Washington joins other states in filing suit against Equifax

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Attorney General Bob Ferguson, along with 49 other attorneys general, today announced that credit-reporting agency Equifax will pay more than half a billion dollars because of a 2017 data breach affecting nearly 150 million individuals nationwide. This is the largest data breach enforcement action in U.S. history.

As part of resolutions to be filed today, Equifax will pay $175 million to the states and up to $425 million to affected consumers.

Washington will receive more than $3.7 million, which will go toward continued enforcement of state data security and privacy laws. If the number of consumers filing claims results in less than the maximum restitution payments from the nationwide fund, the Attorney General’s Office may use its payment to provide additional funds to Washingtonians.

Equifax is one of three major credit-reporting agencies that provide credit ratings for individuals nationwide. From May 2017 through July 2017, hackers had access to Equifax’s network, affecting approximately 148 million consumers across the United States. The hackers accessed the private information of more than 3 million Washingtonians, including their social security numbers, birth dates, credit card numbers and addresses.

Affected consumers will have the opportunity to file a claim and receive a part of the up to $425 million in restitution. The resolution and claims process are subject to the court’s approval. Once approved, Washingtonians who believe they were victims of the Equifax breach can submit a claim at www.equifaxsettlementbreach.com or call 833-759-2982 for more information. (Washington Attorney General’s Office)

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