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                                                                        FTC Refund ProgramsVea esta página en español

  
      Equifax Data Breach Settlement December 2022


Important Settlement Update



The settlement administrator has begun sending out payments for out-of-pocket losses, time spent claims, and other cash benefits.  You will get your payment in the method you chose—by check, prepaid card, or PayPal payment.

Legitimate emails about the settlement will come from Equifax Breach Settlement Administrator<info@equifaxbreachsettlement.com>.

More Information About the 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 initial deadline to file a claim in the Equifax settlement was January 22, 2020.

After January 22, 2020, you can still file a claim for expenses **you incur between****January 23, 2020, and January 22, 2024****,** as a result of identity theft or fraud related to the breach, such as:

Losses from unauthorized charges to your accounts
Fees you paid to professionals, like accountants or attorneys, to help you recover from identity theft
Other expenses you incurred while recovering from identity theft, like notary fees, document shipping fees, postage, mileage, and phone charges.You also can file a claim for the time you spent recovering from identity theft or fraud between January 23, 2020, and January 22, 2024. You can be compensated up to $25 per hour up to 20 hours. There are limited funds available so your claim may be reduced.

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 beginning January 2022, 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.

FAQs

When will I get my benefits?
How will I get my benefits?
I don’t want Equifax to have my data. What can I do?
I’m not sure I was affected by the data breach. How can I find out?1. When will I get my benefits?

The settlement became final in January 2022. Soon after, the settlement administrator began sending emails and letters to people who filed a valid claim and requested free credit monitoring. In mid-December, the administrator began sending out payments for out-of-pocket losses, time spent claims, and other cash benefits.

2. How will I get my benefits?



For free credit monitoring, you will get an activation code with instructions by email or mail.

For cash payments, you will get the payment in the method you chose—either by check, prepaid card, or PayPal.

3. I don’t want Equifax to have my data. What can I do?

Equifax is one of three national credit bureaus. These companies collect information about your credit history, such as how many credit cards you have, how much money you owe, and how you pay your bills. Each company creates a credit report about you, and then sells this report to businesses who are deciding whether to give you credit. You cannot opt out of this data collection. However, you can review your credit reportfor free and freeze your credit.

4. I’m not sure I was affected by the data breach. How can I find out?

Use this look-up tool to see if you were affected by the breach.

**For more information, visit** www.EquifaxBreachSettlement.com **or call 1-833-759-2982.**Consumer Information
            
          Blog: Equifax Data Breach Settlement: What You Should Know
          Equifax Data Breach Settlement Infographic
          When Information Is Lost or Exposed
          Credit Freeze FAQs

  Related News
            
          FTC Encourages Consumers to Opt for Free Credit Monitoring, as part of Equifax Settlement
          Equifax to Pay $575 Million as Part of Settlement with FTC, CFPB, and States Related to 2017 Data Breach
                  Related Cases
            
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