Check to see if you have been impacted by the Equifax security breach by entering your last name and the last 6 digits of your Social Security Number at the following website:
www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/potential-impact
After entering your last name and Social Security number, the website response will alert you whether you have been potentially impacted or not.
If you have been impacted, Equifax is offering free credit monitoring through its affiliate, Trust ID. However, there is a possibility that a person could inadvertently waive his/her right to participate in a class action law suit. See the link below on discussion of this possibility. There have been conflicting articles published regarding this waiver of rights, so read the terms and conditions carefully should you decide to accept the monitoring service.
If there is a possibility of breach, a credit score report should be obtained. Also, a credit report from all three of the credit reporting agencies should be requested. Every consumer is entitled to a free credit report each year from each of the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. These reports can be requested at:
Credit reports should be monitored on a regular basis going forward.
As an added precaution, request an added level of security to be placed on credit cards and accounts at banks and brokerage institutions. This will vary among institutions, so inquire at each institution what additional layers of security protection are available. For example, you may be able to place a restriction on your account using an additional password or pin or security questions before accessing an account. There may be a verification process whereby you are sent an automatic, random code to your cell phone that you must enter before logging on to an online account.
A credit freeze can also be requested, however, there are restrictions that are part of that process.
Be especially wary of emails or phone calls for scammers who are exploiting the fears of consumers amid the chaos.
Additional Resources:
- Equifax Releases Details on Cybersecurity Incident, Announces Personnel Changes – September 15, 2017
- Still confused after the Equifax breach? Here’s what you need to know – Fidelity Investments, September 13, 2017
- What to do now if your among 143 million Americans affected by Equifax data breach – MarketWatch, September 10, 2017
- Equifax TrustedID customers waive their rights to a class-action lawsuit, MarketWatch, September 9, 2017
- The Equifax Data Breach: What To Do, Federal Trade Commission, September 8, 2017
