RPE (Russet Potato Exchange) Data Breach

What Happened?

Wysocki Family of Companies, an agricultural production and sales organization, experienced a significant data breach that was first discovered on November 21, 2023. This incident involved unauthorized access to certain files on their network, which included sensitive consumer information. The breach was disclosed to the Attorney General's office in Maine, and the disclosure can be found on the Maine Attorney General's website.

The specific type of information exposed in this breach was Social Security Numbers, which can be particularly concerning due to the risk of identity theft. The total number of people affected nationwide is reported to be 136, with one individual affected in the state of Maine. Wysocki Family of Companies has taken steps to notify consumers of the breach, with written notices sent out on April 3, 2024.

If you were potentially impacted by this breach, it is crucial to understand the steps Wysocki Family of Companies is taking to address the situation and what you can do to protect your personal information.

Notice to Consumers

Wysocki Family of Companies has issued a Notice to Consumers detailing the breach and the measures they are taking. The company has engaged a leading cybersecurity firm to conduct a forensic investigation and has reported the incident to the FBI. They have also implemented additional security measures to strengthen their network against future attacks.

To assist those affected, Wysocki Family of Companies is offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services through IDX, a data breach and recovery services expert. These services include credit and CyberScan monitoring, a $1,000,000 insurance reimbursement policy, and fully managed identity theft recovery services. If you wish to enroll in these services, you can do so by scanning a QR code provided in the notice, visiting IDX's enrollment page, or calling 1-800-939-4170. Please note that enrollment is required by July 3, 2024.

Steps You Can Take

In addition to enrolling in the credit protection services, there are several steps you can take to further protect your information:

• Review Your Account Statements: Keep a close eye on your financial statements and report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.
• Obtain a Free Credit Report: You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once every 12 months. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to request yours.
• Place Fraud Alerts: Contact the credit reporting agencies to place an initial or extended fraud alert on your credit report.
• Consider a Credit Freeze: This can prevent new credit from being opened in your name without your consent.
• Obtain an IRS Identity Protection PIN: This helps the IRS verify your identity and prevents others from filing a tax return in your name.

For more information about these steps and additional resources, please refer to the Notice to Consumers provided by Wysocki Family of Companies.

Remember, staying informed and vigilant is key to protecting your personal information. If you have any questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact the company's dedicated helpline.