Equifax has agreed to a settlement with the FTC stemming from a September 2017 data breach.
If you’ve recently received a notification about the Equifax data breach settlement, you may be wondering if it’s real or just another scam. With scammers often exploiting high-profile settlements, it’s crucial to verify whether your letter or email is legitimate before taking action.
Details On The Data Breach
In September 2017, Equifax revealed a data breach that compromised the personal information of 147 million individuals. The company has since reached a global settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and authorities from all 50 U.S. states and territories. The settlement provides up to $425 million in assistance for those impacted by the breach.
How to Check If Your Notification Is Legitimate
The official website for the Equifax data breach settlement has a tool to help you verify your eligibility. Here’s how to confirm the legitimacy of the notification you received:
Step 1: Visit the Official Eligibility Website
Go to the Equifax settlement’s official eligibility tool at eligibility.equifaxbreachsettlement.com. This site is managed by the Equifax Breach Settlement Administrator and can confirm whether your information was compromised during the 2017 data breach.
Step 2: Enter Your Information
On the website, you’ll need to provide:
- Your last name.
- The last six digits of your Social Security number.
This information will only be used to check your eligibility. If your data was exposed, the tool will confirm your status and guide you on next steps.
Step 3: Verify Your Notification
If the eligibility tool confirms that you were affected by the breach, the notification you received is likely legitimate. However, double-check that:
- The email address matches [email protected] or [email protected].
- The letter provides clear instructions pointing you to the official settlement website for further action.
What Should a Legitimate Data Breach Notification Include?
If your notification is genuine, it will provide:
- Confirmation of your eligibility for settlement benefits.
- Information on the available benefits, such a free credit monitoring for up to four years, identity restoration services for seven years, or cash payments if you already have credit monitoring.
- Clear instructions to visit equifaxbreachsettlement.com for more details or to file a claim.
Data Breach Notifications: Red Flags to Watch For
Scammers often try to mimic legitimate communications. Be cautious if your notification:
- Asks for sensitive information like full Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords.
- Comes from an unfamiliar sender or email address.
- Contains poor grammar, typos, or overly urgent language, such as “act now” or “urgent deadline”
Unsure If You Were Impacted By The Data Breach?
If you’re uncertain whether the notification is legitimate, take these steps:
- Use the eligibility tool at eligibility.equifaxbreachsettlement.com to verify if you were impacted.
- Contact the Equifax Breach Settlement Administrator directly through the official website or phone number provided on the settlement page.
- Avoid clicking any links in emails unless you’ve confirmed their legitimacy through the official website.
Why It’s Important to Verify
Scammers often exploit large-scale data breaches like Equifax to target victims with phishing attempts. By using the official eligibility tool and taking precautions, you can avoid falling victim to fraud and ensure you claim the benefits you’re entitled to.
If you’re affected by the Equifax breach, visit the eligibility tool to verify your status. From there, you can safely claim benefits like free credit monitoring, identity restoration services, or compensation. Protect your personal information and take advantage of the resources available through the settlement.