the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fairview NJ, the Borough Fairview is facing a class action lawsuit after a June 2023 data breach exposed thousands of residents to identity theft and fraud, according to court filings.
Lawsuit Claims Borough Failed to Protect Personal Data
The lawsuit, filed by Ali Meahrez, a Lyndhurst resident, alleges that hackers gained access to:
🔹 Names
🔹 Dates of birth
🔹 Driver’s license numbers
🔹 Social Security numbers
Since the breach, Meahrez claims he has experienced a surge in spam calls, emails, and text messages, leading to emotional distress, including anxiety and sleep loss.
Fairview’s Delayed Notification Raises Concerns
📅 Timeline of the Breach:
- June 13-21, 2023: Unauthorized access detected in Fairview’s network.
- Feb. 13, 2024: The borough notifies residents of a “data event.”
- October 2024 (Lawsuit Claim): Meahrez alleges that Fairview knew about the breach but failed to notify residents for over four months.
The lawsuit states that due to Fairview’s lack of cybersecurity protections, cybercriminals could now commit identity theft, fraud, and financial harm against thousands of individuals.
Legal Action and Demands for Cybersecurity Improvements
The lawsuit accuses Fairview of negligence, arguing that the borough:
✔ Failed to detect the breach quickly
✔ Did not take adequate steps to protect personal data
✔ Neglected to notify victims in a timely manner
📌 What the Lawsuit Seeks:
- Damages for affected individuals
- Attorney and lawsuit costs
- Stronger cybersecurity measures
- Annual cybersecurity audits
- Long-term credit monitoring for victims
Fairview’s Response: No Evidence of Fraud Yet
The borough has stated that it has no evidence of fraudulent activity linked to the breach. However, it has provided residents with credit monitoring resources to help prevent identity theft.
What This Means for Residents
Individuals affected by the breach should monitor their credit reports, bank accounts, and online profiles for any signs of fraud. Cybersecurity experts recommend:
🔹 Enrolling in credit monitoring services
🔹 Placing fraud alerts on credit files
🔹 Using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication
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I’d like to know how to sign up for the class action lawsuit