ALERT: Well, that didn’t take long! The Equifax Data Breach settlement gives those affected a choice between free credit monitoring or a $125 payment. Internet bad guys are now sending phishing attacks that look like they come from Equifax. When you click on the links, you wind up on a fake website where they will try to steal your personal information. Don’t fall for it.

If you want to file a claim, go to the legit FTC website and click on the blue “File a Claim” button. Not sure if your information was exposed? Use their look-up tool to check your eligibility for a claim, not everyone’s information was compromised.

Here is the link to the FTC site: https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/refunds/equifax-data-breach-settlement

If you receive a malicious email you should report it to the FTC. If you fall for the scam and click on the link, you are likely winding up on a spoofed site that looks very similar to the existing Equifax settlement page. There, you are going to be exposed to a social engineering scam, trying to steal as much data as possible.

If you have any questions about the Equifax Data Breach or which of the settlement choices you should select, WE CAN HELP! Contact our Credit/Housing Counselors at 712-252-1861 ext. 47.