Choice Hotels International Data Breach

Choice Hotels International, Inc. has informed franchisees and franchise applicants of a data breach that exposed personal information. The breach, which took place on January 14, 2026, was caused by a social engineering attack, and records containing sensitive information were accessed. Affected individuals are encouraged to take action to protect their data and explore their legal options for potential compensation.

Choice Hotels’ Data Breach Investigation

On January 14, 2026, a skilled individual used social engineering tactics to bypass multifactor authentication (MFA) and gain unauthorized access to an application containing records of franchisees and franchise applicants. Upon detecting the breach, Choice Hotels immediately took action to shut down access within an hour, preventing further unauthorized activity.

An investigation was conducted to identify which records were accessed. After thoroughly reviewing the affected files, the company confirmed on January 26, 2026, that records containing personal information, including those of affected individuals, were involved. Law enforcement has been notified, and the company is cooperating with their ongoing investigation.

When Did This Breach Occur?

The breach took place on January 14, 2026, when a social engineering attack allowed unauthorized access to the application containing sensitive records. The breach was detected and mitigated within an hour. The review of the affected records was completed on January 26, 2026.

What Information Was Breached?

The breached records contained the following personal information:

• Full name

• Contact information

• Social Security number

• Date of birth

This data was accessed as part of the breach involving franchisee and franchise applicant records.

What You Can Do

If your information was compromised, here are the steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Enroll in Credit Monitoring: Choice Hotels is offering two years of free access to Epiq Privacy Solutions ID credit monitoring. This service will help detect any misuse of your personal information and provide tools to resolve identity theft issues. Activating the service will not negatively impact your credit score.

2. Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You are entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.

3. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze: If you’re concerned about your information, consider placing a fraud alert or freezing your credit. A fraud alert notifies creditors to verify your identity before approving credit, while a credit freeze prevents unauthorized access to your credit report.

4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice any unauthorized transactions or suspect identity theft, report it to your financial institutions and law enforcement immediately.

File a Data Breach Lawsuit Against Choice Hotels

If you were affected by this data breach and your personal information was compromised, you may be entitled to compensation for the inconvenience, stress, and potential harm caused by the breach. Data breaches can result in identity theft and fraud, and affected individuals have the right to hold Choice Hotels accountable.

At Class Action U, we specialize in connecting individuals affected by data breaches with legal professionals who can help file class action lawsuits. If your personal information was exposed in this breach, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you explore your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking justice and compensation.

Your voice matters. Together, we can hold companies accountable and ensure that your personal data is properly protected.