Data Breach Summary
Phil Smith Automotive Group has informed its customers of a cybersecurity incident that may have compromised some personal information. The breach, which occurred in early February 2025, was the result of a ransomware attack that impacted the company’s IT systems. Phil Smith is reaching out to affected individuals with details on the breach and the steps being taken to protect their information.
In or around early February 2025, Phil Smith Automotive Group became the victim of a ransomware attack that targeted its IT systems. Upon discovering the unauthorized activity, the company acted quickly to halt the breach by securing its systems and notifying the appropriate authorities, including the FBI. They also enlisted leading cybersecurity experts to assist with the investigation.
The investigation revealed that certain personal information may have been accessed by the malicious actor. While there is currently no evidence to suggest that the information has been misused, Phil Smith Automotive Group is taking a cautious approach and notifying those potentially affected out of an abundance of caution.
The personal information that may have been compromised in the breach includes:
Full name
Social Security number
Driver’s license number or state-issued identification number
A total of 12,274 individuals were impacted by this breach, with 6 of those individuals being residents of Maine. Although the breach primarily affects U.S. residents, it is still important for all potentially affected individuals to take steps to protect themselves from any future misuse of their data.
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.
If you were impacted by the Phil Smith Automotive Group data breach, you may have the right to seek compensation for the potential harm caused. Class Action U is dedicated to helping data breach victims connect with skilled attorneys who specialize in this area of law and can guide you through the legal process.
Individuals whose personal information was exposed may have valid grounds to join a class action lawsuit, allowing them to pursue restitution.
If your data was compromised, you could be entitled to compensation for:
Loss of privacy
Time spent resolving the breach
Out-of-pocket expenses
Emotional distress
By pursuing a class action lawsuit, you not only have the opportunity to recover damages but also help hold Phil Smith Automotive Group accountable, potentially prompting them to strengthen their security measures. Reach out to Class Action U today to find out if you qualify for a data breach class action and learn more about the compensation you may be entitled to.
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