In 2019, one of the biggest data breaches in US banking history came to light when Capital One revealed that personal information of about 98 million US citizens was leaked from their systems. Names, addresses, social security numbers, bank account details, credit scores and other sensitive information were stolen in this cyberattack.
Following this serious incident, the company was sued and eventually a class-action settlement was set at $190 million to provide compensation and protection services to affected consumers.
Who is eligible in 2025?
Even though the claim deadline for financial compensation (September 30, 2022) has passed, identity protection services are still available to millions of consumers in 2025—and that too for free. If you applied for or received a Capital One credit card between 2005 and 2019, and you received a notification from the company about the data breach, you are still eligible for these services.
Settlement Summary
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Incident | 2019 Capital One Data Breach |
Affected Consumers | Approximately 98 million U.S. citizens |
Settlement Amount | $190 million |
Claim Deadline | September 30, 2022 (now closed) |
Current Benefits | Identity protection services (available until 2028) |
Official Website | capitalonesettlement.com |
How to Get Identity Protection Services?
Step 1: Get an Enrollment Code
- First, you need a unique code. For this, you can call Pango (identity protection service provider):
- Phone number: 833-317-4821
- Times: Monday–Friday: 8 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Step 2: Register online
- Visit the website: https://app.identitydefense.com/enrollment/activate/cap1
- Enter your code
- Set up account
- Activate monitoring tools
These services are completely free and will continue till February 13, 2028.
What services are available?
Identity Protection Services
- Dark Web Monitoring: Monitor the dark web for your personal information like email, SSN, etc.
- Credit Monitoring: Notifies you of any changes in your credit profile
- Lost Wallet Protection: Help with ID, cards, etc. if you lose your wallet
- Security Freeze: Lock/Unlock Credit Reports
- Identity Theft Insurance: Up to $1 million coverage for identity theft-related expenses
Restoration Services
If you become a victim of identity theft, call 505-896-7416. The US experts there will assist you in:
- Placing a fraud alert
- Filing an identity theft report
- Resolving fraudulent accounts and transactions
These services are also available to those who have not enrolled in identity protection.
Protect your identity now
Even if you haven’t been directly affected, protecting your digital identity is still a must in today’s world. Here are some tips:
- Check bank and card statements regularly
- If you see any unknown transactions, notify your bank immediately.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Implement MFA, especially for banking and email accounts.
- Get a fraud alert or credit freeze
- Contact Experian, Equifax or TransUnion.
- Use strong passwords
- Have a strong, different password for each account. Use a password manager.
- Check your credit report once a year
- Get a free report every year from AnnualCreditReport.com.
Conclusion
The 2019 Capital One data breach incident was not just a warning but also a lesson for consumers about how sensitive their personal information is. Even in 2025, if you are affected by this incident, it is extremely important to avail yourself of identity protection services. This can not only protect you from future threats but is also important for your peace of mind.
Remember – your identity is your biggest asset. Its security is in your hands.
FAQs
Q. Who is eligible for the 2025 Capital One Settlement?
A. Anyone who applied for or held a Capital One credit card between 2005 and early 2019 and was notified their data was compromised.
Q. Can I still get financial compensation in 2025?
A. No, the deadline to claim financial compensation expired on September 30, 2022.
Q. What benefits are still available in 2025?
A. Free identity protection and recovery services are available through February 13, 2028.
Q. How do I enroll for identity protection services?
A. Call Pango at 833-317-4821 for an enrollment code and sign up at app.identitydefense.com.
Q. Do I need to have filed a claim to get these services?
A. No, you can still enroll for identity protection services even if you didn’t file a claim before the deadline.