On January 7, 2025, South Bay Credit Union confirmed a data breach affecting 7,479 individuals in the United States. The breach was discovered after the organization detected suspicious activity in a single employee’s email account on November 18, 2024. Upon investigation, it was determined that an unauthorized individual had gained access to this email account, potentially exposing sensitive personal information.
The compromised data may have included names, Social Security numbers, and financial account information. This incident impacted individuals across the country, with 2 affected in Maine and 7 in Massachusetts. South Bay Credit Union disclosed the breach to the Maine Attorney General’s office and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office on May 14, 2025.
The breach was limited to the contents of the affected email account, and there is no evidence at this time that the information has been misused. Nevertheless, the exposure of personally identifiable information (PII) such as Social Security numbers and financial account details increases the risk of identity theft and fraud for those affected.
South Bay Credit Union responded promptly by securing the compromised email account and engaging third-party cybersecurity specialists to conduct a thorough investigation. The organization also reviewed the contents of the affected account to identify the types of information exposed and the individuals impacted.
To support those affected, South Bay Credit Union is offering 24 months of complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services. Impacted individuals were notified in writing on May 13, 2025, with instructions on how to enroll in these services and steps to take to protect themselves from potential fraud.
If you believe you may be affected, it is important to remain vigilant by monitoring your credit reports and account statements for any suspicious activity. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file, which can help prevent unauthorized use of your personal information. Detailed guidance on these protective measures is provided in the official notice to consumers, which is available at the bottom of this page in PDF format.
To learn more about the credit union and its services, visit the South Bay Credit Union website.