Why you might not get a $125 check in Equifax settlement

WASHINGTON - Equifax is promising $125 checks to victims of its widespread 2017 data breach, but it's possible claimants will receive much less.

The credit rating agency proposed two forms of compensation to the data breach's 147 million victims: 10 years of free credit monitoring, or a cash payout.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) publicized the settlement agreement, telling the public that it takes "seconds" to file for a $125 check. 

But she later backtracked when it was revealed that it's not that easy.

Mainly because there's not enough money in the payout pot to cover $125 checks for 147 million people. The total pool is about $380 million.

You can see if you're eligible to file a claim here. The deadline is until Jan. 22, 2020 ... or until the money runs out.