5M In NC Exposed In Equifax Data Breach: How To File Claims

NORTH CAROLINA — Millions of North Carolinians are among those eligible for restitution from the $700 million settlement over the Equifax security breach. The credit reporting company has opened an online portal where impacted consumers can file claims online.

"I am extremely concerned about the Equifax data breach that exposed nearly 5 million North Carolinians’ personal data," Attorney General Josh Stein said in a statement.

A multi-state investigation into what is one of the largest breaches ever of consumer data showed that the sensitive information of an estimated 56 percent of adults was compromised.

Investigators found that Equifax failed to patch a vulnerability in its security monitoring system that went undetected for 76 days in 2017. Social Security numbers, names, dates of birth, addresses, credit card numbers and in some cases, driver's license numbers, were included in the breached data, which officials said impacted more than 147 million people.

In the settlement announced this week, Equifax agreed to pay a total of $175 million to states that were part of the suit, including $4.5 million for North Carolina, according to Stein.

An additional $425 million was set aside for individual customer restitution.

"Equifax had access to people’s most sensitive personal information," Stein said. "The company had a responsibility to keep that data secure. Because it did not, one in every two Americans’ personal information was exposed to hacking. Thanks to this settlement, Equifax will be held accountable and affected North Carolinians will see restitution."

These are some of the services Equifax will offer to those affected as part of the restitution plan, according to the settlement:

• Free credit-monitoring services for 10 years to those impacted. Those who already have credit-monitoring may apply for a $125 credit.
• Cash payments up to $20,000.
• Seven years of identity-restoration services.

The settlement outlines measures Equifax must take to protect personal data, including weekly security checks and reports as well as studying ways to reduce reliance on Social Security numbers. It must also handle the millions of claims filed by affected customers.

What To Do If Impacted By The Equifax Breach

Equifax has a tool so people can determine whether they were impacted by the Equifax breach and are eligible for part of the settlement.

Those impacted can file a claim with Equifax on the settlement page.

There is also a portal through the Federal Trade Commission dedicated to the Equifax data breach settlement, where the claims page became active Wednesday, July 24.

Stein reminds people in North Carolina that they can freeze their credit for themselves and their children for free. A "credit freeze" blocks the information on your credit report from would-be creditors and can help prevent identity theft. Most businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking a consumer's credit history. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number may not be able to get credit in your name.

How To Protect Your Personal Information

For those who have been affected by this breach, there are steps that can help protect your information, according to the Federal Trade Commission and North Carolina Office of the Attorney General:

• Get a free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228.
• Call the Equifax Settlement Administrator at 1-833-759-2982.
• Take advantage of any free services being offered as a result of the breach.
• Use two-factor authentication on your online accounts whenever available.
• Consider a credit freeze.