Bank of America Data Breach

What Happened?

Continental Bank recently identified and addressed a security incident that may have compromised some customer information. The issue was first noticed on March 4, 2024, when suspicious activity was detected in an employee email account. Immediate steps were taken to secure the account, including a password reset and the engagement of third-party cybersecurity experts to conduct a thorough investigation.

The investigation revealed that from February 7, 2017, to August 28, 2023, a subset of emails might have been accessible to an unauthorized party. Although there is currently no evidence to suggest that any personal information was misused, the bank has been diligently working to determine the exact nature and scope of the data involved. This proactive approach ensures that all potentially affected individuals are accurately identified and notified.

What Information Was Involved?

The potentially exposed information includes customers' first and last names along with their Social Security Numbers. This type of information can be used for identity theft and other fraudulent activities, which is why the bank is taking this incident very seriously.

What We Are Doing

Continental Bank has taken several steps to address this incident and prevent future occurrences. These measures include extensive system audits, enhanced security protocols, and ongoing monitoring of all systems. To help protect affected individuals, Continental Bank is offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services through Cyberscout, a leader in identity theft protection and fraud resolution.

Affected customers are encouraged to enroll in these services to receive alerts of any changes in their credit reports and to have access to professional support in the event of identity theft. To enroll, please visit the Cyberscout website and use the unique code provided in your notification letter.

What You Can Do

In addition to enrolling in the offered services, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. If you spot something suspicious, report it immediately to your financial institution.
2. Place Fraud Alerts: Contact one of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax) to request a fraud alert on your credit report. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
3. Consider a Credit Freeze: A more drastic measure than a fraud alert, a credit freeze locks your credit reports so no new credit can be opened in your name without your permission.

For detailed instructions on how to place a fraud alert or freeze your credit, please visit the websites of the Federal Trade Commission or the respective credit bureaus.

Additional Resources

For more information or assistance, you can contact Continental Bank's dedicated assistance line at 1-800-405-6108, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time, excluding holidays.

You can also learn more about protecting yourself from identity theft by visiting the Maine Attorney General's website and the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can help safeguard your personal information and mitigate the potential impacts of this data breach.