Data Breach Summary
UFCW Local 135, a labor union representing essential workers in San Diego and Imperial Counties, California, has disclosed a data breach that compromised sensitive personal information. A total of 62,692 people were impacted, but only 2 of them were Maine residents. The breach was reported through a filing with the Attorney General of Maine, indicating that sensitive client information was exposed.
While the company has not found evidence of misuse, they are notifying affected individuals and taking steps to help mitigate potential risks. Individuals associated with UFCW Local 135, are advised to remain vigilant for any suspicious activity related to their personal information. Monitoring financial statements, changing passwords, and being cautious of phishing attempts are recommended steps to protect against potential misuse of compromised data. To learn more about how to protect yourself after such incidents, explore this resource on how to respond to a data breach incident and understand the steps you can take.
On August 23, 2024, UFCW Local 135 (UFCW) detected suspicious activity within its network, prompting an immediate response to secure its systems and launch an investigation with a specialized cybersecurity firm. The investigation determined that certain data was potentially accessed and acquired by an unauthorized third party.
Upon discovering the breach, UFCW took swift action to remediate the issue and reinforce the security of its network to prevent future incidents. In an effort to support those potentially impacted, UFCW is providing identity theft protection services through IDX, a leading expert in data breach recovery. This service includes 12 to 24 months of credit and CyberScan monitoring, a $1,000,000 insurance reimbursement policy, and fully managed identity theft recovery services. Although UFCW is covering the cost of these services, affected individuals must complete the activation process to enroll.
The breached data may include personal information such as:
If you received a data breach notification from UFCW Local 135, your personal information may have been compromised. While most victims are officially informed via a ‘‘notice of data breach” in the mail, the consequences—such as fraudulent transactions and identity theft—can begin long before you receive the notice.
Stay Alert for Phishing Scams
Scammers may try to take advantage of the data breach by posing as UFCW Local 135. Be wary of unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls requesting personal information. When in doubt, verify any communication directly with the company through official channels.
Monitor Your Credit and Financial Accounts
Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit card activity, and credit reports for any unauthorized transactions. Set up account alerts to catch suspicious activity early. Take advantage of free credit reports and review them carefully for unfamiliar accounts or discrepancies.
Consider Freezing Your Credit
For added protection, request a credit freeze from all three major credit bureaus. This prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name while still allowing you to use your existing credit. If you need to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze when necessary.
Class Action U, in partnership with KO Lawyers, is supporting individuals impacted by the UFCW Local 135 data breach. If your information was exposed in this breach, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.
Class action lawsuits allow individuals affected by large-scale data breaches like the UFCW Local 135, incident to come together and pursue compensation collectively. These lawsuits can provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to hold companies accountable for failing to protect personal information. Learn how joining a class action lawsuit can potentially help you to seek compensation for:
A successful case could also compel UFCW Local 135, to improve its security measures and prevent future breaches. Reach out to Class Action U today to determine your eligibility for a data breach class action lawsuit and the compensation that may be available to you.
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