American Trust Data Breach Affects 886 in Texas

American Trust Company experienced a significant data breach that has raised concerns for its customers. The breach was discovered on December 5, 2024, but the incident itself occurred months earlier, on August 8, 2024. During this breach, sensitive consumer information was exposed, potentially putting affected individuals at risk.

The types of information compromised in the breach include:

• Social Security Numbers
• Medical Information
• Financial Account Information
• Names
• Other unspecified data elements

The breach affected individuals across multiple states in the United States. While the total number of people impacted nationwide remains unreported, specific figures have been disclosed for certain states. In Texas, 886 individuals were affected, while 338 were impacted in Massachusetts, and 54 in Maine.

American Trust Company disclosed the breach to various state attorney general offices and federal agencies, including:

• California Attorney General's Office on January 3, 2025
• Maine Attorney General's Office on January 8, 2025
• Massachusetts Attorney General's Office on January 2, 2025
• Texas Attorney General's Office on January 6, 2025
• Vermont Attorney General's Office on January 3, 2025

The breach was also disclosed to consumers on January 2, 2025, through written notices sent via U.S. Mail and information posted on the company’s website.

American Trust Company's response

In response to the data breach, American Trust Company has taken steps to notify affected individuals and comply with legal reporting requirements. The company issued written notices to consumers and published details about the breach on its website. Additionally, it has filed disclosures with attorney general offices in multiple states, as well as federal agencies, to ensure transparency and compliance with data breach notification laws.

While the company has not publicly shared specific details about how the breach occurred or the measures it is taking to prevent future incidents, its notification efforts indicate an attempt to address the situation responsibly.

Affected by the ATC data breach?

If you believe you may have been affected by the American Trust Company data breach, it is essential to take proactive steps to protect yourself. Since sensitive information such as Social Security Numbers and financial account details were exposed, you should consider the following actions:

1. Monitor your financial accounts closely. Regularly review your bank statements, credit card transactions, and other financial accounts for any unauthorized activity.
2. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze. Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. Alternatively, consider freezing your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
3. Obtain a free credit report. Under federal law, you are entitled to a free credit report annually from each credit bureau. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request your report and review it for any suspicious activity.
4. Watch for phishing attempts. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages requesting personal information. Scammers may use the breach as an opportunity to target affected individuals.
5. Consider identity theft protection services. If you are concerned about the potential misuse of your information, you may want to explore identity theft protection services that offer credit monitoring and identity restoration assistance.
6. Contact American Trust Company for assistance. If you have questions or need additional support, reach out to the company directly using the contact information provided in the breach notification.

Taking these steps can help you mitigate the risks associated with the breach and safeguard your personal and financial information.

About American Trust Company

American Trust Company is a financial services firm founded by entrepreneurs with a commitment to innovation, integrity, and helping individuals achieve successful financial outcomes. With decades of experience, the company has established itself as a leader in the industry, providing a range of financial solutions to its clients. For more information, visit their official website at American Trust Company.