TradeZero Affected by Data Breach at its Vendor Tawk.To

On July 29, 2024, TradeZero America Inc., a New York-based online broker-dealer, experienced a significant data breach involving its third-party vendor, Tawk.To. TradeZero discovered suspicious activity affecting files associated with customer communications on the Tawk.To platform, raising concerns due to the nature of the information involved.

The breach impacted approximately 1,459 individuals in Texas alone, as reported to the Texas Attorney General's Office.

The compromised data includes:

• Name
• Social Security Number
• Driver’s License Number
• Government-issued ID Number (e.g., passport, state ID card)
• Financial Information (e.g., account number, credit or debit card number)
• Financial brokerage and/or bank account information
• Passport Number

TradeZero America has also disclosed this breach to the California Attorney General's Office.

TradeZero.'s Response

In response to the breach, TradeZero America has taken several measures to address the situation and protect affected individuals.

TradeZero is offering 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring services through Cyberscout, a TransUnion company. Affected individuals can enroll in these services by following the instructions provided in the notification letter they received.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

If you are one of the individuals affected by this data breach, it is crucial to take proactive steps to protect your personal information. Here are some recommended actions:

1. Enroll in Credit Monitoring: Take advantage of the complimentary credit monitoring services offered by TradeZero. This will help you stay alert to any changes in your credit file.
2. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your account statements and monitor your free credit reports for any suspicious activity. Under U.S. law, you are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus.
3. Reset Your Passwords: Change your TradeZero account password and enable two-factor authentication to enhance your account security.
4. Consider a Credit Freeze: If you suspect your information might be misused, you may want to place a credit freeze on your credit report to prevent unauthorized access.
5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on communications from TradeZero for any updates regarding the breach and further instructions.