Equifax Class Action Data Breach Settlement Payment: A significant data breach at Equifax in 2017 compromise private information like addresses and Social Security numbers, impacting 147 million people. Equifax reached a settlement of up to $425 million to compensate those affected by this breach and offer identity recovery services. The FTC, CFPB, and 50 U.S. states and territories coordinated the settlement, which was completed in 2020. For filing a compensation claim the deadline was January 2023, but free identity recovery services are available until January 2029.
Approved – Equifax Class Action Data Breach Settlement Payment
One of the biggest credit reporting companies in the US, Equifax, revealed a significant data breach in September 2017 that exposed 147 million people’s personal data. Names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and, in certain situations, driver’s license numbers were among the private information made public by the hack. This led to Equifax reaching a global settlement agreement with 50 U.S territories and states the CFPB, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Up to $425 million in compensation and support for those impacted by the breach are part of this settlement.
The Email’s Legitimacy
Here are some reasons to believe an email you received saying you qualify for an extra payment as a result of the Equifax settlement:
- Customized Salutation: One important clue that the email is authentic is that it will use your entire name to address you. Scammers commonly use generic greetings such as “Dear Customer.”
- Details of the sender: [email protected] and [email protected] are the two potential addresses from which legitimate emails about the Equifax settlement may originate.
- Emails from any other email address should be avoided. It’s a warning sign that the email may not be authentic if the sender is unknown.
- Prepaid Card: The email will notify you that an electronic prepaid card will be issued as part of the settlement payment the week of December 9.
Timeline of the Class Action Data Breach Settlement Payment Settlement Process
Below is a brief summary of the key occasions and due dates related to the Equifax data breach settlement:
| Year | Event |
| September 2017 | Equifax reports that 147 million people were impacted by the September 2017 data breach. |
| 2019 | A settlement agreement results from the filing of a class action lawsuit. |
| 2020 | The settlement, which has been finalized, includes provisions for compensation and identity theft assistance. |
| January 2023 | The time limit for submitting compensation claims has passed. |
| December 9, 2024. | Additional settlement payments are expected to be distributed via electronic prepaid cards on December 9, 2024. |
Procedure to Check the Email
Even though the email is authentic, it’s a good idea to double-check its legitimacy. Here’s how to accomplish that:
Step 1: Verify the address of the sender: Verify that the email is from [email protected] or [email protected], two of the official email addresses connected to the Equifax settlement.
Step 2: Seek Out a Customized Salutation: Your entire name will always be used in emails that are legitimate. Phishing frequently manifests as a generic greeting.
Step 3: Check out the official websites: Enter the URL into your browser to go straight to the Equifax Data Breach Settlement Website rather than clicking on links in the email.
Step 4: There, you can look up the status of your claim as well as other relevant details.
