- Hackers stole 340 000 Social Security numbers
- GMA informed those affected that the DOJ got their personal details because of a court case GMA was involved in
- Social Security numbers can become a valuable piece of information for swindlers
Hackers stole 340 000 Social Security numbers
Personal data and identification details can be used in many scams and other attacks where people get scammed; details are used for impersonation and other malicious campaigns. Leaked information and stolen details can be used in other attacks and create issues for the affected people and even larger networks.
US consulting firm Greylock McKinnon Associates disclosed a recent data breach that resulted in stolen Social Security numbers. Hackers managed to obtain 341 650 numbers from the system. The breach was disclosed just before the weekend on Maine's government website[1].
GMA sent letters to people affected by a data breach, explaining that the company was attacked online in May 2023. They quickly acted to control the damage. GMA helps businesses and U.S. government agencies, like the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), with economic advice and support in court cases.
GMA informed those affected that the DOJ got their personal details because of a court case GMA was involved in
The specific reasons for the DOJ's court case and what they were looking into are unclear. When asked for more details, a spokesperson for the DOJ didn't answer. GMA assured those told about the data breach that they are not being investigated in this case, and the cyberattack won't affect their current Medicare benefits or coverage.
The company also said it worked with cybersecurity experts to deal with the breach, and it told the police and the DOJ. By February 7, 2024, GMA knew which people's information was taken and had their addresses to contact them. They warned victims that their personal details, including medical and Medicare information, were probably stolen.
This info includes names, birth dates, home addresses, some medical and health insurance details, and Medicare numbers, which also have Social Security numbers[2].
It's not clear why GMA took nine months to determine the severity of the breach and tell the victims. GMA and their lawyers did not immediately answer a request for more information.
Social Security numbers can become a valuable piece of information for swindlers
Social Security number (SSN) is like finding a key that can unlock many other scams. This is why swindlers go after them. That's why tricksters use all sorts of ways, including text messages, phone calls, social media, and even regular mail, to try and get it.
Scams involving Social Security numbers can take many forms. The Social Security Administration has reported that impersonating a Social Security official is one of the top scams people report to the Federal Trade Commission. They're working hard to stop these scams by telling people about them and investigating[3].
The simplest kind of scam is when someone pretends to be from the government and asks for your Social Security and bank information. You should never give out this information! Over $100 million is stolen this way every year. The head of the Social Security Administration, Marin O’Malley, explains that criminals are very clever in tricking people into giving up personal and financial details.
They often follow a pattern, using tricks like Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure, and Payment. They might call, text, email, or message you on social media, pretending to be from Social Security and saying there's a problem with your SSN.
Scammers might also send fake papers to make you feel pressured into giving them what they want, whether it's money or personal info. Other tricks include claiming they have an official badge number, using fake Social Security paperwork, and setting up fake social media profiles to target people for money or personal details.
Most important tips when you get a suspicious message:
- Do not trust caller ID. Some calls might appear as government agencies, but the caller is not legitimate.
- Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended. Even though scammers claim this would happen, this is only one method of stealing your data.
- Do not verify your SSN or any other personal details randomly via the phone.
- Agencies never call to threaten your benefits. You will not get calls from the government that tell you to wire money or ask you to send money or gift cards. Anyone who tells you this is a scammer. Every time.
