A Breach Too Many: What to Do When You Get Multiple Data Breach Letters

Imagine if you and your spouse each receive two nearly identical letters within just a few days of each other. One is from your bank, the other is from a medical clinic, and both mention a data breach. Both offer free credit monitoring. And both leave you asking… is this part of some scam?

 

In today's digital world, it’s a fair question. The thing is, those letters are likely legit. The real issue is a bit deeper than that.

Why You’re Suddenly Hearing About Data Breaches From Years Ago

It may seem odd that you're just now being notified about breaches from three or even five years ago. But there's a reason for the delay.

Cyberattacks often go undetected for months, sometimes even years. When companies finally uncover the breach and assess the damage, they’re legally obligated to notify affected customers. Under Georgia law and federal regulations, businesses, including banks, medical clinics, and data aggregators, must alert you if your personal data has been compromised.

 

The timing might feel suspicious, but getting two letters in the same week isn’t necessarily a red flag. Instead, it may be a sign of how widespread and poorly secured sensitive information often is, even in places you trust most.

It may seem odd that you're just now being notified about breaches from three or even five years ago. But there's a reason for the delay. (iStock)

Free Credit Monitoring: Helpful or Just Another Hook?

Here’s the good news: both companies offering you a free year of credit monitoring is a common and generally above-board gesture. Often, these services are provided to contain fallout and preserve customer goodwill. But – and this is important – they don’t always come without a catch.

What to look out for:

  • Auto-renewal clauses: Many "free" credit monitoring offers are free for the first year only. After that, they may automatically convert into a paid subscription.
  • Limited coverage: Some services only monitor one credit bureau, or exclude alerts about new account openings or address changes.
  • Opt-out confusion: Unless you actively cancel before the trial ends, you could end up paying for a service you didn’t realize was continuing.

It’s always worth asking: Will I be automatically billed after the first year? And how do I cancel?

Are These Offers a Scam?

In this specific case, probably not. Real breach notification letters will include:

  • The name of the company impacted
  • A general description of what was stolen (e.g., name, SSN, medical records)
  • Contact info for a representative or hotline
  • Clear instructions for enrolling in the free monitoring service

Still, if you’re ever unsure, verify directly through the company’s official website. Don’t just follow a link provided in the letter. Scammers sometimes mimic real notices to phish your info.

Georgia on High Alert: Local Cybercrime is Real

This isn’t just a nationwide problem, it’s happening here in Georgia. Just last month, Cobb County officials announced that a security breach occurred on county servers for about three weeks in March. The hacker group received access to sensitive information, and has since threatened to publish that information unless they receive payment. For more information, you can read Cobb County’s notice about the attack here.

 

Cases like this illustrate how far-reaching cyberattacks can be. Municipal governments, healthcare facilities, small businesses – none are immune. And the damage can follow victims for years.

As the recent cyberattack in Cobb County proves, not even the government can always stay safe from hackers. (iStock)

So, What Should You Do Next?

If you’ve received a legitimate breach notification letter, take these steps:

  • Enroll in the monitoring service (if you’re comfortable), but calendar the cancellation date, just in case.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit file through one of the three major credit bureaus (it will notify the others).
  • Consider a credit freeze, which prevents new credit from being issued in your name unless you lift the freeze with a PIN.
  • Check all medical and financial records for suspicious activity, especially if the breach involved health or insurance data.

Digital Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore

Breaches may be an unfortunate sign of the times, but staying passive can cost you. Think of cybersecurity like flossing. It’s tedious, yes, and nobody likes doing it, but neglecting it leaves you exposed to slow-burning damage.

 

Have you reviewed your credit report this year? What small habit could you build today to keep your digital identity a little safer?

 

In this digital age, a little vigilance goes a long way.