Equifax Data Breach: Minimizing the Damage

We all know about the Equifax data breach by now—143 million consumers are now susceptible to identity theft because private information was accessed from May through July by hackers.

This large number of consumers affected by the data breach is astounding. That number represents more than half of the 18+ United States adult population.

So, as a consumer, first-party creditor, or third-party collector, what can you do in response? Here are a few ideas for how to help.

Consumers: Freeze your Credit

Freezing your credit doesn’t necessarily mean freezing existing lines of credit, but it prevents data breach opportunists from opening new lines of credit with your name. Equifax is taking measures to notify consumers if they have been affected by the data breach, but the letters are being sent by mail. DO NOT enter your information on securityequifax2017.com, as it has also been hacked and is not a safe way to find out if you have been affected. Instead, take measures to freeze your credit accounts with all three major credit reporting agencies. Here’s an easy guide to walk you through the process: http://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/credit-freeze-and-thaw-guide/

First-Party: Communicate Heightened Security Measures to Customers

Heightened awareness of data security in this time is important. A data breach is also a breach of trust with the company storing the personal information. If you extend credit to consumers, take action to reassure customers that your storage is secure. Monitor consumer credit accounts for suspicious activity and work in cooperation with customers if they believe their credit is being accessed by another party.

Third-Party: Report Invalid Account Activity to First Party Creditors

As a collector, you may not view your responsibility as being to the consumers but to your client. However, with a massive data breach such as this, concern for consumers should be considered. If a consumer claims to not be responsible for the debt owed, report it rather than pursing collections from that person. If illegal account activity slipped through the cracks in the first-party realm to collections, the consumer could be making a valid claim. Pay attention to the details and report this activity back to the creditor to help the situation.

Although the data breach is significant and unfortunate, caution can help minimize the threat of identity theft in the coming months.