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Just last week, the FTC and others reached a settlement with Equifax about its September 2017 data breach that exposed personal information of 147 million people. We’ve told you to go to ftc.gov/Equifax, where you can find out if your information was exposed and learn how to file a claim with the company in charge of the claims process.

The public response to the settlement has been overwhelming, and we’re delighted that millions of people have visited ftc.gov/Equifax and gone on to the settlement website’s claims form.

But there’s a downside to this unexpected number of claims. First, though, the good: all 147 million people can ask for and get free credit monitoring. There’s also the option for people who certify that they already have credit monitoring to claim up to $125 instead. But the pot of money that pays for that part of the settlement is $31 million. A large number of claims for cash instead of credit monitoring means only one thing: each person who takes the money option will wind up only getting a small amount of money. Nowhere near the $125 they could have gotten if there hadn’t been such an enormous number of claims filed.

So, if you haven’t submitted your claim yet, think about opting for the free credit monitoring instead. Frankly, the free credit monitoring is worth a lot more – the market value would be hundreds of dollars a year. And this monitoring service is probably stronger and more helpful than any you may have already, because it monitors your credit report at all three nationwide credit reporting agencies, and it comes with up to $1 million in identity theft insurance and individualized identity restoration services.

For those who have already submitted claims for this cash payment, look for an email from the settlement administrator. They’ll be asking you for the name of the credit monitoring service you already have. Or, if you want to change your mind, you’ll have a chance to switch to the free credit monitoring. The email from the settlement administrator will tell you what to do next, in either case. And the settlement administrator has said that the claims website will soon be updated with that information, too.

Please also note that there is still money available under the settlement to reimburse people for what they paid out of their pocket to recover from the breach. Say you had to pay for your own credit freezes after the breach, or you hired someone to help you deal with identity theft. The settlement has a larger pool of money for just those people. If you’re one of them, use your documents to submit your claim.

This blog post was clarified on August 1, 2019.

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Frustrated
September 25, 2019
I froze my credit after the breach. I sent a question asking if this qualifies as monitoring... it is certainly a pain... but got no answer to that question. My spouse has credit monitoring from another breach and all of our bank accounts, both our emails and phone numbers are covered under that, does that count? No one answers these questions!!!
FTC Staff
September 26, 2019

In reply to by Frustrated

The settlement website says if you want to file a claim for cash alternative reimbursement, you must:

  • certify that you have some form of credit monitoring or protection services on the date you submit your claim form; and 
  • name the provider of those services, and
  • certify that you will keep those services for a minimum of six (6) months.

That information is in FAQ # 10 on the settlement website: www.EquifaxBreachSettlement.com.

Mike12345
October 04, 2019
These credit company's should be held accountable. Not just free monitoring. I believe they should have to pay out a substantial amount to those affected. Our personal information falling into the wrong hands can be very detrimental, even in the distant future. It's time to hold these companies accountable, not just for monitoring but let's say at least$10,000 to each affected person. It's their negligence putting us at risk. Enough is enough. If they are going to be in the business they're in they should be responsible enough to do their jobs while protecting us and if not, shut them down.
JMS
October 05, 2019
OK - so I opted for the cash settlement, because I already have a credit monitoring service. There is something odd happening with my Equifax credit score, and it may or may not be related to my decision to submit a claim. While my credit scores in both Transunion and Experian are in the "Very Good" range, my Equifax score is being reported as in the "Fair" range. Seems a little fishy to me. Anyone have this same experience?
Shree
October 06, 2019
Did Equifax or settlement agency sent the free credit monitoring activation link yet ?
FTC Staff
October 08, 2019

In reply to by Shree

Frequently Asked Question #19 on the settlement website www.EquifaxBreachSettlement.com says if you make a valid claim for credit monitoring services, the Settlement Administrator will send you information about how to activate your credit monitoring after the settlement is final. The settlement will be final on January 23, 2020 at the earliest.

The Settlement Administrator will send you an activation code and link to the Experian website where you can enroll and activate your credit monitoring services. The settlement will be final on January 23, 2020 at the earliest.

