Data Breach Summary
A significant data breach at Begin and Associates has exposed the personal information of nearly 55,000 individuals, including several Maine residents. The breach occurred after an unauthorized third party gained access to the tax software platform used by the company to prepare and electronically file 2024 tax returns.
The breach, which occurred on August 8, 2024, was not discovered until May 29, 2025, when Begin and Associates began investigating suspicious activity related to fraudulently filed tax returns. An internal investigation determined that the company’s tax software had been accessed by an unauthorized third party, who may have obtained sensitive personal information.
On June 25, 2025, the firm confirmed that names and Social Security numbers of affected individuals may have been exposed.
In total, 54,926 individuals were impacted by the breach, including 64 residents of Maine.
Begin and Associates promptly notified the IRS and the State of Maine upon learning of the incident. The company also engaged external cybersecurity experts to investigate and mitigate the breach. As a precautionary measure, they are offering 12 months of complimentary identity protection services through IDX, a ZeroFox Company. The package includes:
CyberScan and credit monitoring
A $1 million identity theft insurance policy
Fully managed identity theft recovery support
If your personal information has been breached, it’s important to take immediate and proactive steps to minimize the potential impact and protect yourself from identity theft or fraud. Here are some general actions that you should consider taking:
Monitor Credit Reports: Check your credit reports regularly for suspicious activity.
Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze: Set up a fraud alert or freeze your credit to prevent unauthorized access.
Monitor Financial Accounts: Review bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar transactions.
Watch for Phishing Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information.
Change Passwords: Update passwords for online accounts and use strong, unique ones.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to online accounts.
Review Health and Insurance Info: Check for fraudulent charges if health data was exposed.
Given the sensitive nature of the breach, consumer advocates are investigating whether affected individuals could pursue a class action lawsuit against Begin and Associates. Individuals whose data was compromised may be entitled to compensation for any potential damages resulting from this breach.
If you were notified of this breach or believe your personal information may have been exposed, you could have legal rights. Class Action U is here to help you understand your options and take action. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to explore your legal recourse.
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