Were you affected by this healthcare data breach? Here’s how to claim up to $5,000
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If you’ve ever worried that your personal health information might be floating around the internet, you’re not alone—and in this case, you might be owed some money for it.
A major class action settlement worth $20 million is now offering eligible Americans a chance to claim compensation, with some payments going as high as $5,000.
The breach affected millions of people and involved several large healthcare organizations.
If you received a notification last year about your data being compromised, it’s worth checking whether you qualify.
And even if you don’t have proof of financial loss, you may still be eligible for a payout and free security services!
What happened and who was affected
Back in January 2023, a cyberattack hit a tech company called Fortra.
Its software was used by a number of healthcare providers to transfer files—and unfortunately, that opened the door for hackers to steal data from around 5 million individuals.
Some of the companies affected include:
The stolen information included names, contact details, and private medical data.
Most people who were affected received a formal notice in the mail around April 2023.
Also read: Were you affected by this data breach? You could claim up to $53,000
Do you qualify for a payment?
To be eligible, two things must be true:
If you meet both criteria, you can file a claim before the deadline.
Some people may also fall into special “subclass” categories that could qualify them for higher payouts depending on which company was involved or the extent of their losses.
Full details can be found on the official settlement website.
Also read: Shoppers could be eligible for up to $5,500 after data breach—here’s how to file a claim
How much can you claim?
There are two main options:
Everyone gets free dark web monitoring
Whether or not you receive a large payout, all eligible claimants can get complimentary dark web monitoring.
This service helps check if your personal information is being traded or sold online—a helpful tool for long-term protection.
Check the settlement website for more information.
Also read: Discover the smart scam alert that could protect your bank account!
Claim deadline: August 29, 2024
Don’t miss your chance.
All claims must be submitted by August 29, 2024.
Submit your claims here.
If you already received money from a related Brightline settlement, your compensation from this one may be reduced, so it’s a good idea to double-check the details.
Staying safe going forward
While settlements like this offer some relief, they’re also a reminder to stay vigilant with your personal data. Here are a few simple steps:
Read next: Don’t fall for this costly scam: How a “compromised device” alert stole $45,000 from a couple!
Have you ever been affected by a data breach? Are you planning to file a claim in this one? Let us know in the comments below—your tips could help someone else in our community protect themselves or get the compensation they deserve.
A major class action settlement worth $20 million is now offering eligible Americans a chance to claim compensation, with some payments going as high as $5,000.
The breach affected millions of people and involved several large healthcare organizations.
If you received a notification last year about your data being compromised, it’s worth checking whether you qualify.
And even if you don’t have proof of financial loss, you may still be eligible for a payout and free security services!
Americans impacted by a major healthcare data breach may be eligible for compensation—claims of up to $5,000 are now being accepted. Image Source: Pexels / Anna Nekrashevich.
What happened and who was affected
Back in January 2023, a cyberattack hit a tech company called Fortra.
Its software was used by a number of healthcare providers to transfer files—and unfortunately, that opened the door for hackers to steal data from around 5 million individuals.
Some of the companies affected include:
- Aetna
- Brightline
- Community Health
- Elevance Health
- NationsBenefits
- Santa Clara
- Imagine360
- Intellihartx
- Fortra
The stolen information included names, contact details, and private medical data.
Most people who were affected received a formal notice in the mail around April 2023.
Also read: Were you affected by this data breach? You could claim up to $53,000
Do you qualify for a payment?
To be eligible, two things must be true:
- You received a notification that your personal data was exposed in the Fortra breach.
- You currently live in the United States.
If you meet both criteria, you can file a claim before the deadline.
Some people may also fall into special “subclass” categories that could qualify them for higher payouts depending on which company was involved or the extent of their losses.
Full details can be found on the official settlement website.
Also read: Shoppers could be eligible for up to $5,500 after data breach—here’s how to file a claim
How much can you claim?
There are two main options:
- Up to $5,000 for documented losses: If the data breach caused you financial trouble—like fraudulent charges, identity theft, or expenses related to protecting your identity—you can submit documentation and potentially receive up to $5,000. Make sure to keep all receipts, emails, or bank statements to support your claim.
- About $85 without proof of loss: If you were affected but can’t provide documentation, you can still receive a flat payment. It’s estimated to be around $85.
Everyone gets free dark web monitoring
Whether or not you receive a large payout, all eligible claimants can get complimentary dark web monitoring.
This service helps check if your personal information is being traded or sold online—a helpful tool for long-term protection.
Check the settlement website for more information.
Also read: Discover the smart scam alert that could protect your bank account!
Claim deadline: August 29, 2024
Don’t miss your chance.
All claims must be submitted by August 29, 2024.
Submit your claims here.
If you already received money from a related Brightline settlement, your compensation from this one may be reduced, so it’s a good idea to double-check the details.
Staying safe going forward
While settlements like this offer some relief, they’re also a reminder to stay vigilant with your personal data. Here are a few simple steps:
- Regularly review your credit reports.
- Change your passwords, especially for health-related accounts.
- Watch out for scam calls or emails pretending to be from official sources.
Read next: Don’t fall for this costly scam: How a “compromised device” alert stole $45,000 from a couple!
Have you ever been affected by a data breach? Are you planning to file a claim in this one? Let us know in the comments below—your tips could help someone else in our community protect themselves or get the compensation they deserve.
