recovering from identity theft for at least seven years. • Beginning in 2020, every U.S. consumer can get six free credit reports each year, for seven years, from Equifax. These are in addition to the free reports you can get at annualcreditreport.com.

What You Should Know • The claims process has begun, and will continue through January 22, 2020. File your claim at equifaxbreachsettlement.com. • Note that the court must first approve this settlement before benefits can be distributed. To keep an eye on this, sign up for email updates from the Federal Trade Commission (see below).

What You Should Do • You can file a claim at equifaxbreachsettlement.com. • If you aren't sure if your information was exposed, head over to ftc.gov/Equifax to use a lookup tool. • Sign up to get FTC email updates about this settlement. Visit https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTC/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTC_109 to sign up. • If someone claiming to be able to help you get a refund stemming from this settlement calls you, it is a scam. Hang up immediately. • If you have been targeted by someone claiming to be able to help you get a refund stemming from this settlement, or have fallen victim, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1‑877‑908‑3360 for guidance and support.

When it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. You have the power to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams. Please share this alert with friends and family and visit the Fraud Watch Network for more information. Sincerely, Kathy Stokes AARP Fraud Watch Network

Get Help To report a scam or for help if you or a loved one has fallen victim, contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. CALL 877-908-3360

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