Equifax CEO and Chairman, Rick Smith, reports in this video facts surrounding the Equifax Cyber Breach.
On September 7, 2017, Equifax Inc., announced a cybersecurity incident potentially impacting 143 million U.S. consumers. Criminals exploited a U.S. website application vulnerability to gain access to certain files. Based on the company’s investigation, the unauthorized access occurred from mid-May through July 2017. The company has found no evidence of unauthorized activity on Equifax’s core consumer or commercial credit reporting databases.
The information accessed primarily includes names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and in some instances, driver’s license numbers. Equifax created a dedicated website to help consumers determine whether their information has been potentially impacted and to sign up for credit file monitoring and identity theft protection. This protection is called TrustedID Premier and includes three-Bureau credit monitoring of Equifax, Experian and TransUnion credit reports; copies of Equifax credit reports; the ability to lock and unlock Equifax credit reports; identity theft insurance; and Internet scanning for Social Security numbers — all complimentary to U.S. consumers for one year. The website also provides additional information on steps consumers can take to protect their personal information. Equifax recommends that consumers with additional questions visit www.equifaxsecurity2017.com, or contact a dedicated call center at: 866-447-7559. The call center is open ever day (including weekends) from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Easter Time.
Some credit card numbers and disputed documents with personal identifying information were also impacted — these folks will receive a direct mail notices from Equifax.
Watch the video (above), visit their website, and/or call their call center for more information.
In addition to enrolling in identity theft protection and credit file monitoring, please see the “Identity Theft Prevention Tips” below, and the “State Information” tab of this site. This information provides additional steps you can take, including how to obtain a free copy of your credit report and place a fraud alert and/or credit freeze on your credit report. In addition, please monitor your account statements and report any unauthorized charges to your credit card companies and financial institutions.
For More Information
Equifax is committed to ensuring that your personal information is protected, and we apologize to our consumers and our business customers for the concern and frustration this incident causes. If you have additional questions, please call our dedicated call center at 866-447-7559, available from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Eastern time, seven days a week.
Identity Theft Prevention Tips
We recommend that you remain vigilant for incidents of fraud and identity theft by reviewing account statements and monitoring your credit reports. You may obtain a free copy of your credit report from each company listed below once every 12 months by requesting your report online at www.annualcreditreport.com, calling toll-free 1-877-322-8228, or mailing an Annual Credit Report Request Form (available at www.annualcreditreport.com) to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA, 30348-5281. You may also purchase a copy of your credit report by contacting any of the credit reporting agencies below:
Equifax
PO Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374 www.equifax.com
888-766-0008
Experian
PO Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 www.experian.com
888-397-3742
TransUnion
PO Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016 www.transunion.com
800-680-7289
If you believe you are the victim of identity theft, you should contact the proper law enforcement authorities, including local law enforcement, and you should consider contacting your state attorney general and/or the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”). You also may contact the FTC to obtain additional information about avoiding identity theft.
Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580; 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338) www.ftc.gov/idtheft
You may obtain information from the FTC and the credit reporting agencies listed above about placing a fraud alert and/or credit freeze on your credit report.
