DataBreachInformation.com
Investigation OpenCA AG filing · February 19, 2026

Choice Hotels Reports Data Breach Incident to California Regulators

Choice Hotels International, Inc. has reported a data breach incident that occurred on January 14, 2026. While the specific personal information affected is currently unspecified, individuals who have received a notification should review its contents carefully. The company is actively investigating the matter.

State
CA
Breach date
January 14, 2026
Reported
February 19, 2026

Choice Hotels International, Inc. has publicly acknowledged a data security incident, with the reported breach date of January 14, 2026. The company filed notice of this incident on February 19, 2026, with California regulatory authorities. The nature of the breach itself, along with the precise methods used to access systems, remains unspecified in the public filing.

At this time, the types of personal information involved in this incident have not been detailed in the public records provided. This means individuals affected should refer directly to any official notifications they receive from Choice Hotels for specific details regarding what information, if any, of theirs may have been compromised.

Choice Hotels states it is currently investigating the incident to understand its full scope and impact. This ongoing investigation is aimed at determining how the breach occurred and what measures are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future. Affected individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant.

In light of any data security event, it is generally recommended to monitor your various accounts for unusual activity. This includes reviewing bank statements, credit reports, and any other online accounts for unauthorized transactions or suspicious communications. Consider enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible for an added layer of security.

Information about this data breach originates from public filings made with regulatory bodies. For the most accurate and personalized details regarding this event and any potential impact on your personal information, consult the official notification letter sent by Choice Hotels International, Inc.

What to do if you were affected

These general steps can help limit the risk of identity theft and fraud after any data breach.

  • Stay alert to targeted scams

    Be cautious of calls, texts, or emails that reference this breach. Legitimate organizations won't ask you to confirm sensitive details through an unsolicited message.

  • Keep your notification letter

    Save the notice you received. It documents that your information was involved and is often needed to enroll in any credit monitoring offered or to join a related legal claim.

What to know about the Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach

Where can I see the official Choice Hotels International, Inc. breach notice?
Choice Hotels International, Inc.'s report is published by the CA Attorney General: https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/databreach/list#choice-hotels-international-inc--2026-02-19 Compare it with the letter you received to confirm the dates and details match.
What should I do after getting the Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach notice?
Keep the letter and the envelope, and note the date it arrived. Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, change any passwords the notice mentions, and sign up for any free credit monitoring the letter offers. Then check whether you may have a claim.
Is the Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach letter legit or a scam?
A notice from Choice Hotels International, Inc. in the mail matches the breach Choice Hotels International, Inc. reported to the CA Attorney General on February 19, 2026. Check that the company name and dates in your letter match that filing. A real notice of data security incident won't ask for your password, Social Security number or a payment — if it does, contact Choice Hotels International, Inc. through a phone number or website you find yourself.
Did Choice Hotels International, Inc. offer free credit monitoring?
Any free monitoring Choice Hotels International, Inc. is offering will be described in the notice you received, along with an activation code and a sign-up deadline. Using the free service won't stop you from joining a lawsuit or settlement later.
Can I sue Choice Hotels International, Inc. over the data breach?
It depends on what was exposed, the law in CA and your own state, and whether you've been harmed. Most people take part through a class action rather than suing alone. Keep your notification letter — it's the proof that connects you to the breach.
Is there a Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach class action lawsuit?
Law firms often open an investigation after a breach notice like this one, and a class action lawsuit may follow. This page doesn't confirm that a lawsuit has been filed against Choice Hotels International, Inc.. You usually don't have to join a class action to be included — if a settlement is reached, class members are notified and can file a claim.
How much could a Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach settlement or claim be worth?
There is no set amount, and no Choice Hotels International, Inc. settlement is confirmed here. In past data breach settlements, payments depended on what data was exposed and on documented losses — fraud, out-of-pocket costs and time spent dealing with the breach. Keep receipts and records; they're what damages claims are built on.
Do I need a Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach lawyer or attorney?
An attorney can read your notice and tell you whether a claim makes sense. A case review here is free, and data breach cases are usually handled on contingency, so there is no upfront cost.

Source: CA Attorney General filing

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