A debt collection agency known as Financial Business and Consumer Solutions (FBCS) recently experienced a significant data breach that affected millions of Americans. Initially, the company reported that around 1.9 million individuals were impacted, but this number was later raised to 3 million in June 2024. The breach resulted in the exposure of sensitive consumer information such as full names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and driver’s license numbers or ID cards.
According to a data breach notification shared by FBCS, threat actors gained unauthorized access to the company’s systems on Valentine’s Day, although the breach was not discovered until Feb. 26. FBCS described the incident as unauthorized access to certain systems within its network. Despite the breach occurring in February, affected individuals were not notified until late April.
In response to the breach, FBCS has taken steps to investigate the incident thoroughly and enhance its security measures. The company is offering affected individuals a free 24-month credit monitoring and identity restoration service to help protect them from potential identity theft and phishing attacks.
If you have been affected by this data breach, there are several measures you can take to safeguard your personal information. Consider investing in identity theft protection services, placing a fraud alert on your credit file, and being cautious of phishing attempts. Additionally, regularly monitor your Social Security benefits, invest in personal data removal services, change your passwords, and use strong, unique passwords for each account.
Data breaches and cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common, underscoring the importance of companies safeguarding customer data. Prompt communication and proactive measures can help individuals mitigate the risks associated with data breaches. It is essential to remain vigilant and take steps to protect your personal information in an increasingly digital world.