Protect Yourself From Equifax Hack: NY AG

NEW YORK, NY — More than 8 million New Yorkers are among the victims of the massive Equifax hack. Equifax, one of the nation's three major credit reporting agencies, reported the hack potentially exposing the sensitive personal and financial information of 143 million Americans — nearly everyone with a credit report. Hackers accessed names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and in some instances, driver's license numbers and credit card numbers.

"This is one of the gravest breaches of consumers' information we've ever seen," said New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. "New Yorkers across the state are at serious risk of identity theft."

Schneiderman opened a formal investigation into the data breach, saying if there was any wrongdoing he would hold those responsible to account.

He also led the outcry against the company's attempt to have anyone who checked the safety of their info waive the right to sue.

In the meantime, he urged New Yorkers to immediately take steps to see if their data was compromised and to strongly consider additional measures to protect themselves:

• To check whether your information was compromised, you can go to a website set up by Equifax.

• Check your credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion by visiting annualcreditreport.com. This is a free service. Accounts or activity that you do not recognize could indicate identity theft.

• Consider placing a credit freeze on your files. It will not prevent a thief from using any of your existing accounts, but a credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name.

• Monitor your existing credit card and bank accounts closely for unauthorized charges. Call the credit card company or bank immediately about any charges you do not recognize.

• Since Social Security numbers were affected, there is risk of tax fraud. Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. Consider filing your taxes early and pay close attention to correspondence from the IRS.

Under state law, businesses with New York customers are required to inform customers and the AG's office about security breaches that place personal information in jeopardy.

WATCH: Massive Data Breach At Equifax Leaves 143M At Risk

SEE ALSO:

• Equifax Leadership Dumped Stock Before Announcing Data Breach
• Equifax Data Breech: 'Nuclear Option' In Play For Consumers
• New Yorkers Beware of Equifax Hack Scams: AG
  

Photo credit: Mike Stewart/Associated Press via Atlanta Patch