Equifax Data Breach Settlement

In September of 2017, Equifax announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million people. The company has agreed to a global settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and 50 U.S. states and territories. The settlement includes up to $425 million to help people affected by the data breach. The deadline to file a claim was January 22, 2024. The settlement administrator continues to review and issue benefits for identity theft and fraud claims related to the breach. Even if you do not file a claim, you can get: Free Help Recovering from Identity Theft If you were affected by the data breach and discover misuse of your personal information, you can get free identity restoration services until January 2029, even if you never filed a claim for other benefits. To access this benefit, use the look-up tool to confirm that you were affected by the breach. The confirmation page provides a phone number and engagement number to get free help with identity restoration. Free Credit Reports for All U.S. Consumers All U.S. consumers can now get 7 free Equifax credit reports per year through 2026 by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.