The deadline to file a claim if you were a victim of the 2017 Equifax data breach is Jan. 22. The breach exposed the personal information of more than 145 million people, making it the largest data breach in U.S. history.
As part of the lawsuit settlement, the credit service has agreed to pay out up to $700 million.
To file a claim, click here .
After this data breach happened in 2017, the Federal Trade Commission first said people impacted would be eligible for cash payments of $125. But, because so many people have filed claims already, the FTC is now saying the payment will likely end up a lot smaller. The agency didn't give specifics on what dollar amount people who file a claim could receive.
If you miss the deadline, don't panic, you will still benefit. Starting in Jan. 2020, consumers in the U.S. will be able to get up to six free Equifax credit reports each year for seven years without filing a claim.
The FTC warns there are fake settlements websites out there where scammers are hoping to steal your personal information, so make sure you are visiting the correct link.
This story was originally
published by Kristin Byrne on tmj4.com.
