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You Could Be Owed Up to $5,000: The CRA Data Breach Settlement, Explained

  August 21, 2026 If you had a Government of Canada online account back in 2020, it's worth five minutes to check whether you're eligible for a payout. Claims are now open in an $8.7-million federal settlement tied to a wave of 2020 cyberattacks on Canada Revenue Agency and other Government of Canada accounts. If your CRA My Account, My Service Canada Account, or another GCKey-linked account was compromised, you may be entitled to compensation — in some cases, up to $5,000. Here's what happened, who qualifies, and exactly how to file before the deadline. What happened Between June and August 2020, hackers used "credential stuffing" — testing stolen usernames and passwords from other data leaks against government login pages — to break into thousands of Government of Canada online accounts. In some cases, attackers viewed confidential personal and financial information; in others, they used stolen access to file fraudulent claims for pandemic-era benefits like CERB...

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Boost Your Credit Score and Save Money: Expert Tips


With household finances still tight for many Americans, increasing your credit score may be one way to save money. A recent study by LendingTree reveals that raising your credit score can have substantial financial benefits. Here are the details:

The Impact of a Higher Credit Score

  • Savings Potential: Increasing your credit score from fair (580 to 669) to very good (740 to 799) could save you a whopping $22,263 over the life of your credit and loans. Mortgages account for the largest portion of these savings, with an impressive $16,677.

  • Monthly Savings: Overall, consumers stand to save an extra $92 per month across various debt types, including auto loans, credit cards, mortgages, and personal loans. While this projected savings has decreased from a previous estimate, it’s still a significant amount that can make a difference in your financial well-being.

Expert Tips for Improving Your Credit Score

  1. Check Your Credit Report for Errors: Mistakes on credit reports are more common than you might think. About 1 in 5 consumers discover errors, and disputing these inaccuracies can lead to score improvements. Keep an eye out for any discrepancies and take action to correct them.

  2. Aim for a Higher Score: While a credit score above 700 is generally considered good, reaching 740 or higher opens up even more opportunities. With a higher score, you’ll qualify for better loan terms and lower interest rates. It’s worth the effort to boost your score and reap the long-term benefits.

Remember, improving your credit score isn’t just about numbers—it’s about securing your financial future. So take proactive steps, monitor your credit, and watch those savings add up! 

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