ABC Legal Services Data Breach Affects 39,965 Individuals

On August 7, 2024, ABC Legal Services, Inc., discovered a data breach that exposed sensitive consumer information for a total of 39,965 individuals across the United States. It is reported that the breach occurred on the same day it was discovered, though specific details about how the breach happened or who was responsible have not been disclosed.

The compromised data includes highly sensitive personal and financial information, which could pose a significant risk to those affected.

The types of information exposed in the breach include:

• Names of individuals
• Social Security numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Government-issued ID numbers (e.g., passport, state ID card)
• Financial account information (e.g., account numbers, credit or debit card numbers)
• Health insurance information
• Dates of birth

The breach was disclosed to various state attorney general offices in December 2024. Notifications were filed with the California Attorney General on December 10, 2024, the Texas Attorney General on December 9, 2024, the Massachusetts Attorney General on December 6, 2024, and the Maine Attorney General on December 10, 2024.

ABC Legal Services began notifying consumers of the breach via written notices sent through U.S. mail on December 6, 2024.

ABC Legal Services' response

In response to the breach, ABC Legal Services has complied with state notification laws by reporting the incident to the relevant attorney general offices and notifying affected individuals. The company has not publicly disclosed additional measures taken to secure its systems or prevent future breaches.

However, it is common for organizations in similar situations to conduct internal investigations, work with cybersecurity experts, and enhance their security protocols to mitigate further risks.

Steps to take if you are affected by the data breach

If you received a notification from ABC Legal Services, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself from potential identity theft or financial fraud. Here’s what you should do:

1. Monitor your credit reports and financial accounts: Regularly review your credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com.
2. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file to make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. Alternatively, you can place a credit freeze, which restricts access to your credit report.
3. Review your health insurance statements: If your health insurance information was exposed, carefully review your statements for any unauthorized claims or services.
4. Be cautious of phishing attempts: Scammers may attempt to use your exposed information to contact you. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information over the phone or via email.
5. Consider identity theft protection services: If ABC Legal Services offers free credit monitoring or identity theft protection services, take advantage of them. These services can help you detect and respond to suspicious activity.
6. File a report if you suspect fraud: If you believe your identity has been stolen, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov and consider contacting your local law enforcement agency.

By staying vigilant and taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of harm resulting from the breach.