In 2017, Equifax, one of the largest credit reporting agencies in the U.S., faced a massive data breach impacting 147 million individuals. Hackers accessed sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, addresses, and, in some cases, driver’s license details.
To address the breach, Equifax agreed to a historic settlement of over $425 million, finalized in 2020. This settlement provided financial compensation and identity recovery services to affected individuals. Although the claim filing deadline passed in January 2023, recovery services remain accessible until January 2029.
Equifax Class Action Data Breach Settlement
The Equifax Class Action Data Breach Settlement is one of the largest resolutions of a cybersecurity incident in U.S. history. Announced in 2019, the settlement aimed to compensate victims with financial benefits and identity restoration support.
Total Settlement Amount: $425 million+
Recipients: 147 million affected individuals
Payment Timeline: December 9, 2024
Ongoing Services: Identity theft recovery support until January 2029
Compensation and Benefits
As part of the settlement, eligible individuals were offered cash payments and identity restoration assistance. Payments are scheduled for disbursement during the week of December 9, 2024, via electronic prepaid cards. These payments are meant for those who filed claims before the January 2023 deadline.
Free Identity Theft Recovery Services
Even if you missed the claim deadline, you can still access free identity theft recovery services until January 2029. These services include assistance with identity restoration in case of data misuse, providing peace of mind to those concerned about the long-term impact of the breach.
Affected individuals can verify their eligibility using an online lookup tool, ensuring they have continued support for potential misuse of personal information.
Activating Your Prepaid Card
Settlement recipients receiving electronic prepaid cards must activate them by visiting [My Prepaid Center](http://www.myprepaidcenter.com/redeem) and following the redemption instructions. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Visit the website and enter the required details to activate your card.
2. Contact customer service at 1-833-678-6289 for any assistance.
3. Prepaid cards do not expire, but inactivity fees may apply after six months.
Key Milestones and Next Steps
2017: Equifax publicly announces the data breach.
2020: Settlement is finalized.
2023: Deadline for filing compensation claims ends in January.
2024: Additional payments to claimants scheduled for December.
2029: Free identity theft recovery services remain available until January.
For any settlement-related updates, always confirm the sender’s identity when receiving emails and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Use only official channels, like [equifaxbreachsettlement.com](http://equifaxbreachsettlement.com), for reliable information.
FAQs
1. What was the deadline to file a claim for the Equifax settlement?
The deadline to file a claim was January 2023.
2. Can I still access identity recovery services if I missed the claim deadline?
Yes, identity recovery services are available until January 2029, even if you didn’t file a claim.
3. How do I activate my prepaid card from the settlement?
To redeem your card, visit [My Prepaid Center](http://www.myprepaidcenter.com/redeem) and follow the activation steps. For assistance, contact customer service at 1-833-678-6289.
This settlement highlights the importance of cybersecurity and the ongoing support provided to those affected by such breaches. Stay informed and utilize the resources available to safeguard your identity.
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