Equifax credit data breach What you should know and do Now

In 2017 Equifax acknowledged a data breach that affected about 148,000,000 Americans of the 209,000,000 Americans 18 years and older.  The data breach released Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as:

• Names
• Social Security numbers
• Gender
• Birth dates
• Addresses
• Driver’s license numbers

​Ouch, that hurts! Since more than 70% of credit eligible adults data files were compromised, it would be wise to take protected yourself.
What you must do now since Equifax has set a deadline of October 15, 2019. 

1. Check to see if you were affected. If so, file your claim.  Equifax changed some terms recently, so check again even if you are sure you previously filed a claim. Also, it is wise to all family members regardless of age while you are at it.
2. Check your credit reports from all three major bureaus for changes in your file. Be mindful of recent inquiries, other addresses and other names not just the tradelines in the file.
3. Check your credit statements for charges you don’t recognize.
4. Change vulnerable (read ALL) passwords for online, ATM, credit card accounts, etc. While you’re at it, use the latest cybersecurity password best practices.

Other things you can do.

1. Get credit monitoring as part of the data breach settlement. For most people, this will probably be the best fit. It's simple easy and adds another layer of protection to your data. It will also be free for up to six years. The problem with credit monitoring as a cybersecurity strategy is that it is reactive. It tells you after the fact. There are proactive strategies you can use also.
2. Place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert requires potential creditors to take additional measures to verify your identity when they receive an application. You have to go to one of the 3 major credit bureaus to do this. But once you do that bureau is required by law to contact the other two. And they must place fraud alerts in your file also. 
3. Consider using a credit freeze. This will totally lock down your credit report. It is more of a nuisance since you have to contact each of the three credit bureaus individually.

​Don't delay. Protect yourself and your family from this data breach.

---