Ashley Furniture HomeStore Data Breach Affects 61,667 Texans Including These Types of Info

On January 15, 2024, The Dufresne Spencer Group, LLC, which operates 123 Ashley Furniture HomeStore locations, discovered a significant data breach. An unauthorized party gained access to their information technology environment between May 15 and June 5, 2023. During this period, the intruder accessed and potentially acquired files containing sensitive personal information of their customers. This breach has affected a substantial number of individuals, with 61,667 people in Texas impacted by the incident.

Information Exposed

• Name of individual
• Address
• Social Security Number
• Driver’s License number
• Government-issued ID number (e.g., passport, state ID card)
• Financial Information (e.g., account number, credit or debit card number)
• Medical Information
• Date of Birth
• Driver's License Number or Non-Driver Identification Card Number

The Dufresne Spencer Group's Response

Upon discovering the breach, The Dufresne Spencer Group took immediate steps to secure their systems. They enlisted the help of a cybersecurity firm to conduct a thorough investigation. The company has enhanced their security protocols and technical safeguards to prevent future incidents. Additionally, they have notified affected individuals via U.S. Mail, providing detailed instructions on how to protect themselves. As a precaution, they are offering a complimentary one-year membership to Equifax Credit Watch Gold, which includes credit monitoring and identity theft support.

Steps for Affected Individuals

Given the severity of the breach, it is crucial for affected individuals to take proactive steps to protect their personal information. Here are some recommended actions:

1. Activate Credit Monitoring: Utilize the complimentary one-year membership to Equifax Credit Watch Gold provided by The Dufresne Spencer Group, LLC. This service helps detect possible misuse of your personal information.
2. Review Financial Statements: Regularly check your financial account statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. If you notice any suspicious transactions, contact your financial institution immediately.
3. Place Fraud Alerts: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports. This will notify creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit.
4. Implement a Security Freeze: You can place a security freeze on your credit file to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission. Contact each of the three major credit reporting agencies to initiate this process.
5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on communications from The Dufresne Spencer Group, LLC for any updates or additional instructions.

For more detailed information on how to protect yourself, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission.

For additional details, you can find the disclosure on the Maine Attorney General, the Texas Attorney General, and the Massachusetts Attorney General websites.