Equifax Breach: Protect Yourself

The Equifax data breach affected approximately 143 million people. Check your credit score and consult a lawyer if you believe you are a victim of identity theft resulting from this breach.

What Happened?

In September 2017, Equifax announced one of the largest data breaches in history. The breach exposed sensitive personal information of approximately 143 million Americans, including Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and in some cases, driver's license numbers and credit card numbers.

Am I Affected?

If your personal information was compromised in the Equifax breach, you may be at risk for identity theft and fraud. Equifax has provided a tool on their website to check if your information was affected. However, it's important to remain vigilant regardless of what the tool indicates.

Steps to Protect Yourself

If you believe your information may have been compromised, take these steps immediately:

• Check your credit reports from all three credit bureaus
• Place a fraud alert on your credit files
• Consider placing a credit freeze
• Monitor your bank and credit card statements closely
• File your taxes early to prevent tax fraud
• Be alert for phishing attempts

Your Legal Rights

If you have suffered financial losses or identity theft as a result of the Equifax breach, you may have legal options. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Equifax, and there may be opportunities for compensation.

In 2019, Equifax agreed to a settlement of up to $425 million to help people affected by the data breach. If you were affected, you may be entitled to compensation, credit monitoring services, or identity theft protection.

When to Consult an Attorney

You should consult with an attorney if you:

• Have experienced identity theft
• Have suffered financial losses
• Have had difficulty resolving fraudulent accounts
• Need help understanding your rights under the settlement