Lorry63
October 08, 2019
I lost my mind through all of this horrible time with identity theft. So much so that I gave up. My car was repossesed. I cant do anything anymore. This was and is not right. My email was hacked so I could not communicate or read up to date material. I have saved almost everything but it's far from organized. 4 different cell phone companies. Still owe sprint but I cant tell you even why they turned me in as I was in contact with admins from day 1. I'm so tired.
Yogi
October 09, 2019
How do I actually sign up for free credit monitoring? I don't seem to be able to find a way to do it.
Danville Life
October 11, 2019
I just signed up. This will answer questions that people have been asking. The activation code will be sent ONLY once the settlement is completed. See cut and paste from website: Option 1, Credit Monitoring: I want to receive free, three-bureau credit monitoring. If you select this option, you will be sent instructions and an activation code after the settlement is final to your email address or home address. You won’t be "upsold" any services by enrolling or otherwise asked to submit any payment for these services now or in the future. If you selected Option 1, would you like to sign-up for Equifax’s free, one-bureau credit monitoring service for up to 6 more years after the initial, three-bureau credit monitoring services expire? Yes If you select "yes" for this option, you will be sent instructions to your email address or your home address before your three-bureau credit monitoring expires. You won’t be "upsold" any services by enrolling or otherwise asked to submit any payment for these services now or in the future.
feartrac
October 12, 2019
If my information is out there no matter where the breech comes from my info. is still out there I am scared now I check all I can every day now. How do you fix this feeling that I have now I am burning trash , I check my mail 2 to 3 times a day I am afraid now what do you think will happen 10 years from now? Fear is in my face everyday thanks to this. How do you fix this?
laouell
October 14, 2019
I opted for the 'small amount of cash' I guess but please be aware that 2-3 weeks ago I am again getting billings from Netflix and Amazon, contacted them with the info again, just like 2017 - so I feel it must still be going on - is a 'small amount' fair? just saying
mhh
October 31, 2019

In reply to by laouell

The correct solution to all of this would be: 1. STRIP Equifax of all license to hold credit information and report the same. 2. Give everyone At least what they are worth per hour of work times 40 times (52 weeks x 3) 3. Get the government to start working for us instead of BICKERING about politics (I don't really care what side you are on!) 4. Don't settle on a court case but continue to help citizens, indefinitely, get credit and records back to normal and get citizens enough money and resources to "make things correct". What say you?
1001
October 16, 2019
I submitted my choice for free monitoring in response to an email although I pay for the three credit reports from Experian now. When I'm approved for the free monitoring of three reports and the Identify Theft Insurance, I intend to cancel my out of pocket payments to Experian for the monthly three credit reports. I'm assuming this will be okay and that you won't exclude me just because I'm already paying for the service from Experian. How do I check to see that my initial choice of free monitoring is accepted? Or do I have to complete another application to be sure?
Helen of Troy
October 18, 2019
So you’re telling me my own two options are to subscribe to MORE free credit monitoring (which I already have from other data breaches) or a measly cash payment which is now less than $125 because of popularity? The money set aside for cash payment claims is laughably inadequate. Did the FTC not think that the millions affected by multiple data breaches would not need the credit monitoring because they already subscribed to it? Is my credit and personal data a joke to you people at the FTC?
FTC Staff
November 12, 2019

In reply to by Helen of Troy

If your information was exposed in the Equifax breach, you can file a claim for up to 10 years of free credit monitoring; up to 10 years of identity theft protection services; cash payments capped at $20,000 per person for expenses you paid as a result of the breach, time you spent dealing with the breach, and for the cost of Equifax credit monitoring and related services you had in a specific time period. Learn about the benefits available at www.FTC.gov/Equifax.

Firefam513
October 27, 2019
You know what I find ridiculous?, my mortgage was paid off and account would naturally be closed and paid off a judgement and they reduced my credit score by 8 Pts!!!! Instead of increasing it by 20 pts. Plus Someone opened an account in my name from the breach and they aren't taking responsibility by fixing that! This credit score crap is a racket like everything else to make money at people's expense.
FTC Staff
November 06, 2019

In reply to by Firefam513

You can report identity theft at www.IdentityTheft.gov. Report the details of someone opening an account in your name and complete an FTC Identity Theft Report. Your FTC Identity Theft Report helps prove to businesses that someone stole your identity, and makes it easier to correct problems caused by identity theft.

