Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Data Breach Lawsuit

On October 22, 2025, a data breach occurred involving the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), where your personal information from a DCJIS Fingerprint Background Check was inadvertently shared with one individual. This article explains what happened, the potential risks, and the actions you can take to protect your information.

Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s Data Breach Investigation

On October 22, 2025, a mistake occurred within the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, where personal information from the DCJIS Fingerprint Background Check Data Collection Form was inadvertently shared with one individual. This form, which contains sensitive personal details, was intended to be kept confidential but was exposed to an unintended party.

The Department is required by Massachusetts law to notify affected individuals of such incidents, and they are offering support and guidance to mitigate any risks. According to the Department, there is no indication that your personal information has been misused, but you are encouraged to take specific steps to protect your identity and financial security.

The Department of Early Education and Care has informed those affected of their right to obtain police reports related to the incident and to file a police report if identity theft is suspected. Additionally, individuals have the right to place a security freeze on their credit reports, preventing unauthorized access to their financial data.

When Did This Breach Occur?

The breach occurred on October 22, 2025, when the personal data from your DCJIS Fingerprint Background Check was inadvertently shared with one individual.

What Information Was Breached?

The breach involved the following types of information:

• Personal information contained in the DCJIS Fingerprint Background Check Data Collection Form submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

The exact details of what was exposed have not been fully disclosed, but the breach pertains to information from this specific form.

What You Can Do

If your personal information was exposed in this incident, here are some actions you can take to protect yourself:

1. Obtain a Police Report: You are entitled to request a police report in relation to this incident. If you are a victim of identity theft, you can also file a police report.
2. Place a Security Freeze on Your Credit: You can place a security freeze on your credit reports with the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This free service prevents anyone from accessing your credit report without your permission, adding an extra layer of protection against fraud and identity theft.
3. Monitor Your Credit Reports: Even after placing a security freeze, it’s important to regularly review your credit reports and bank statements for any unusual activity. If you see anything suspicious, immediately report it to your financial institutions.
4. Report Any Fraudulent Activity: If you suspect identity theft, it is important to file a report with local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and your state’s attorney general.

File a Data Breach Lawsuit Against Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care