Multiple Faces Detected
July 10th, 2024
Concerned about the Equifax data breach and whether or not your data was exposed? While you can file an appropriate claim with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers are using the breach to create new scams and cons. We will let you know how to safeguard yourself, file a claim, see if your data was exposed, and watch out for tricks, cons, and scams online!
How Did the Equifax Data Breach Come About?
According to a statement from the Federal Trade Commission:
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.
This means that hackers and scammers could be using your information to open up credit cards and for financial transactions you know nothing about. Your entire digital identity might even be compromised and stolen!
How to Take Action and Find out If Your Information Was Compromised
Check Your Status
Go to the eligibility site created by Equifax to see if your data was or was not compromised: Check Your Eligibility
File a Claim
If it were, you would receive a message which confirms the breach of your information and invites you to file a claim.
About Cash Settlements/Payments
Cash payments are available for those whose information was exposed during the breach. These will cap at $20K per person and are based on breach-related expenses. The FTC lists the following conditions for those who believe they deserve reimbursement costs:
- Financial loss for inaccurate or fraudulent charges to your accounts.
- If there were any financial losses associated with freezing or unfreezing your credit report.
- Your payments toward the cost of credit monitoring.
- Money or fees you paid to professionals, such as an accountant or attorney.
- If you paid expenses, including notary fees, document shipping fees and postage, mileage, and phone or cell phone charges.
- Not only that, but you can also be compensated if you spent personal time dealing with the breach. If so, you can be reimbursed for 20 hours at a rate of $25 per hour.
However, since the money awarded to victims caps for specific features and conditions, the limited funds and overwhelming public response may reduce the money you receive. The FTC has a FAQ page regarding this.
Claims which are 10 hours or less should list any actions you took and time you spent doing those things. For claims of 10 hours and more, you should attach documents which show misuse of your credit (identity theft, fraud, etc.). If you used Equifax credit monitoring and related services between September 7, 2016, and September 7, 2017, this reimbursement will be capped at 25% of the “total amount you paid”.
How to Avoid Equifax Scams
Have you heard the joke, “Where’d you hear that?” and the answer is, “On the internet”? We shouldn’t trust everything we see on the internet as scammers and fake phishing websites are rulers of deception. This means that you might receive an email, text, or receive a web link about the Equifax breach, which looks legitimate.
However, it has been created by a scammer who knows that you’ll be more tempted to click on an email or alert which appears official. The email you receive will have an illegitimate “reply to” email address, and the URL links will take you to unofficial websites which might download malware, charge a fee, or further compromise your data.
Only trust the official websites linked above and check the URL of any site you go to. The FTC will not be calling you about the breach, and if received, offers of reimbursement by phone are a scam.
To protect your data, take advantage of the upcoming 2020 law, which allows all United States consumers to have six free credit reports per year. This lasts for seven years and will be through the Equifax website. Children under age 18 will receive 18 years of credit monitoring, upon request.
This means that you will also get those reports along with with free (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) yearly reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. To sign up by email for this offer and receive a reminder, once the year 2020 rolls around, go HERE.
It Isn’t the End of the Story – Yes, Your Data Is Still at Risk (And We Can Help!)
A nationwide breach isn’t the only way scammers, and cyber criminals breach your information. They also acquire it through your email accounts, social media accounts, and more. You might even have online profiles which expose your private information to anyone who does a simple web search — concerned about privacy and your data?
Try a Social Catfish search and discover what our high powered algorithm can find out about you on the web. Once you have the search results, you can better protect and secure your accounts. You can search for yourself, family members, and online connections at Social Catfish.
You have five options to search by name, username, email address, phone number, and even run a reverse image lookup. Protect your data and keep your identity safe, through Social Catfish!
Introducing Social Catfish Privacy Lock: Secure Your Online Identity
In today’s digital age, your online identity is constantly at risk. From data breaches like the Equifax incident to everyday online activities, your personal information is exposed to potential threats. Protecting your privacy is more critical than ever, and Social Catfish has developed a powerful tool to help you do just that: Social Catfish Privacy Lock.
Social Catfish Privacy Lock is designed to safeguard your online identity by monitoring and securing your personal information across various platforms. It provides real-time alerts about potential threats, helps you remove personal data from public databases, and offers detailed reports on your online presence. With Privacy Lock, you can take control of your digital footprint and ensure your private information remains private.
How Social Catfish Privacy Lock Works
- Comprehensive Monitoring: Privacy Lock continuously scans the web, including social media sites, public databases, and other online sources, to identify any instances of your personal information being exposed.
- Real-Time Alerts: Receive instant notifications if your information appears in places it shouldn’t, allowing you to take immediate action to secure your data.
- Data Removal Assistance: Get help removing your personal information from public databases and websites that may be exposing it without your consent.
- Detailed Reports: Access in-depth reports that show where your information is found online, helping you understand and manage your digital footprint better.
Benefits of Using Social Catfish Privacy Lock
- Peace of Mind: Know that your online identity is being actively monitored and protected.
- Control Over Your Data: Take charge of your personal information by removing it from public records and databases.
- Enhanced Security: Reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud by keeping your information secure.
- Proactive Protection: Stay ahead of potential threats with real-time alerts and regular updates on your online presence.
Sign Up for Social Catfish Privacy Lock Today
Don’t wait until your information is compromised. Take proactive steps to protect your online identity with Social Catfish Privacy Lock. Sign up today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your personal information is safe and secure.
To learn more and start your journey towards better online privacy, visit Social Catfish and explore our Privacy Lock services. Protect your data, secure your identity, and stay one step ahead of cyber threats with Social Catfish Privacy Lock.
By incorporating Social Catfish Privacy Lock into your routine, you can significantly enhance your online security and protect your personal information from the ever-growing number of digital threats. Don’t let your data fall into the wrong hands — take action now and safeguard your privacy with Social Catfish.
