Data Breach Lawsuits
A data breach can put your finances and identity at risk when a company fails to protect your information.
Contact us for a free case evaluation.
Data Breach Complications
You trust companies to keep your personal information safe. If they fail, a data breach can expose you to fraud and identity theft.
A data breach happens when your name and other personal information is exposed to theft or fraud. That often means someone stole data from a company’s database. Identity theft, credit card fraud, and tax fraud can follow.
You can hold a company accountable if it was negligent in protecting your information.
COMMON TYPES OF DATA BREACHES
A breach can expose many kinds of personal information. The most common cause is an outside hack. Hackers often look for:
- Credit card information
- Financial account information
- Social Security numbers (SSNs)
- Personal and business addresses
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
Banks, employers, internet providers, and many retailers and restaurants store this kind of data.
Large breaches at companies that held personal data have led to lawsuits across the country.
RESPONDING TO A DATA BREACH
If your information was exposed, act quickly to protect your identity and finances. What you should do depends on what was taken:- Social Security Number — Do not give more information to anyone who calls and claims to be from a real agency, such as the IRS, even if they already have your SSN. Monitor your credit report, and consider a freeze or fraud alert.
- Credit Card Number — Call the card company right away, cancel the card, and request a new one. Watch your transactions and work with the fraud department to remove false charges.
- Bank Account Info — Call your bank, close the account, and open a new one. Watch your transactions and report any fraudulent withdrawals.
- Driver’s License Number — Report the theft to the Department of Motor Vehicles. They may issue a replacement. Monitor your credit report as well.
- Email, Passwords, or Login Info — Change your passwords and usernames. If you reused a password, change it on every site where you used it.
If you were affected by a data breach, contact Chhabra Gibbs & Herrington PLLC. There is no fee to discuss your case.
Check a Data Breach Claim
A case evaluation is free. Contact the firm and we will follow up promptly.
