If you are one of the more than 4-million people in Michigan who may have had personal information compromised through an alleged cyberattack on the database of Equifax, perhaps you’ll be happy to learn that Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has joined a multi-state investigation, demanding answers and response.
Schuette announced Friday that he has joined that multi-state investigation with more than 40 other state Attorneys General and has signed on to a letter to Equifax demanding the company improve its consumer response to the breach and take steps to refund those who have already paid for a credit freeze.
Schuette tells us, “Over the last week, my office has worked with Attorneys General across the country to launch an investigation and issue a letter demanding better customer service from Equifax.” He adds, “While the investigation is ongoing, it is important that Michigan residents determine if they were affected by the breach and take steps to monitor their credit reports and their bank accounts and credit card statements, and report any suspicious activity immediately.”
Complaints to the Department of Attorney General are significant and the number continues to grow.
Schuette says, “I strongly encourage those who believe their personal information was compromised to file a complaint with my office.” He also argues, “It is indefensible that they (the public impacted by the breach) be forced to pay fees to fully protect themselves from the fallout of Equifax’s data breach. I encourage everyone who has been affected to report their experience to my office.”
Schuette and other state Attorneys General issued a letter demanding Equifax reimburse the cost associated with a credit freeze for affected individuals, and their alleged failure to protect their data from a security breach.
The Attorneys General also expressed their concerns that the November 21, 2017 cutoff date for free credit monitoring for consumers is short-sighted and suggests that date be extended to at least January 31, 2018.
Equifax, one of the primary credit reporting agencies in the United States, claims it learned of the breach on July 29, 2017 and that it occurred from mid-May through July 2017. The party responsible for the hack is still unknown.
Schuette has joined the multi-state investigation as a member of the executive committee, and will be a leading voice in the pursuit of full disclosure from Equifax.
Michigan’s Attorney General also issued a new consumer alert to educate Michigan residents about important steps to protect their identity.
The alert provides directions on how to determine if you were affected by the Equifax breach, request a credit report and freeze, and rights for consumers affected by this breach.
Under Michigan’s Identity Theft Protection Act, MCL 445.72(1) requires that notice be provided to Michigan residents when any resident’s “personal information” has been breached. MCL 445.72 lays out the notice requirements when a security breach impacts Michigan residents and provides the attorney general with authority to bring an action to recover a civil fine.
To filed a complaint, you can contact the Consumer Protection Division at P.O. Box 30213 in Lansing, Michigan 48909-7713, or to send by fax, use this number: 517-241-3771
To file online, you can go to Online Consumer Complaint/Inquiry, otherwise send by regular mail or fax as listed above. If you have any questions, you are invited to call the Consumer Protection Division Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM at 517-373-1140 or toll free 877-765-8388.
