Credit freeze, fraud alerts offer some protection from identity theft after Equifax hack
Anyone who has credit has information with Equifax, from names and birth dates to Social Security and driver's license numbers.
Posted — UpdatedAlong with Experian and TransUnion, Equifax is one of the credit-reporting firms that lenders and retailers check when people apply for a mortgage, buy a car or open a credit card account. Some employers even check with the three firms to screen job applicants.
So, here are some suggestions to help block people from using stolen information to steal your identity:
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein said 5 million state residents are affected by the Equifax data breach.
"My office has contacted Equifax to demand answers about how it will protect people and prevent future security issues," Stein said in a statement. "That includes asking for information about Equifax’s plans to waive fees collected for consumers who request a security freeze, reimbursements for consumers who choose to request a security freeze from other credit reporting agencies, and a detailed description of the credit monitoring and report lock Equifax is offering to consumers."
He said he and other state attorneys general are working together to investigate the data breach.
Meanwhile, Equifax says it has tripled its call center team to handle the volume of calls from concerned consumers.
• Credits
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