Americhek Data Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers

Certified Employment Screening Inc., operating as Americhek, recently experienced a significant data breach that exposed sensitive consumer information. The breach occurred on September 26, 2024, and was discovered by the company nearly two months later, on November 21, 2024.

During this incident, unauthorized individuals gained access to a variety of personal data, which could potentially put affected individuals at risk of identity theft and fraud.

The breach impacted a total of 7,664 individuals across the United States, including sixty residents of Massachusetts and seven of Maine.

The types of information exposed in the breach include:

• Names
• Dates of birth
• Driver’s license numbers
• Social Security numbers

Americhek disclosed the breach to the California Attorney General’s office and Massachusetts AG's office on December 13, 2024 and the Maine Attorney General's the following day.

The breach is particularly concerning due to the type of information exposed. Social Security numbers, in particular, are highly sensitive and can be used to commit identity theft, open fraudulent accounts, or file false tax returns.

Americhek's response

In response to the data breach, Americhek has taken steps to notify affected individuals. Consumers were informed of the breach via written notice, with notifications sent out starting December 13, 2024.

While specific details about additional measures Americhek has implemented to prevent future incidents were not provided, the company’s prompt reporting to regulatory authorities suggests an effort to comply with legal requirements and transparency obligations.

Steps to take if you are affected by the data breach

If you received a notification from Americhek stating that your information was part of this breach, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself. Given the sensitive nature of the exposed data, here are some steps you should consider:

1. Monitor your credit reports and accounts: Request a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Review the reports for any unauthorized activity or accounts you don’t recognize.
2. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze: A fraud alert notifies creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit. A credit freeze, on the other hand, prevents new creditors from accessing your credit file entirely. Both options are free and can be set up with any of the three credit bureaus.
3. File your taxes early: If your Social Security number was exposed, filing your tax return as early as possible can help prevent tax fraud. Scammers may attempt to file a fraudulent return using your information.
4. Consider identity theft protection services: Some companies offer services to monitor your personal information and alert you to potential misuse. Check if Americhek is offering complimentary identity theft protection as part of their response to the breach.
5. Be cautious of phishing attempts: Scammers may use the information exposed in the breach to craft convincing phishing emails or phone calls. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unknown callers.
6. Report suspicious activity: If you notice any signs of identity theft, report them immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov and consider filing a police report.

Taking these steps can help mitigate the risks associated with the breach and protect your personal information from further misuse.