Equifax Settlement Phishing

Credit monitoring firm Equifax has agreed to pay up to $700 US million in fines and penalties to settle with various U.S. regulatory bodies over the massive data breach that saw the personal information of almost 150 million people stolen in 2017.

Canadian victims aren't covered by that figure.

And if that's not bad enough, Internet bad guys are now trying to trick you into filing an Equifax claim and get a $125 payment because your personal data was in the Equifax data breach. They are sending phishing attacks that look like they come from Equifax and when you click on the links, you wind up on a fake website that looks like it's Equifax, but will try to steal your personal information. Don't fall for it.

Key points to remember:

• The settlement offer mentioned in these phishing emails is only for US citizens affected by the Equifax breach.  It doesn't apply to Canadians.
• Any email you receive offering you something as a result of the Equifax breach is a phishing attempt and should be deleted.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to Computer Help Desk, a Cybersecurity Ambassador or IT Security if you have any questions.  We're here to help!