2 days Ago By [email protected]
VICTIMS of a data breach have just one week left to claim nearly $5,000 in cash as part of a multi-million dollar payout.It comes after a class action lawsuit filed against an accounting and consultancy firm accused it of failing to adequately protect personal information from hackers.GettyVictims of the fraud have just a week to claim their cash[/caption]Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, based in Maine, and an IT service provider contracted with them called Reliable Networks, are accused of failing customers during a data breach around the date of September 14, 2023.
The companies did not agree to any wrongdoing but settled the dispute with a whopping $7.25million payout.But the deadline to submit a claim to receive the cash worth nearly $5,000 has been pushed forward.
The lawsuit claimed that the leak compromised over 100 customers, leaving their health data and personal identifiable information vulnerable to malicious hackers.Names, email addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and individual health insurance policy numbers were up for grabs.The firm, also known as Berry Dunn, failed to report the breach when it happened, only notifying the Maine Attorney General or impacted individuals over six months later around April 25 2024.
The lawsuit said: “Berry Dunn waited seven months to notify the public that they were at risk.“As a result of this delayed response, Plaintiffs and Class Members had no idea for seven months that their Private Information had been compromised, and that they were, and continue to be, at significant risk of identity theft and various other forms of personal, social, and financial harm.“This risk will remain for their respective lifetimes.
” It also said that the group could have prevented the breach by using more sensible cyber security measures.Under the terms of the settlement, eligible class members can get a cash payment as credit monitoring services.The payments are calculated to be around $4,900 for each victim.
People whose information may have been accessible to hackers in the breach as well as those who were notified by Berry Dunn that their information may have been compromised are eligible to apply.Those who have proof of documented losses because of the breach can receive the near $5,000 in compensation.What's a class-action settlement?Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or 'classes,' a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
Such losses could be from identity theft, fraudulent charges, and other fees.Documents including account statements, receipts, invoices, and credit reports should be submitted as proof.Claimants who do not have documented losses can apply for a fixed-rate payment of $100 though the amount may vary depending on how many claims are filed.
As well as financial compensation, all class members can apply for three years of free credit monitoring worth $270.The deadline to submit a claim form is February 25 – one week from today.The final approval hearing for the data breach settlement is scheduled for March 3, 2025.
In January, victims of another cyber breach at Mulkay Cardiology consultants in New Jersey were eligible for a $5,000 payout too.Information of about 80,000 patients were available to hackers..
