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Mental Health Association Data Breach Investigation
Shamis & Gentile P.A., one of the nation's premier class action law firms specializing in data breach cases, is investigating the Mental Health Association Inc. (“MHA”) data breach.
If you were affected by the data breach, your sensitive personally identifiable information may have been exposed, and you may be eligible for compensation.
About Mental Health Association Inc. (“MHA”)
Mental Health Association Inc. (“MHA”) is a nonprofit organization based in Western Massachusetts, providing a variety of residential programs and supportive services. Founded in 1960, MHA serves individuals affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, substance use, and homelessness.
The organization operates more than 60 residential sites and employs approximately 780 full and part-time staff members. MHA offers numerous services, including emotional health therapies, substance use recovery programs, outpatient emotional wellness centers, and housing assistance.
What was the December 2024 Data Breach?
On December 2, 2024, Mental Health Association Inc. discovered a potential compromise of its systems by an unauthorized actor. Upon discovering the incident, MHA promptly secured its systems with the assistance of their Managed Service Provider (MSP) and engaged a specialized third-party cybersecurity firm to investigate the breach.
The investigation into the breach is ongoing, and MHA is currently working to identify all affected individuals and the specific types of data that may have been accessed. As of now, MHA has not reported any confirmed cases of identity theft resulting from this breach. However, due to the sensitive nature of the information potentially involved, affected individuals could be at risk.
MHA has stated that it will mail formal notification letters to impacted individuals once they are identified. The letters will specify the exact types of personal information that were potentially exposed.
Your Rights and Next Steps
If you were affected by the MHA data breach, you have important rights and options available to you. It is crucial to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect yourself from potential identity theft or fraud.
First, regularly review your financial account statements and credit reports for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus.
Second, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file. A fraud alert notifies lenders to verify your identity before extending new credit, while a credit freeze restricts access to your credit report entirely. Both options are free and can be requested through the three major credit reporting agencies.
Third, if you suspect identity theft or fraud, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://www.identitytheft.gov, and your state Attorney General's office.
Finally, remember that lawyers are ready to help you understand your legal rights and determine if you are eligible for compensation due to this data breach.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation
If your personal information was compromised in the MHA data breach, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit and receive compensation. Data breaches can lead to serious financial and emotional harm, and you deserve to have your rights protected.
To find out if you qualify and to join others who are seeking justice, complete the below form. Lawyers are ready to help you navigate this process and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
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