Yesterday evening it was reported that Equifax, one of the big three credit reporting agencies, was the target of a massive data breach. The breach exposed the information of 143 million people, compromising social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, birth dates, and addresses. Additionally, the credit card numbers of over 200,000 customers were exposed, as well as the personal identifying information on about 182,000 customers involved in credit disputes. According to Equifax, the breach occurred mid-May and July of this year.
Importantly, not everyone affected by the Equifax breach may even be aware they are at risk of being exposed because Equifax pulls data from numerous credit card companies, banks, lenders, and retailers who report the credit activity of their users to credit reporting agencies. Equifax will be contacting those whose credit cards or dispute records were affected.
Because of the nature of this breach, it is important to take action on your own to see if your information was compromised. Be sure to contact Equifax with any concerns you have.
