Bristol Bay Construction Holdings, a construction company known for its diverse range of services including general construction, environmental services, and facility support, experienced a significant data breach. On January 9, 2024, the company discovered unauthorized access to sensitive consumer information. This incident has raised concerns among individuals who may have had their personal data compromised.
The breach was disclosed to the Attorney General's offices in various states, including Massachusetts, reflecting the seriousness of the matter. The company has taken steps to notify affected consumers and has provided detailed guidance on how to protect their personal information from potential misuse.
For those residing in Maine, it's been reported that 27 individuals have been affected. Bristol Bay Construction Holdings has reached out to these consumers with written notices, informing them of the breach and the steps they can take to safeguard their identities. The notification to consumers was issued on April 9, 2024, ensuring that the affected parties were promptly informed.
If you believe you may be affected by this data breach, it is crucial to remain vigilant. Review your account statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. You can order your annual free report from AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
Should you suspect any fraudulent activities or if you have been a victim of identity theft, it is recommended to contact the Federal Trade Commission or your state's Attorney General's office. You can learn more about preventing identity theft and the benefits of fraud alerts and security freezes on your credit report. For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website.
Placing a fraud alert on your credit reports is a critical step; it is free and can be done by contacting any one of the three nationwide credit bureaus. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are required to alert the other two once you've placed a fraud alert with any one of them.
For additional protection, consider placing a credit freeze on your credit files. This makes it more challenging for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. There is no fee for placing or lifting a security freeze, and you must contact each credit reporting company individually to set it up.
For detailed instructions on placing a fraud alert or security freeze, you can contact the credit bureaus directly:
Remember, Massachusetts residents have the right to obtain a police report and request a security freeze as outlined above. For assistance and more information, you may contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's office at Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General.
By taking these steps, you can help secure your personal information and reduce the risk of identity theft. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and take action to protect your credit and identity.