Almost half of all Americans had their personal information hacked in the 2017 Equifax data breach. As part of the settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, those affected can get either 10 years of credit monitoring or possibly $125. You could get up to $20,000 if you can prove your identity was stolen and you suffered losses because of it.
Choosing to pick up a quick $125 is tempting, but only a certain amount of money was set aside for those wanting a payout. That money will not cover $125 a person if 147 million file for it.
Therefore, the 10 years of free credit monitoring might be the better, less sexy way to go.
First things first, go here to check your eligibility.
More on this from CNN, New York Post and The Washington Post.
Thank you, Chip! I followed your advice and link and now I’ve got free credit monitoring!