Equifax Takes The Data Breach Cake - Comments Page 2

Although it's only good for 90-days per request, a Fraud Alert is another good option. Fraud alert messages notify potential credit grantors to verify your identification before extending credit in your name in case someone is using your information without your consent.
According to Experian, "When you request a fraud alert or security alert be added with any of the three major credit reporting companies, the company you contacted will notify the other two and alerts will be added with those agencies as well."

https://www.experian.com/ncaconline/fraudalert

As for paying Lifelock to protect yourself, I'm not inclined to think that's worth the cost due to all the trouble they've had with lawsuits and fines:

https://www.thebalance.com/attorney-general-lifelock-lawsuit-394563

I also think John J. Kelley III, the Equifax Chief Security Officer, should be fired without a golden parachute AND be required to pay for any damages people suffer as a result of the breach. (He earned $2.8-million last year. He can afford it.) It won't happen, but at the very least, he should be fired.

I locked my credit for all 3. The poster who said it automatically locks them all is mistaken. I had to pay 10.00 each place to put a lock on plus another 10.00 each place to put a lock on my husbands credit. Crazy that I had to pay Equifax to put a lock on my credit. --- maybe another scam all by itself.

I froze my credit after my insurance company (Anthem BCBS) got hacked, but now I'm wondering if it will do any good. If they can hack Equifax, I'm sure they can hack Experian and TransUnion, too. I'm considering signing up for LifeLock. I dunno. It's a mess.

Thanks for the update Bob. I didn't fall for that previous "fix" because it just sounded too fishy...no pun intended. Now I'm really glad I left it alone. Seems at this point that it would be like trying to put the genie back into the bottle. Since we can't even find out if our accounts were affected it looks like we might have to close all our accounts and start over. Problem with that is that if the hackers really did take SS#s and all personal identifying info there will be no way to stop the identity theft that might already be operational somewhere. I'll be following your updates closely.

The only thing that will get Equifax's attention is a class action suit.

A news Item:
3 Equifax Executives Sold Stock
Days After Hack That Wasn't Disclosed
For A Month ($2Million!)
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/09/08/549434187/3-equifax-executives-sold-stock-days-after-hack-that-wasnt-disclosed-for-a-month

Everything about this affair reeks. Knowing of this from the end of July and just telling people now--probably spending the time figuring how to break the news and attempting to protect Equifax from further damage.

I got a "yes" but not trusting the website, have just chosen to keep an eye on my credit cards. Fortunately I have a bank which goes over every transaction with a fine tooth comb. The hacking is bad enough, but Equifax's response couldn't be worse. Well, maybe it could.

I'm somewhat surprised that POTUS Donald has not weighed in on this "national disaster". This truly does need to be addressed quickly and formally by that powers that be. Allowing the current leadership of Equifax to "run the show" seems to be like hiring 3 foxes to guard the henhouse. As noted before: write your representatives and congressmen and DEMAND their attention. "The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease". If we are all spreading the word, and encouraging/(demanding) their focus, we should see results. I plan on being REAL Squeaky" !!!!!

I agree with the comment posted by Duane on
11 Sep 2017, reference a class action lawsuit to get their attention.

I had no problems locking down my credit report on Experian and Equifax online but TransOnion (sic)wouldn't go through probably because my address didn't agree with their records (I found that out through the phone call I had to make and it's probably because their idiot software doesn't allow a character that is part of my address). I had to call them to set up a freeze but I won't get the information until they send me a letter (which may go to the wrong address). Yeesh!

They want the numeric portion of your address and they do not understand letters in the middle, for example 23w456 or 1n123.

Great blog, Bob. I looked into this fiasco last week and found that Equifax owns TrustedID and is using this breach as a marketing opportunity to line up customers for its overpriced, underwhelming credit monitoring service. Avoid at all costs.

My husband's two credit cards were affected. The credit card company alerted us to the first one, and are issuing him a new card. They took all the incorrect charges off our account. I caught the other one this morning by checking our other credit card account and seeing two Apple Itunes charges when we don't own any thing made by Apple. He called and they said they would send him a new card for that one because it too had been compromised. Someone had already tried to charge something else, but had the wrong address so it was denied. We will be keeping our eyes and ears open for a while.

when ever there is ""BIG MONEY"" involved, there will always be crookedness going on.

Does this fall under the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)? The following is from the CFPB site: "If you're having trouble with a financial product or service, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372)." I think of this as possibly Squeaky Wheel, part II.

Get ready for a 'CHIP' folks.
It will be the only solution to "security"...
Based on your own DNA to generate a code unique to your cells. Of course "it won't include GPS tracking" to appease the Christian Population that will refuse the 'MARK of the BEAST'. But even your cell phone has an FM receiver, that isn't allowed by law to be activated....YET!
We live in precarious times...

People in this country need to wake up and educate themselves about the Federal Reserve, big banks and credit reporting agencies in this country. They are worse than a sham; they are corrupt and take advantage of the general public's ignorance about money.

When I read about this latest scandal last week and what to do about it (go to Equifax to make sure your sensitive information is "protected"), I had to laugh. I'll be watching my own backside as much as these miscreants will allow me. They have way, way too much power.

Great post, Bob. You expressed my sentiments exactly. I am FURIOUS with Equifax and agree completely with JP's comment, except that I think ALL of Equifax's management should be fired, and that the CEO and Chief Security Officer should also go to jail.

I read on Bloomberg (couple days ago) there's already a class action suit filed in Portland, Oregon - and will seek as much as $70 billion in damages nationally.
Of course, Equifax didn’t respond to a request for comment on the matter.

I. SSN:
a) FREEZE: Easy automated (phone or online) lift/restore can be FREE to seniors and/or police-reported identity theft victims (or $10/per bureau per lift/and restore included if desired) varies by State.

b) 90-DAY FRAUD ALERT: Can be FREE, and start with Experian to automatically notify Equifax and TransUnion.

c) FREE ANNUAL 3-BUREA CREDIT REPORTS CHECK: see Bob's reference

II. ONLINE PROTECTIONS: As Bob teaches,
a) Utilize 2-step login verification where available (phone or alternate email);
b) Change passwords every 3 months;
c) Change and Stop Using Security Question Answers ever posted before

III. IDENTITY/CREDIT MONITORING SERVICE:
a) Email alerts and monthly reports after fraud = not preventative
b) FREE with AAA membership pays for itself plus more services; or cheap 1 of the 3 Credit Bureaus
c) DON'T BUY THE INSURANCE--available free from govt remedies for the fastest growing crime; and only covers what the Service monitors = not all identity theft

IV. CAUTION RE PEOPLE IN YOUR HOME; AND IN PUBLIC USING YOUR CARDS/INFORMATION OUT OF YOUR SIGHT! (Check your receipts, too. Waiters change tips; and UPC scanners double-scan.)