A significant data breach at 700Credit, a prominent provider of credit checks and identity verification services for U.S. auto dealerships, has compromised the personal information of at least 5.6 million individuals. An unidentified hacker gained unauthorized access, stealing sensitive data including names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers (SSNs).
The Michigan-based company confirmed the data breach, which occurred in October, on its website. The breach allowed the unauthorized actor to access personal data collected from dealerships between May and October 2023, according to Michigan’s Attorney General.
In response to the incident, 700Credit is in the process of notifying affected individuals via mail. These letters include offers for credit monitoring services to help protect against potential identity theft and fraud.
“If you get a letter from 700Credit, don’t ignore it,” urged Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “It is important that anyone affected by this data breach takes steps as soon as possible to protect their information. A credit freeze or monitoring services can go a long way in preventing fraud, and I encourage Michiganders to use the tools available to keep their identity safe.”
Experts recommend that individuals who receive a notification letter from 700Credit promptly take action, such as enrolling in credit monitoring and considering a credit freeze, to safeguard their financial and personal information.
