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Equifax says data for 143 million Americans exposed. Your questions, answered
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The company said criminals stole Social Security numbers and sensitive information for nearly 143 million Americans, according to the Associated Press. - photo by Herb Scribner
Equifax, one of the major credit monitoring companies in the nation, said on Thursday that much of its data was exposed, leaving about 143 million Americans vulnerable to identity fraud.

The company said criminals stole Social Security numbers and sensitive information for nearly 143 million Americans, according to the Associated Press.

All of this information could be used to steal information and identity from Americans.

"On a scale of one to 10, this is a 10 in terms of potential identity theft," said Gartner security analyst Avivah Litan, according to the AP. "Credit bureaus keep so much data about us that affects almost everything we do."

Weve collected some helpful information about the hack to explain things a little easier. Heres a quick breakdown.

Was I hacked?: Here's how to find out: Equifax recommends you sign up for TrustedID Premier, which will tell you whether or not youve been hacked.

Head to www.equifaxsecurity2017.com and click on the Check Potential Impact tab to see if youve been hacked. Youll have to enter in the final six digits of your Social Security number.

Really?: Yes. But this decision drew criticism from experts, who said the company shouldnt be asking for more Social Security information to see if youve been hacked.

What if I dont use Equifax?: Equifax probably still has information on you, according to CNN Money. The service tracks financial history of U.S. consumers (even if you didnt know it), using information from banks, retailers and lenders.

So what was hacked?: Information exposed included Social Security numbers, home addresses, birth dates and even some drivers license numbers. According to Toms Guide, about 209,000 peoples credit card numbers were stolen. And 182,000 people had their personal identity information stolen, too.

Should I call Equifax?: TechCrunch writer Sarah Buhr called Equifax three times to learn more about the hack and the new TrustID service. She said she waited around until the call hung up on her all three times.

What should I do now?: Forbes has a good answer for that. First, you should find out if youve been affected, then begin monitoring your account for potential hacks. Forbes also recommends what to do in case you experience identity theft.

Is anyone upset about this?: The Chicago Tribune reported that users complained about the company for the hack. Consumers also arent happy that they have to give up more sensitive information just to see if theyve been hacked. Customer service representatives said theres not much they can do for consumers, either, the Tribune reported.

Did the company know?: As Bloomberg reported, three senior executives sold shares worth $1.8 million just days before the breach. The company said they hadnt been informed of the incident.

Hows the companys stock?: The company saw a 13.89 percent decrease in shares after the news broke of the jack, MarketWatch reported.

Is there a lawsuit yet?: Bloomberg reported that a class-action law suit seeks to represent the 143 million consumers affected, saying that the company didnt spend enough on protecting data.
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New Medicare cards are in the mail and scammers are on the prowl
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has begun mailing new Medicare Health Insurance ID cards. The program no longer uses Social Security numbers to identify people. - photo by Lois M Collins
The federal government is beginning to send out new ID cards to the 58 million Americans who benefit from Medicare. But since many of the people who will receive them don't know they're coming or why, scammers are already gearing up to take advantage.

An AARP survey shows as many as three-fourths of Americans 65 and older have no idea the cards are coming, so some individuals may be duped with claims that they're supposed to pay a fee or provide personal information that will be used, instead, to defraud them.

The new cards are the first reissue in years, and the most striking part of the redesign is that the cards no longer carry the beneficiary's Social Security number. Congress mandated the removal of that number as an identifier for Medicare beneficiaries by next April. Instead, the card has a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier number, an 11-digit combination of numbers and letters.

The new Medicare cards are now being mailed out in batches, starting with the Eastern seaboard and moving west. Most Medicare beneficiaries will receive their cards over the next six months, as long as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has their correct mailing address. Once the cards are in hand, people can share the new identification number with their health care providers. During a transition period, either card is valid.

The old cards, which used Social Security numbers as the personal identification number, should be destroyed.

AARP recently launched an education campaign to warn consumers about scams related to the new Medicare cards.

The membership organization's "Fraud Watch" consultant, Frank Abagnale reformed con man, scammer and the subject of the movie and book "Catch Me If You Can" tells senior citizens the only time they need to carry the actual Medicare card is to health care appointments. Otherwise, it should be left in a safe place. If they want to carry one in their wallet or purse, he says, make a copy and black out the first seven numbers.

Since the cards were announced, scammers have already:

  • Called seniors and asked for their bank account information so that money on their old card could be returned. There is no money on the old card and CMS never asks for personal information over the phone.
  • Offered to send the new card after Medicare beneficiaries pay a $25 fee to cover expenses related to the card. The card is free.
  • Said the card will be mailed out as soon as the older person verifies his or her Social Security number, mailing address and other personal information. CMS already knows the beneficiary's Social Security number and it's no longer being used in conjunction with health care.
AARP and the Federal Trade Commission will hold a free online seminar about the cards and the fraud attempts they have spawned on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. EDT. Register at: www.aarp.org/FraudWebinar. CMS also offers a "frequently asked questions" guide to the new cards.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network says consumers can sign up for its Watchdog Alert emails that deliver breaking scam information, or call a free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with volunteers trained in fraud counseling. Abagnale also hosts a weekly podcast for AARP, called The Perfect Scam.
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