MSE News: Got an Equifax letter saying you were hacked? The helpline's struggling...

I got through!

There's little point calling the number. I doubt the folk at the other end in the Philippines can do much.

Apparently, the letters should mention a URL unlucky punters can visit to sign up for Equifax Protect. Mine didn't.

The URL they gave me is: https://www.equifax.co.uk/protect. You'll need to use the reference number included in your Equifax letter to get the free stuff.

BTW, Equifax's website is very unfriendly. They could learn a few lessons from Noddle.

If you want to take advantage of Equifax WebDefend (called WebDetect on their website) you have to supply additional information. I think I'll pass on that. I don't want to give them more information to lose. :rotfl:

Equifax are trying as hard as they can to sweep this under the carpet - and attempting to prevent people from taking legal action against them by using terms and conditions carefully inserted into the anti-fraud systems they're encouraging people to use.

Here's a recent update on the situation, which gets worse daily:

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/11/01/equifax_breach_uk_notification/

Magnetron wrote: »

This is a serious breach, when you think how strict Data Protection Laws are supposed to be they need to be taken to task over this.

Too right - and it's only just becoming clear to people just how serious it is, and what the potential is for identity fraud, along with several other types of fraud.

The UK financial press and regulators seem to be sleeping through this, but the consequences are potentially enormous.

I received the Equifax letter yesterday. Today I received a text from Nat West saying my account had been deactivated and to click on the link. Obviously a scam as I don't have a NatWest account. Maybe we should post any unusual activity on here to alert others.

I wouldn't bother calling the helpline. All they will really do is help you sign up (for free) to Equifax Protect, which you can do for yourself via the Equifax Website. The ref number on your letter is the code you need. They won't ask for payment details. And if you think you're being asked for MORE personal information to sign up, they already have this information; it's just being used to verify identity.

Yes this breach shouldn't have happened and yes it will happen again to someone else; welcome to the online world. But Equifax are probably more secure now than almost anyone. Horses and Stable Doors anyone? And remember, they have all your information anyway, so take advantage of something for free that will help to protect you. Alternatively, put your head in the sand and wait until it's too late and someone's racked up a pile of debt in your name without you knowing.