OCP Development

In September 2017, consumer credit reporting agency Equifax announced that it suffered a breach affecting at least 143 million Americans. Information compromised in the breach includes Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, names, dates of birth, credit card numbers and addresses—creating a perfect opportunity for impacted people to become victims of identity theft.

Consumer protection agencies are urging consumers to seriously consider placing a credit freeze on their credit reports with all 3 consumer reporting agencies: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.

A security freeze means that your file cannot be shared with potential creditors. A  freeze can help prevent identity theft. Most businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking a consumer’s credit history. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number would probably not be able to obtain credit in your name.

More information on initiating a security freeze is available at the FAQ guides below.

Equifax Credit Monitoring & Security Freeze Handout

Press Release – OCP Investigating Massive Equifax Data Breach 09/08/17