Massive Data Breach at 700Credit Exposes 5.8 Million Consumers’ Information
A significant data breach at 700Credit has compromised the personal information of over 5.8 million consumers. The company, which provides credit and identity verification services to vehicle dealerships across the U.S., announced that hackers accessed sensitive data between October 25 and October 27.
How the Breach Occurred
The breach was caused by a vulnerability in an API used by one of 700Credit’s integration partners. This flaw allowed attackers to steal personal details such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth.
Notification to Affected Individuals
700Credit will begin notifying affected individuals starting December 22. The notice will include instructions on how to enroll in 12 months of free credit monitoring and identity restoration services provided by TransUnion’s Cyberscout.
Immediate Steps If You Receive a Notice
If you receive a notice from 700Credit, it is crucial to take immediate action. Enroll in the free credit monitoring service by visiting the provided URL and entering your unique activation code within 90 days of receiving the letter.
Additional Protective Measures
In addition to enrolling in the free service, consider taking the following steps to protect your identity:
- Freeze your credit with all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit file with one of the bureaus, which will notify all three.
- Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Request an IP PIN from the IRS to prevent someone from filing a tax return using your Social Security number.
- Practice good digital hygiene by using strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication.
Why These Steps Matter
While you cannot undo the damage caused by a data breach, taking these steps can help minimize the risk of identity theft and financial fraud.