william
October 30, 2019
I signed up for equafax's free one year credit monitoring but never received any confirmation. However, Equafax is quick to promote its credit monitoring service for a fee. Consumer complaint resulted without any action.
Larrywa97
October 30, 2019
I Signed Up For The Free Cree Credit Monitoring But I Have Not Had A Word Of Comfirmation That They Are Going Too Provide That They Can Get Careless with our Information It Don’t hurt Them They Get Off
Fjohn
November 02, 2019
Is there a way to verify my credit monitoring request has been received. I have not received any confirmation?
monchi
November 07, 2019
i want to know if i'm getting my income tax money they took from me because i have a debt to the irs because i have identity theft since 2016 and the person who is using my social security number to work and hes making alot of income and they say that i have to pay like $20,000 ..what can i do ?
stunnedwo
November 12, 2019
I have a question about the $1 million identity theft insurance. How long does this last?
FTC Staff
November 18, 2019

In reply to by stunnedwo

The FTC has information about the settlement at www.FTC.gov/Equifax. The page says you can file a claim for Up to 10 years of free credit monitoring, including:

  • At least four years of free monitoring of your credit report at all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and $1,000,000 of identity theft insurance.
Pat
November 19, 2019
Irresponsible response from executives right after breach should be sufficient to strip Equifax of their credit monitoring.
pinkaboo
January 15, 2020
Figures that a Corporation like this will only get a slap on the hand and not really suffer any consquences. Why would you want them to monitor your credit? That's laughable. Should we be surprised? NO
francesbeamon
January 10, 2020
I was contacted about my information may have been data breach
steve_colorado
December 01, 2019
My 2 year credit monitoring has run out that was furnished by Equifax for their data breach. I have filed a claim for the 10 years of credit monitoring but have a claim number and no further information. I have called Equifax and they do not have any information on how to signup and have referred me back to this site. What's going on? As far as I can tell there is no way to signup for the 10 years credit monitoring as provided for in the settlement. Not good.
FTC Staff
January 15, 2020

In reply to by steve_colorado

The free credit monitoring that's available under the Equifax settlement did not start yet (today is January 15, 2020).

If you filed a claim for free credit monitoring under the settlement, the company that manages the settlement will send you information about how to activate your credit monitoring after the Settlement is effective. The company will send you an activation code and link to the Experian website where you can enroll and activate your Credit Monitoring Services. The settlement will be effective on January 23, 2020 at the earliest. Read more at www.FTC.gov/Equifax.

-joseph badillo
December 09, 2019
How do i change my email because the one i used doesnt have a paypal account linked to it?
AnnWS
December 20, 2019
I requested credit monitoring in the Equifax Settlement but they never contacted me. What should their follow up have been? All I got was an alpha-numeric verification code.
Jay L.
December 22, 2019
Several sites have stated that emails were sent out to those who chose the cash payout option about switching to free credit monitoring and that everyone had till October 15th to refile their claim, yet an email like that never even grace my email box? What's up with that? The deadline has passed and I was never even offered the option to switch, so guess I'm out of luck? (yes, I utilized the search option in both my main folder & spam folder only to find nada)
Matt
December 27, 2019
I selected free credit monitoring but have yet to receive any information how to enroll for the monitoring.
T
January 01, 2020
I took the identity protection option when this all first happened. Then sent me an email a couple months later saying they weren't going to honor it.
Viki
January 10, 2020
All of the comments which I skimmed have made perfect sense to me. The only thing which would be possibly useful to me is SEEING my three (or more - there are many other "reports") credit reports anytime I want, and getting a free credit score. The "monitoring" or whatever -- I don't need as far as I know so far. And as far as the Public Record Settlement and their useless "IdentityWorks" -- monitoring my social media mentions and email addresses -- I am not going to provide Experian or anyone else access to my all of past email addresses or social media accounts or phone messages or ebay purchases or whatever - Count on that - for them to pretend "monitor". Lol Completely uses and I am going to "opt-out". If I can.
ksc
January 13, 2020
I have signed up for the free credit monitoring. What website link do I go to in order to set up a login with them? I can't find it.
FTC Staff
January 15, 2020

In reply to by ksc

The free credit monitoring that's available under the Equifax settlement did not start yet (today is January 15, 2020).

