Consumer Alert! Equifax Security Breach

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September 8, 2017

In light of the recent cyber-attack on Equifax, which compromised the names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and driver’s license numbers of nearly 143 million Americans, the Department of Consumer Affairs is issuing an alert warning New Yorkers about this unprecedented security breach.

DCA is advising consumers to visit the website www.equifaxsecurity2017.com, which Equifax has created to help consumers determine if their information has been compromised. DCA encourages all New Yorkers to always remain on alert and follow best practices for protecting yourself from identity theft. If you are a victim of the security breach you must act quickly:

  • Close all fraudulent accounts. Call the Fraud Department of each company where an account was fraudulently opened in your name or shows purchases you did not make.
  • Report it. Report identity theft to your local police precinct and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338). Keep copies of the report and the complaint.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit report with one of the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion. By placing a fraud alert on your credit report, creditors must contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. Carefully document all correspondence.
  • Consider free, one-on-one, professional counseling. Visit nyc.gov or call 311 and ask for an NYC Financial Empowerment Center near you. Counselors can help you sort out your financial difficulties.
  • Monitor your credit. Equifax is offering one year of free credit monitoring to victims through their TrustedID Premier service. Consumers who wish to enroll should read all terms of service carefully.

Read DCA's letter urging Equifax to take steps to protect impacted consumers.