The Equifax data breach was one of the largest data breaches in history, affecting over 147 million Americans. In 2019, Equifax agreed to a $700 million settlement to compensate victims of the breach. But the Equifax data breach settlement process has been plagued with delays. In October 2023, the court extended the deadline to file a claim to January 22, 2024.
The settlement includes a variety of benefits for victims, including:
- Free credit monitoring for up to 10 years
- Cash payments for victims who experienced out-of-pocket losses or time spent dealing with the breach
- Identity theft protection services
- Reimbursement for certain Equifax products and services purchased before the breach
Who is eligible for the Equifax data breach settlement?
Anyone who was affected by the Equifax data breach is eligible to file a claim. This includes people whose personal information was exposed in the breach, as well as people who experienced out-of-pocket losses or time spent dealing with the breach.
To be eligible for the settlement, you must have received a notice from Equifax about the breach. You can also check your eligibility at the Equifax data breach settlement website.
How to file a claim for the Equifax data breach settlement
To file a claim for the Equifax data breach settlement, you can visit the settlement website or call the settlement administrator at 1-833-759-2982. You will need to provide your personal information and documentation of any losses or expenses you incurred as a result of the breach.
When you file a claim, you will need to provide your name, address, and date of birth. You will also need to provide proof that you were affected by the breach. This could include a copy of the notice you received from Equifax, or a copy of a credit report that shows that your personal information was exposed.
What to expect from the Equifax data breach settlement
If your claim is approved, you will receive one or more of the following benefits:
- Free credit monitoring for up to 10 years from Experian
- A cash payment for out-of-pocket losses or time spent dealing with the breach
- Identity theft protection services
- Reimbursement for certain Equifax products and services purchased before the breach
The amount of cash payment you receive will depend on the type of losses you incurred. For example, if you had to pay for credit monitoring services after the breach, you may be eligible for reimbursement.
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Equifax data breach settlement extension
In May 2023, Equifax announced that it was extending the deadline for consumers to file claims in the data breach settlement. The new deadline is December 31, 2023.
But the settlement process has been plagued with delays. In October 2023, the court extended the deadline to file a claim to January 22, 2024.
The extension was granted in response to requests from consumers and consumer advocates. The original deadline was too short for many people to learn about the settlement and file a claim.
What can I expect if I file a claim for the Equifax data breach settlement extension?
If you file a claim for the Equifax data breach settlement extension, you can expect to receive a payment from the settlement fund. The amount of the payment will depend on the damages you incurred as a result of the breach.
In addition to a cash payment, you may also be eligible for other benefits under the settlement, such as free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.
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23andMe class action lawsuit
In 2022, 23andMe was hit with a class action lawsuit alleging that the company violated users’ privacy by sharing their genetic data with third-party companies without their consent. The lawsuit is still ongoing, but it could have implications for the Equifax data breach settlement.
If 23andMe is found to have violated users’ privacy, it could set a precedent for other companies that collect and share personal data. This could lead to more class action lawsuits against companies like Equifax.
Conclusion
The Equifax data breach settlement is one of the largest data breach settlements in history. It is important for anyone who was affected by the breach to file a claim. You may be eligible for free credit monitoring, cash payments, identity theft protection services, or reimbursement for certain Equifax products and services.
Additional insights
Here are some additional insights into the Equifax data breach settlement:
- The deadline to file a claim for the Equifax data breach settlement is January 22, 2024.
- To file a claim, you can visit the settlement website or call the settlement administrator at 1-833-759-2982.
- The amount of cash payment you receive will depend on the type of losses you incurred.
- The 23andMe class action lawsuit could have implications for the Equifax data breach settlement. If 23andMe is found to have violated users’ privacy, it could set a precedent for other companies like Equifax.
It is important to note that this is a complex topic and there are many factors to consider. If you have any questions about the Equifax data breach settlement, you should consult with an attorney.
