Are You Eligible for Compensation from the 2017 Equifax Data Breach?

The words 'data breach notifications' spelled in wooden letters notifying possible compensation for Equifax data breach.

In 2017, 147 million people had their personal information stolen during the Equifax Data Breach. This one of the largest cybersecurity incidences in history. In July 2019, the Federal Trade Commission ordered Equifax – one of the three major credit reporting agencies – to pay a settlement of $700 million to state and federal regulators for individual claims and civil penalties. You could be eligible for up to a $20,000 portion of this settlement. What Can You Get from the Equifax Data Breach? If you were one of the 147 million consumers affected by this credit monitoring system breach, you may be entitled to reimbursement, including:

  • Reimbursement for up to $20,000
  • Free credit monitoring for up to 10 years by Equifax
  • Reimbursement for credit monitoring by another service for up to $125
  • Identity restoration assistance

Does the Equifax Data Breach Apply to me?

In order to take advantage of this major settlement, you must first find out if the 2017 Equifax Data Breach affected you. Identity theft can cost you – the average amount a victim loses is more than $1,300 a year. Keep reading to see if you qualify.

Was Your Credit Score Impacted?

Although you may be entitled to a settlement, the negative effects on your credit history may not be so easy to resolve. If you need help navigating the settlement process, checking or improving your credit, reach out to expert credit counselors for guidance on how to take control of your financial well-being. Get Started. It’s Free.

Learn More: What is a Good Credit Score?

Beware of Credit Scams

After submitting your claim, it’s in your best interest to talk to a credit coach to discuss your options moving forward. If your information was leaked, there’s a possibility you could become a target for successful credit scams. In order to avoid any further damage to your credit, talk to a professional and get the credit advice you need.

Check Your Eligibility on Equifax

To find out if you’ve been affected by this breach, you can visit the Equifax data breach checker at https://www.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/, a site operated by a settlement administrator.

Article written by
Melinda Opperman
Melinda Opperman is an exceptional educator who lives and breathes the creation and implementation of innovative ways to motivate and educate community members and students about financial literacy. Melinda joined credit.org in 2003 and has over two decades of experience in the industry.

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