Question: In Kokua Line (808ne.ws/918kline) it said that Equifax will waive fees for a credit freeze until Nov. 21. If people already paid for their freeze as soon as the breach happened, will they be reimbursed the $5 fee?
Answer: Yes, Equifax has promised to refund the $5 fee for all consumers who paid for credit freezes in the wake of a hack affecting up to 143 million people. Equifax said it would automatically refund customers who used credit cards to pay the fee. It had not yet finalized the process to refund those who had paid by check or money order, but promised to do so.
The massive data breach was disclosed on Sept. 7. The company announced Sept. 14 that it would waive fees for removing or placing security freezes through Nov. 21.
To answer other readers’ questions:
>> An Equifax credit freeze applies only to that credit-reporting agency. You’ll have to contact Experian and TransUnion separately.
>> A credit freeze should not affect your credit score, according to the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
>> A credit freeze doesn’t stop identity thieves from using credit accounts you already have; it does make it harder for them to open new accounts in your name.
Get CarFit
A free, public event called CarFit helps older drivers adjust their vehicles so they can stay sharp behind the wheel. Trained occupational therapists will help position the driver’s seat, seatbelt, head restraint and side and rearview mirrors to maximize safety and comfort. The event, sponsored in part by AARP Hawaii, is scheduled for Oct. 7 (a Saturday) from 8 a.m. to noon at Ho‘okele Elementary School, 511 Kunehi Street in Kapolei. Register online or by phone at 808ne.ws/carfitappt or 1-877-926-8300.
E Kala Mai
Aloha. This letter is an apology to the driver of the dark BMW SUV I encountered on the freeway by Kahala Monday morning. He merged into me in the fast lane, nearly sandwiching me into the wall. I honked and then pulled up alongside them to give a loooong “bird” flip. After they (seemingly) sincerely waved “sorry” I didn’t have the chance to indicate that “it was cool.” I want those seniors to know that I apologize for the lack of aloha and forgiveness on my end, and if I am ever in that situation again (assuming I survive unscathed) I hope that I will exhibit more aloha in my actions and response. — Sincerely, nearly-hit motorcyclist on H-1
Mahalo
A big mahalo to the person who found my wallet, which I mistakenly left on my chair at Kaiser Waipio on Aug. 28, when I was there for some lab work. I did not realize it was missing until I went to Costco and went into a panic phase. I want to also thank Robin, a Kaiser employee. Upon my return to the lab counter, she knew from my facial expression that I was the one and assured me that a kind person had found my wallet and turned it in to her; she took it to security for safekeeping. May you both be forever blessed for your honesty and thoughtfulness. — Grateful senior citizen
Mahalo
On Aug. 1, coming home from the airport after returning from the Big Island, we stopped to have dinner at Zippy’s Wahiawa. Another customer there, Mr. Vierra, asked if I was a Christian, having seen the Bible verse on my bag. He promptly brought over beautifully carved woodwork with the words “Jesus” and “Love Never Fails” and gave them to me. He refused any payment. A belated, heartfelt mahalo to Mr. Vierra for his kindness. I have given the inspirational artwork to my pastor to display in his office. That way, more people will see the messages than if I had kept them at home. — Grateful senior with the purple bag
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
