Revisiting the Impact of the Equifax Data Breach

In late 2017, it was reported that the extent of the Equifax data breach was estimated to have impacted 140+ million individuals. Last week the major credit bureau came forward with updated data on the 2017 data breach, revealing the specific types of information that were made vulnerable.
 

 

Equifax Breach: What Was Exposed?

In a statement submitted to the SEC, Equifax reported the following figures:

• 145.5 million had Social Security numbers exposed.
• 99 million had address information exposed.
• 27.3 million had gender information exposed.
• 20.3 million had phone numbers exposed.
• 17.6 million had driver’s license numbers exposed.
• 1.8 million had email addresses exposed.
• 209,000 had credit card numbers exposed.
• 97,500 had Tax Identification numbers exposed.
• 27,000 had the state of their driver’s license exposed.
• 38,000 driver’s licenses document images
• 12,000 Social Security and Taxpayer ID card document images
• 3,200 passports and passport cards document images
• 3,000 other documents, including military and state IDs and resident alien card images

 
Odds are that you or one of your family members have already been impacted by the data breach. Unlike credit card theft, if someone has your personal identification information, they can attempt to access and open credit, file fraudulent tax returns, obtain medical care, or commit a crime using your name and identity. Inaction will be costly, so do not wait to become a victim.
 

Signs You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

• Unfamiliar bank account or credit card transactions
• NSF fees in your bank account
• Missing mail (e.g. bills no longer coming to your address)
• Rejection of tax returns due to multiple filings
• Denial of credit while obtaining a loan
• Collection notices
• Medical bills for unfamiliar procedures

Equifax Breach: What Should I Do?

First and foremost, review your credit report and all account statements. Consider placing a fraud alert and/or freeze on your credit files to thwart attempts at opening new accounts in your name. Be on the lookout for any mail indicating that “you” have opened a new credit card. If you discover suspicious activity, contact the financial institution(s) affected by the fraudulent act, file a police report, and alert tax authorities that your personal identification information was stolen.
 
Remain vigilant: Even if you find that you are not a victim of the 2017 Equifax breach, that does not mean your spouse or children are in the clear.
 
Take precautions and protect yourself today with Alloy Silverstein’s Identity Theft Defense Services.
 
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