BBS Financial Services, LLC recently experienced a significant data breach that has affected a tens of thousands of individuals. The breach, discovered on January 29, 2024, found unauthorized access occurred on December 19, 2023.
The breach has impacted approximately 70,168 individuals across the United States, with 716 affected in Texas and 1,404 in Maine.
The breach involved unauthorized access to sensitive consumer information, including:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Government-issued identification number
- Social Security number
- Financial account number
- Numerical insurance billing code
- Health insurance group and plan number
- Contact information
- Medical information
- Date(s) of visit(s)
- Numerical billing code(s)
- Health insurance information
- Carrier, group, and plan number(s)
- Social Security numbers on K-1s
- Government-issued identification number
- Driver's license number
- Passport number
- Financial information
- Bank and financial account number
- Record numbers
- Service(s) provided
- Insurance provider, group number, plan
- Income and tax forms (1120, 1120-S, 1065, K-1)
The breach was reported to the Attorney General's offices in several states, including Maine, Texas, , Massachusetts, and California.
BBS Financial Services's Response
In response to the breach, BBS Financial Services, LLC has taken several steps to address the situation. The company notified affected consumers on June 18, 2024, through written communication. They have been working to enhance their security measures to prevent future incidents.
Additionally, the company has been cooperating with relevant authorities to investigate the breach and mitigate any potential harm to affected individuals.
Steps to take if you are affected by the data breach
If you have been affected by the BBS Financial Services data breach, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your personal information. Here are some recommended steps:
- Monitor your financial accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.
- Check your credit reports: Obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and review them for any inaccuracies or unfamiliar accounts.
- Consider a credit freeze or fraud alert: Placing a credit freeze on your accounts can prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name. Alternatively, you can place a fraud alert on your credit reports to warn creditors of potential identity theft.
- Change your passwords: Update passwords for your online accounts, especially those related to financial services, using strong and unique combinations.
- Be cautious of phishing attempts: Be wary of unsolicited emails or phone calls requesting personal information. Verify the legitimacy of any communication before providing sensitive details.
- Utilize identity theft protection services: Consider enrolling in identity theft protection services that can offer additional monitoring and assistance in case of identity theft.
By taking these steps, you can help safeguard your personal information and minimize the risk of identity theft.