{"id":96,"date":"2017-09-08T13:08:15","date_gmt":"2017-09-08T17:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cap\/?p=96"},"modified":"2017-10-31T12:26:00","modified_gmt":"2017-10-31T16:26:00","slug":"identity-theft-and-information-on-the-equifax-data-security-breach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cap\/identity-theft-and-information-on-the-equifax-data-security-breach\/","title":{"rendered":"Identity Theft and Information on the Equifax Data Security Breach"},"content":{"rendered":"

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What can I do, right now, to protect my information?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

To check if you were personally affected by the breach, you may visit Equifax’s website: www.equifaxsecurity2017.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit files, visit the credit reporting agencies’ websites linked below or call:<\/p>\n

EQUIFAX<\/a>\u00a0or 866-349-5191, select option 3 for the automated system or option 5 for a representative
\nEXPERIAN<\/a>\u00a0or 1-888-397-3742, select option 2
\nTRANSUNION<\/a>\u00a0or 1-888-909-8872, enter your ZIP code when prompted, then selected option 3
\nINNOVIS<\/a> or 1-800-540-2505<\/p>\n

The best way to know that no one is using your personal information is to monitor your credit. We are recommending that Vermonters review their credit reports now, and regularly, to make sure that no unauthorized accounts are being reported. You can get a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies annually, online, at www.annualcreditreport.com<\/a>, or you can mail in a form<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Concerned about protecting your minor children from identity theft?<\/strong> The Federal Trade Commission has excellent resources on child credit protection<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Additionally, you may want to consider placing a security freeze on your credit reports. This is the most effective step you can take to block unauthorized use of your personal information. However, it does carry some costs and can create some minor difficulty if you need get a loan, credit card or other credit account. A security freeze does not affect your ability to use accounts that you have now. Find out more about freezing your credit files below and from the Federal Trade Commission<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Who is Equifax? Why should I be concerned?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Equifax is a consumer credit reporting agency. Equifax gathers and provides credit information based on an individual\u2019s borrowing and bill-paying habits.<\/p>\n

Equifax suffered a major data security breach on July 29, 2017. Over 240,000 Vermonters were potentially impacted and are vulnerable to identity theft. The information stolen includes names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some instances, driver\u2019s license numbers. In addition, credit card numbers and certain dispute documents with personal information were accessed. Equifax will be sending letters to all affected consumers.<\/p>\n

As of September 10th, we can assure Vermonters of the following:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. No waiver terms or binding arbitration will be imposed on consumers who go to the Equifax website to learn if they are affected.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. No waiver terms or binding arbitration will be imposed on consumers who enroll in the one year of free identity theft protection and credit file monitoring (\u201cTrustedID\u201d) being offered as a result of this breach.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. N<\/strong>o waiver terms or binding arbitration will be imposed on consumers who request a credit report freeze as a result of this breach.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  4. E<\/strong>quifax also provides an \u201copt out\u201d of the standard waiver or binding arbitration clause related to its terms of use for other<\/u> products and services beyond items 1-3 above. Consumers may do so by writing within 30 days <\/strong>to: Equifax Consumer Services LLC, Attn.: Arbitration Opt-Out, P.O. Box 105496, Atlanta, GA 30348. Be sure to include your name, address, and Equifax User ID, as well as a clear statement that you do not wish to resolve disputes with Equifax through arbitration.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    You can contact the Attorney General\u2019s office at 800-649-2424 or\u00a0AGO.CAP@vermont.gov<\/a> with further questions.<\/p>\n

    What is identity theft?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    A breach does not necessarily mean you are a victim of identity theft. A breach means you are now susceptible<\/strong> to identity theft.<\/p>\n

    Identity theft is\u00a0the unauthorized use <\/strong>of another person’s personal information to obtain credit, goods, services, money or property (for more information on Vermont laws regarding privacy and data security,\u00a0click here<\/a>).<\/p>\n

    Identity theft may involve fraudulent use of credit card or bank account information. \u00a0In some cases, your social security number and other personal information may be used to fraudulently obtain driver’s licenses, lines of credit, loans or other consumer accounts.<\/p>\n

    I think I am a victim of identity theft. What steps should I take?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n