Melissa A. Caouette, Chapter 13 Trustee (“Trustee”), recently disclosed a ransomware-related data breach that may have exposed sensitive personal information. The September 2025 incident potentially involved unauthorized access to names and Social Security numbers.
Melissa A. Caouette, Chapter 13 Trustee’s Data Breach Investigation
Melissa A. Caouette, Chapter 13 Trustee, located in Flint, Michigan, reported a cybersecurity incident involving potentially unauthorized access to its network environment. The breach was discovered on or about September 5, 2025, when the Trustee became aware of suspicious activity consistent with a ransomware attack.
Upon identifying the issue, the Trustee immediately acted to contain the threat by disabling unauthorized access to the network. A prompt and thorough investigation was launched, and the incident was reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Trustee Office. The Trustee also engaged external cybersecurity professionals experienced in handling ransomware incidents to conduct a forensic review.
According to the forensic investigation, an unauthorized party potentially accessed or removed data from the Trustee’s network between September 3, 2025, and September 4, 2025. After containment and remediation efforts, the Trustee conducted a detailed manual review of all data stored on the impacted servers to determine whether personal information had been involved.
On January 23, 2026, the Trustee concluded that personal information attributable to one New Hampshire resident was present in the affected files and may have been accessed or acquired by the unauthorized party. The potentially impacted information included the individual’s name and Social Security number.
Following this determination, the Trustee located the most recent address for the affected individual on February 6, 2026, and provided written notification on or about February 12, 2026. The Trustee has stated that there is currently no evidence that the impacted information has been used to commit financial fraud or identity theft.
In response to the breach, the Trustee is offering complimentary credit monitoring services to the affected individual. The notification letter also provides guidance on precautionary measures, including reviewing financial account statements for irregular activity, placing fraud alerts or security freezes on credit files, obtaining free credit reports, and contacting consumer reporting agencies and the Federal Trade Commission.
The Trustee has emphasized that protecting the privacy of personal information is a top priority and has reported taking additional steps to evaluate and improve administrative and technical safeguards. These efforts include enhanced cybersecurity policies, employee training, and strengthened network security protocols.
While only one New Hampshire resident was identified as affected, the exposure of a Social Security number presents serious risks. Social Security numbers are highly sensitive identifiers that can be used to open fraudulent accounts, file false tax returns, or commit other forms of identity theft. Even a single compromised record can result in long-term financial and emotional stress.
Organizations entrusted with personal data—including bankruptcy trustees who handle sensitive financial information—have a responsibility to implement reasonable safeguards to protect that data from cyber threats. When unauthorized access occurs, affected individuals may have legal rights.
At Class Action U, we believe consumers deserve transparency and accountability when their personal information is placed at risk. If you received a notice from the Trustee, understanding what happened and learning about your legal options is an important step toward protecting yourself.
When Did This Breach Occur?
According to the Trustee’s disclosure:
-
Date(s) the Breach Occurred: September 3, 2025 – September 4, 2025
-
Date the Breach Was Discovered: September 5, 2025
The Trustee detected unauthorized access on September 5, 2025, and later determined that data may have been accessed between September 3 and September 4, 2025.
What Information Was Breached?
The information that may have been accessed or acquired includes:
-
Name
-
Social Security number
The combination of these data elements significantly increases the risk of identity theft and financial fraud.
What You Can Do
If you received a notification from Melissa A. Caouette, Chapter 13 Trustee, consider taking the following steps:
-
Enroll in the complimentary credit monitoring services offered.
-
Review your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.
-
Place a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit file.
-
Monitor bank accounts and financial statements for suspicious transactions.
-
Report any suspected identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission and your financial institutions.
Even if no misuse has been detected, Social Security numbers can be exploited months or years after exposure. Remaining vigilant can help minimize potential harm.
You may also want to explore your legal rights. Many individuals are unaware that they may be eligible to pursue compensation following a data breach involving sensitive personal information. Learning your options can help you determine your next steps.
File a Data Breach Lawsuit Against Melissa A. Caouette, Chapter 13 Trustee
If you received notice that your personal information was involved in the Melissa A. Caouette, Chapter 13 Trustee data breach, you may have the right to pursue legal action.
Data breach lawsuits aim to hold organizations accountable when they fail to adequately protect sensitive personal information. Compensation may include reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, time spent addressing identity theft risks, credit monitoring costs, and other related damages.
You do not have to face this situation alone. Understanding your legal rights can empower you to take action and potentially recover compensation for the exposure of your information.
Contact us at Class Action U, where we’ll connect you with a lawyer skilled in class action lawsuits. If you’ve been contacted about this breach, received notice, or discovered you were impacted, fill out our quick, easy, and secure form to sign up. There is no cost to reach out to our legal partner and no obligation after speaking with someone from our team
