WECA Data Breach Exposes Sensitive Personal Info of Over 35,000 Americans

In the last 24 hour hours, disclosures to four state attorneys generals have been made regarding a significant data breach at the Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc. (WECA).

WECA discovered a data breach back on June 27 that occurred on January 21 and 22, 2024. During this incident, sensitive consumer information was exposed, compromising the personal data of approximately 35,290 people across the United States.

The types of personally identifiable information exposed in this breach included social security numbers, driver license numbers, and medical information.

The breach wasn't publicly disclosed until yesterday, August 29th, with notifications sent to affected individuals by mail and email. As mentioned, the breach was reported to the Attorney General's offices in several states, including California, Texas, Maine, and Massachusetts.

If you have been affected by the WECA data breach, it is important to take proactive steps to protect your personal information:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
2. Credit Monitoring: Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service. This can help you detect any unusual activity on your credit report.
3. Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This will make it more difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
4. Review Your Credit Reports: Obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review them for any discrepancies or unfamiliar accounts.
5. Secure Your Personal Information: Be cautious when sharing personal information online or over the phone. Verify the identity of anyone requesting your information.

By taking these steps, you can help safeguard your personal information and mitigate potential risks associated with the data breach.