UPDATED:    January 24, 2025

Universal Lenders Data Breach Lawsuit

Data Breach Summary

Universal Lenders, LLC

Who Was Affected
19,575 including 34 residents of Maine.
Impacted Data
Full name, date of birth, address, social security number
Date of Breach
November 7, 2024
Have you been affected by Universal Lenders, LLC's data breach?

Universal Lenders, LLC (“Universal”), has disclosed a data security breach that potentially compromised the personal information of its customers. The announcement, made through a filing with the Maine Attorney General’s office, provide details on the circumstances leading up to the breach. Universal Lenders,  has confirmed a data breach that affected nearly 20,000 individuals, including 34 residents of Maine.

Individuals associated with Universal Lenders, 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.

Details of the Universal Lenders Data Breach

The company disclosed that the breach occurred on November 7, 2024, but was not discovered until January 14, 2025. According to Universal, the incident involved an external hacking event that led to unauthorized access to certain files. The company launched an immediate investigation with the assistance of independent cybersecurity experts and determined on December 5, 2024, that some personal information had been accessed or acquired.

While Universal has not found evidence of misuse or attempted misuse of the affected data, the compromised information may include names and additional personal details.

The company is also offering affected individuals complimentary identity protection services through IDX, which include credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, a $1 million identity fraud loss reimbursement policy, and identity theft recovery services. Those impacted have until April 21, 2025, to enroll in these services.

What Information Was Involved?

The breached data may include personal information such as:

  • Names
  • Physical addresses
  • Dates of birth
  • Social Security Number

How to Know if You Were Affected

If you received a data breach notification from Universal Lenders, 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.

Steps to Take If You Were Affected by the Universal Lenders Data Breach

Stay Alert for Phishing Scams

Scammers may try to take advantage of the data breach by posing as Universal Lenders. 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 Universal Lenders data breach. If your information was exposed in this breach, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.

How Universal Lenders Class Action Lawsuits Help Victims Seek Compensation

Class action lawsuits allow individuals affected by large-scale data breaches like the Universal Lenders, 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:

  • Loss of privacy
  • Time spent addressing the breach
  • Out-of-pocket costs
  • Emotional distress

A successful case could also compel Universal Lenders, 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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