FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Tuesday, January 30, 2018

CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215 

PIERRE, S.D. -Attorney General Marty Jackley is reminding consumers that the Equifax credit freeze deadline is here. 

“Consumers have until January 31, 2018 to place a free credit freeze on their credit account,” said Jackley. “As part of the Equifax data breach, consumers were given the opportunity to freeze their credit without charge. After tomorrow the charge to place a credit freeze on a consumer account will be $10 with Equifax.”

Consumer can use the following link until tomorrow to place the security freeze:

https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp

Consumer need to continue to be vigilant in monitoring their credit accounts and should consider the following: 

• Enroll in credit monitoring program, either that offered by Equifax, or another program of your choice.

• Consider placing a Credit Freeze on your files. 

o A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name.  Keep in mind that a credit freeze will not prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts.

o Placing a credit freeze with all three (3) credit reporting agencies will normally cost you $10.00 per agency and will last seven (7) years. 

o If you decide to place these freezes on your file you need to remember to have the foresight to temporarily or unlock your file should you need to allow a lending institute to run a credit check on your file.

o Consider placing a FRAUD ALERT on your files if you decide against a credit freeze

o A fraud alert warns creditors that you may be an identity theft victim and that they should verify that anyone seeking credit in your name really is you. 

Whether you are a victim of this breach or not, consumers need to continue to check their Credit Reports on a four month rotation basis. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report annually from each one of the credit reporting agencies - Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. 

Checking your credit reports every 4 months is a habit that is no longer a privilege, but a necessity and can be done by clinking on the following link:

www.annualcreditreport.com

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