Alan Ritchey, Inc. Data Breach Affects 4,657 Texans

What Happened?

Recently, Alan Ritchey, Inc., a company in the transportation and trucking sector, experienced a significant data breach. This incident involved unauthorized access to sensitive personal information. The types of data exposed include names, addresses, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, other government-issued ID numbers, and dates of birth.

The breach was officially reported to the Texas Attorney General's office and made public on April 12, 2024. Currently, it is known that at least 4,657 individuals in Texas have been affected by this breach. For those concerned about their information, the full disclosure can be viewed on the Texas Attorney General's website.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

If you believe you might be one of the individuals impacted by this breach, it's crucial to act swiftly to protect your identity and personal information. Here are some steps you can take:

• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements, credit card statements, and any other financial transactions for any unauthorized activity. If you spot anything suspicious, report it immediately to your financial institution.
• Place a Fraud Alert: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports. This action warns creditors that you may be a victim of identity theft and they should take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit accounts in your name.
• Consider a Credit Freeze: A more drastic measure is to place a credit freeze on your reports. This prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely, which makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. Note that you need to lift the freeze if you wish to apply for new credit.
• Check Your Credit Reports: You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once a year. Access these reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and review them for discrepancies.
• Report to the FTC: If you suspect identity theft, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website at IdentityTheft.gov. This site also provides specific steps based on the information that was lost or exposed.

Understanding the details of the data breach and taking immediate action to protect your personal information can mitigate the risk of identity theft. Stay vigilant and monitor your financial statements and credit reports regularly.