If you filed a claim for free credit monitoring under the settlement, the company that manages the settlement will send you information about how to activate your credit monitoring after the Settlement is effective. The company will send you an activation code and link to the Experian website where you can enroll and activate your Credit Monitoring Services. The settlement will be effective on January 23, 2020 at the earliest. Read more at www.FTC.gov/Equifax.

omg
January 13, 2020
I opted for the monitoring service with IDnotify, recvd it only 2 yrs. and now recvd an email it's going to be discontinued?? Also my file has been unlocked for months!!! Service is useless!!
FTC Staff
January 15, 2020

In reply to by omg

The free credit monitoring that's available under the Equifax settlement did not start yet (today is January 15, 2020).

If you filed a claim for free credit monitoring under the settlement, the company that manages the settlement will send you information about how to activate your credit monitoring after the Settlement is effective. The company will send you an activation code and link to the Experian website where you can enroll and activate your Credit Monitoring Services. The settlement will be effective on January 23, 2020 at the earliest. Read more at www.FTC.gov/Equifax.

ErikTheRed
January 15, 2020
I opted for the free credit monitoring. Now I am being told my free accounts have expired. Wow. What a ripoff
FTC Staff
January 15, 2020

In reply to by ErikTheRed

The free credit monitoring that's available under the Equifax settlement did not start yet (today is January 15, 2020).

If you filed a claim for free credit monitoring under the settlement, the company that manages the settlement will send you information about how to activate your credit monitoring after the Settlement is effective. The company will send you an activation code and link to the Experian website where you can enroll and activate your Credit Monitoring Services. The settlement will be effective on January 23, 2020 at the earliest. Read more at www.FTC.gov/Equifax.

Coby
January 25, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

FTC wrote: "The settlement will be effective on January 23, 2020 at the earliest". Today is 1/25/2020. Any news on the free credit monitoring yet?
railroadbambi
January 16, 2020
I was equifax victim and just learned from credit sesame that trans union gave all my info to another thief!!! What the heck are we supposed to do when two of the three major so called trusted credit reporting agencies are responsible for our identity thefts??!!!!!!
FTC Staff
February 03, 2020

In reply to by railroadbambi

If someone gaining access to your credit report without your permission, you could place a credit freeze on your report. This FTC article explains credit freezes.

adsf
January 19, 2020
I filled out the online claim in August and received a code that the claim was received. The ID Notify service that was provided free last year, expired on Jan. 3rd. I did freeze all 4 credit agencies back 2017 but I had to go back in and lock the Experian account after ID Notify ended. At the same time I checked Equifax and TransUnion to make sure they were still locked. I am waiting for this free 4 year monitoring to begin. This has been a full time job trying to deal with this for myself and other family members. They have made it so confusing, have had to deal with two different free monitoring companies, have more passwords to remember. Why do any of the companies have the right to have my information in the first place?
Madasheck
January 21, 2020
I too submitted monitoring rather file for the $125 settlement and have received NOTHING in response. Not only did our personal information compromised, this so called monitoring is a JOKE as to start time. This company FAILED to protect OUR personal information and CONTINUES to take reasonable steps and ACCOUNTABILITY!! Everyone affected must step out and be heard!
EMarie
January 22, 2020
I submitted a claim, and was issued a claim number. However when I attempted to print details of the claim, the “Print” button does not work. Given that no email or USMail confirmation will be sent until after 1/22/2020, how do I know the claim really went through?
Coby
January 27, 2020
FTC wrote: "The settlement will be effective on January 23, 2020 at the earliest. " Today is 1/27/2020. What is the status on the free credit monitoring promise?
FTC Staff
January 29, 2020

In reply to by Coby

The effective date of the settlement does not occur until either (1) the time to file an appeal has expired and nobody has appealed or (2) all appeals are resolved by an appellate court and no more appeals may be filed. 

Follow the updates at www.FTC.gov/Equifax.

sharoncollins
January 28, 2020
i file a claim for free credit monitoring twice. how do i find out if you honored this?
CameraManKen
January 30, 2020
Now they want me to provide the name of the credit monitoring i had in place. I do not know this information or how to find it. So i guess I’m out of this deal.