In a major cybersecurity breach, the Financial Business and Consumer Solutions (FBCS), a prominent debt collection agency, reported a data breach in February that reportedly impacted nearly 2 million individuals in the United States. TFBCS has just revealed that the number has risen to an alarming 4.2 million.
With the proper security measures, these breaches wouldn’t happen, and sensitive information of millions of consumers wouldn’t fall into the wrong hands. If you believe your data may have been stolen or compromised in this breach, don’t hesitate to take action and contact Morgan & Morgan.
What Happened?
FBCS, which specializes in collecting various types of debts, including consumer credit and healthcare, detected that an unauthorized third party had infiltrated their network. This breach exposed sensitive personal information such as full names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, account information, and even driver’s license numbers. For some, the compromised data extended to medical claims, provider information, and health insurance details.
Implications for the Affected Individuals
The exposure of such sensitive data significantly heightens the risk of phishing attacks, identity theft, and other forms of fraud. People whose information has been compromised are vulnerable to unsolicited communications and must remain vigilant against potential scams.
Measures Taken by FBCS
In response to the breach, FBCS has implemented enhanced security measures within a newly established environment to prevent future incidents. They are also offering 12 months of free credit monitoring through Cyex to those affected, advising recipients to monitor their credit reports and account statements diligently for any suspicious activity.
Some consumers think these heightened security measures are too little too late and should have been implemented from the get-go.
Legal and Consumer Protection Considerations
Data breaches of this magnitude underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the responsibilities of companies in safeguarding consumer data.
If you believe you were affected by this data breach, don’t let irresponsible corporations get away with their negligence. Morgan & Morgan, the country’s largest personal injury law firm, is equipped to handle such large cases, offering expertise in data breach litigation and consumer protection laws.
What Should I Do if I Was Affected by the FBCS Data Breach?
If you believe your data has been compromised, first and foremost you should enroll in credit monitoring. Take advantage of the free credit monitoring services provided by FBCS or another service. Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions, and be wary of any phishing attempts by staying alert for suspicious emails or calls asking for personal information.
Most importantly, consult with a legal expert to explore your options. You may be entitled to compensation.
The FBCS data breach is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our digital world. It highlights the critical need for stringent data protection measures and the importance of being proactive in safeguarding personal information.
If you find yourself impacted by such breaches, Morgan & Morgan is here to support and guide you through the complexities of data breach claims. For more detailed information on how to protect yourself and your rights following a data breach, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free, no-obligation case evaluation today.