Equifax

[Consumer Reports]   Nearly 148 million Americans’ had private information stolen in the Equifax data breach — from Social Security numbers to credit card information. That’s even more than initially reported!  We can’t stop every breach from happening, but we can make them less likely and minimize the harm when they occur. We can demand stronger laws to protect our data. In the aftermath of the Equifax breach, hundreds of thousands of you joined Consumer Reports in calling on Congress to enact stronger data security standards and protections for consumers victimized by data breaches. Now CR is launching a bold new effort to pass consumer protections in as many states as possible. [Chip in $35 to fund our Consumer Reports state-by-state campaign for legislation to prevent future data breaches and protect consumer pocketbooks.]( We already won two first BIG victories in Oregon and Illinois, where lawmakers passed bills endorsed by Consumer Reports to make credit freezes free. Now we are pursuing promising opportunities in a number of other states, including California and Massachusetts. But we need your financial support to pull this off. Our consumer advocates are lobbying lawmakers, gathering letters of support from constituents, and working with coalition partners on the ground in each state. Here are just some of the policies we’ll work towards in the coming months with your help: - Enacting strong data security laws so that the corporations who hold our data will take responsibility for protecting our private information. - Making it free to freeze your credit report — one of the best ways to prevent identity theft. When you freeze your credit report, you can block the opening of a new credit account without your permission. Credit freezes should be provided free of charge to stop criminals from exploiting our personal information and wrecking our credit. - Ensuring victims of data breaches are notified properly, because you deserve to know, as soon as possible, if your information is compromised. We can’t do this alone. Every step of the way, we’re going to need your help -- your letters to lawmakers, your phone calls, and your financial support. That’s why we’re sending you this email today. [Add a $35 contribution right now to fund Consumer Reports’ state-based efforts.]( Thank you so much for being an active part of our advocacy community. Tim MarvinConsumer Reports You may notice that action emails from our team look a bit different. Consumers Union has always been a part of the CR family. And from now on, you’ll continue to receive the important action alerts we’ve always sent — just under our green Consumer Reports logo. [Unsubscribe from Consumer Reports action alerts.]( © 2018 Consumer Reports, 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY, 10703 [Contact Consumer Reports](