Rumpke Data Breach Affects 16,946 Individuals Nationwide

On October 11, 2024, waste and recycling services provider, Rumpke Consolidated Companies, discovered a data breach that exposed sensitive consumer information. The breach was significant, affecting 16,946 individuals across the United States, including two residents in Maine and six in Massachusetts.

The compromised data included a wide range of personal and sensitive information, such as:

• Name, address, date of birth, phone number, and email address
• Social Security numbers
• Driver’s license numbers and state ID numbers
• Financial account information
• Health insurance data and health plan enrollment details
• Medical records, including diagnosis information, diagnosis codes, claim numbers, billing codes, payment amounts, and balance information

The breach also exposed payment and financial details, making it particularly concerning for those affected. The company disclosed the breach to the Maine Attorney General's office on December 11, 2024, and to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office on December 10, 2024.

The breach notification indicates that the exposed data could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to sensitive medical records.

As of now, it is unclear how the breach occurred or who was responsible, but the scope and sensitivity of the information exposed highlight the severity of the incident.

Rumpke's response

Rumpke Consolidated Companies notified affected individuals of the breach on December 10, 2024, through written communication. The company is also working with regulatory authorities, including the Maine and Massachusetts Attorney General offices, to ensure compliance with data breach notification laws.

If you are affected by the data breach

If you received a notification from Rumpke Consolidated Companies, Inc., or believe you may have been affected by this data breach, it is crucial to act promptly. Here are steps you should take to protect yourself:

1. Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports: Regularly check your bank statements, credit card accounts, and credit reports for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity.
2. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—to place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit file. This can help prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name.
3. Review your medical records: If your health information was exposed, request a copy of your medical records to ensure there are no unauthorized changes or inaccuracies.
4. Change your passwords: Update passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised, and enable multi-factor authentication where possible.
5. Be cautious of phishing scams: Be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages that request personal information. Scammers may use the breach as an opportunity to target affected individuals.
6. Consider identity theft protection services: Some companies offer free credit monitoring or identity theft protection services to affected individuals. Check if Rumpke has provided such services and enroll if available.

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