SCDCA shares what you should know to file claim against Equifax

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Equifax's recent data breach settlement, costing the company more than $575 million, includes benefits the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs wants you to be aware of.

Benefits include free credit monitoring services, payment for time spent remedying identity theft and identity restoration services according to a SCDCA news release.

SCDCA recommends consumers consider the following tips before filing a claim to get the most out of the settlement benefits:

- Visit the FTC's settlement website, https://bit.ly/2O8WDsU. Consumers can find out if they were affected, get answers to frequently asked questions and learn how to file a claim.

- Consider when to file a claim. Different benefits are available depending on if your information has been used. Once you submit a claim online, you cannot edit it through the portal. You may have to take extra steps if you find out you are an identity theft victim after you file a claim. But, make sure to submit prior to the Jan. 22, 2020, deadline.

- There is something for everyone. All consumers can take advantage of this settlement, even if your information was not included in the breach. Equifax has agreed to provide all consumers six free credit reports a year for seven years. You don't even need to file a claim to get the extra credit reports.

- Be patient; the benefits will come. Services won't roll out until after Jan. 22, 2020, so sign up for email updates for the latest on the settlement. Keep monitoring your accounts including financial, medical and government benefit statements for suspicious activity and report it as soon as possible.

Consumers who think they are the victim of a security breach, scam or identity theft are encouraged to seek guidance from SCDCA's Identity Theft Unit. Call (844) TELL DCA (835-5322) or fill out an ID Theft Intake form by visiting www.consumer.sc.gov and clicking on Report Identity Theft.