Equifax says data breach may have exposed personal info of 143 million consumers

Want to get more out of equifax says data breach without the guesswork? Below we walk through the essentials in plain language, with practical steps you can use right away.

Key Takeaways

• The news comes just months after a breach occurred at an Equifax subsidiary earlier this year, exposing W-2 and payroll data to criminals.
• Smith, in an online statement. “I apologize to consumers and our business shoppers for the concern and frustration this causes.
• Worth noting: we pride ourselves on being a leader in managing and protecting data, and we are conducting a thorough review of our overall security operations.
• More importantly, and once they get the info they require, they can wreak havoc on your financial life.

How Equifax Says Data Breach Really Works

Equifax, one of the nation’s three main credit reporting agencies, has announced a “cybersecurity incident” that could potentially impact roughly 143 million U.S. consumers, according to a statement released on the company’s website. Equifax data breach exposes personal info of millions of Americans According to Equifax, hackers exploited a security vulnerability in a U.S.-based application to gain access to consumers’ personal files.

• We also are focused on consumer protection and have developed a comprehensive portfolio of services to support all U.S. consumers, regardless of whether they were impacted by this incident.” : Don’t for Equifax’s free credit monitoring!
• Here’s what to do instead Take these 2 steps to protect yourself With more and more data breaches occurring these days, it’s crucial that you take steps to protect your information from criminals.
• Whether though massive data breaches like this one or straightforward email or text scams, criminals are coming after you and your information whenever and though they can.

Getting the Most From Equifax Says Data Breach

So whether or not you were affected by the Equifax breach, you require to take steps to protect yourself anyway. And the most effective method to protect yourself from identify theft is with a credit freeze.

• A credit freeze allows you to seal your credit reports and apply a personal identification number (PIN) that only you know and can apply to temporarily “thaw” your credit when legitimate applications for credit and services require to be processed.
• Remember that the added layer of security means that thieves can’t establish new credit in your name even if they are able to obtain your personal information.
• Freezing your credit files has no impact whatsoever on your existing lines of credit, such as credit cards.

Tips That Make a Difference

You can continue to apply them as you regularly would even when your credit is frozen. Here’s more on how it works and how to get a credit freeze in place. *Note: Equifax has set up a specific website to assist consumers discover if their information has been exposed.

• As a rule, the company says it is also sending notices in the mail to consumers whose credit card numbers and/or dispute documents were exposed.
• Equifax is also offering consumers the choice to for credit file monitoring and identity theft protection.
• We do not recommend applying Equifax’s website for any of these services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

They are not reliable and results from the website may not be accurate. In short, instead, take the two steps listed above to protect yourself.

• More methods to protect yourself from common scams As a general rule of thumb, if you receive an email you weren’t expecting, do not click on any links inside the email.
• Even if you are expecting an order confirmation or package to be delivered, do not click on any links in an email notification.
• Go to the company’s website directly to get any delivery or order information.

Is Equifax Says Data Breach Worth It?

Worth noting: here are some more pointers to assist you protect yourself from online scammers: Be wary of unexpected emails containing links or attachments: If you receive an unexpected email claiming to be from your bank or other company that has your personal information, don’t click on any of the links or attachments. It could be a scam.

• Instead, log in to your account separately to check for any new notices.
• Call the company directly: If you aren’t sure whether an email notice is legit, call the company directly about the information sent via email to discover if it is real and/or if there is any urgent information you should know about.
• More importantly, if you do end up on a website that asks for your personal information, be sure it is a secure website, which will have “https” at the beginning (“s” indicates secure).

Where the Real Savings Hide

Look out for grammar and spelling errors: Scam emails frequently contain typos and other errors , which is a large red flag that it probably didn’t come from a legitimate source. At no point respond to a text message from a number you don’t recognize: This could also make any information stored in your phone vulnerable to hackers.

• Do some research to discover who and where the text came from.
• Remember that don’t call back unknown numbers: If you get a missed call on your cell phone from a number you don’t recognize, don’t call it back.
• Here’s what you require to know about this phone scam. : 7 methods to protect your money (even from your own bank) If you have specific questions about the Equifax breach and how it may impact you, contact Clark’s Consumer Action Center , a FREE assist line open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

A Closer Look at Equifax Says Data Breach

EST with volunteers available to answer YOUR concerns! Call Team Clark @ 404-892-8227.

As a rule, warning: This scam provides hackers access to all of your accounts [anvplayer video=”4163665″].

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on equifax says data breach?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. Equifax data breach exposes personal info of millions of Americans According to Equifax, hackers exploited a security vulnerability in a U.S.-based application to gain access to consumers’ personal files.

Is it worth shopping around for equifax says data breach?

Usually yes. We also are focused on consumer protection and have developed a comprehensive portfolio of services to support all U.S. consumers, regardless of whether they were impacted by this incident.” : Don’t for Equifax’s free cr....

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. Here’s what to do instead Take these 2 steps to protect yourself With more and more data breaches occurring these days, it’s crucial that you take steps to protect your information from criminals.

Smart Ways to Save More on Equifax Says Data Breach

• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.
• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.
• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.
• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line on equifax says data breach: a little research goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is a click away.

Originally published at clark.com.