Squire & Co. Notifies Idaho Regulators of Data Breach Incident
Squire & Co., an accounting and financial consulting firm, has reported a data breach to the Idaho Attorney General. This incident potentially exposed various categories of sensitive client data, including financial and personal identifiers. Individuals who were clients of Squire & Co. should remain vigilant and review their financial accounts.
- State
- Idaho
What may have been exposed
- Full Name
- Social Security Number
- Date of Birth
- Tax Return Information
- Financial Account Number
- Routing Number
- Wage and Compensation Information
- Mailing Address
Squire & Co., a professional services firm specializing in accounting, auditing, and tax preparation, has publicly filed a data breach notification with the Idaho Attorney General. While the specific nature of the cyber security incident remains under investigation, the firm acknowledged unauthorized access to systems containing client information.
According to the disclosure, the breach may have involved the exposure of several types of sensitive client data. The affected categories include Full Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Tax Return Information, Financial Account Number, Routing Number, Wage and Compensation Information, and Mailing Address.
The compromise of such personal and financial information carries significant risks for affected individuals. Exposed Social Security Numbers and Dates of Birth can be exploited for identity theft, enabling fraudsters to open new accounts or obtain credit in a victim's name. Financial Account Numbers and Routing Numbers could lead to unauthorized transactions, while Tax Return Information and Wage and Compensation Information might be used for fraudulent tax filings or to intercept refunds.
Individuals who receive a breach notification from Squire & Co. should take proactive steps to protect themselves. It is advisable to closely monitor bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity. Regularly checking credit reports from the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) can help detect fraudulent accounts opened in your name. Additionally, consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit files for enhanced protection. Always be cautious of unsolicited communications, especially those requesting personal or financial details.
What to do if you were affected
Based on the categories of information reported in this filing, these steps can help limit the risk of identity theft and fraud.
Freeze your credit
Place a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A freeze blocks new accounts from being opened in your name and can be lifted anytime.
Guard against tax fraud
File your tax return as early as possible and consider requesting an IRS Identity Protection PIN so no one can file a fraudulent return in your name.
Watch your financial accounts
Review bank and card statements for unfamiliar activity and turn on transaction alerts. Report anything you don't recognize to your bank right away.
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.
Source: Idaho Attorney General filing