Hertz Data Breach Alert: Protecting Your Identity and Finances
The Hertz Corporation has warned its customers about a data breach involving one of its vendors, potentially exposing personal information including Social Security numbers and credit card details. Here’s what you need to do if you were affected.
Understanding the Breach
Hertz’s vendor, Cleo, suffered a data breach in October and December 2024. The breach was analyzed, and by April 2, Hertz had determined that customer data was accessed. Although Hertz’s network wasn’t affected, customer information was compromised.
Immediate Steps to Protect Yourself
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Sign up for identity theft protection: Hertz is offering two years of identity theft protection through Kroll. You can choose between identity monitoring and dark web monitoring services. Alternatively, consider services like Aura, which offers comprehensive protection including credit report monitoring and white-glove identity restoration.
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Monitor your credit reports: Keep an eye out for new, unrecognized accounts. Contact Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax immediately if you spot anything suspicious. Consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized new accounts.
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Watch your credit card statements: Check for suspicious transactions and dispute any unrecognized charges with your issuer. Many credit cards have built-in fraud protections and $0 liability for fraudulent charges.
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Change your passwords: Update passwords for all accounts, especially banking and social media. Use a password manager like Bitwarden to generate and securely store strong passwords.
Additional Precautions
- If your Social Security number was compromised, you can lock it and request a new one.
- Utilize free credit monitoring services from providers like Experian or Capital One for real-time alerts on your credit reports.
- Contact your credit card issuer for a new card and consider enabling real-time transaction alerts.
Getting Help
If you believe you were impacted and have questions, call Hertz Corporation at (866) 408-8964, Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central Time, excluding major U.S. holidays.
