$7.25M Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker LLC Data Breach Settlement

Data Breach Class Action and Mass Tort Investigation

Photo Credit: Unsplash | Published: February 22, 2025

Claim Form Deadline: May 22, 2025

Estimated Payout: Varies

Proof required: Yes

What is the Berry Dunn Data Breach Class Action?

Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC, an accounting and tax consulting services firm with locations in several states, has settled a $7.25 million class action.

This class action involves a data security incident discovered on September 14, 2023, where an unauthorized third party potentially accessed private information of individuals in the U.S. The class action lawsuit alleged that Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC, and ZZ Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Reliable Networks failed to prevent this incident.

Allegedly, during the Berry Dunn McNeil and Parker data breach, the sensitive information of 1,107,354 individuals was accessed and stolen by an unauthorized party. Here are the most important details of the data breach case:

• Breach Date: The data breach occurred between September 12, 2023, and September 14, 2023.
• Affected Information: The compromised data includes names, addresses, driver's license numbers, and non-driver identification card numbers.
• Third-Party Involvement: Reliable Networks of Maine, LLC (“Reliable”), a third-party service provider, was victimized by a cyberattack, leading to the breach.
• Notification: Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC has begun informing affected individuals through mailed notice letters.
• Potential Risks: Stolen information can be valuable and dangerous, potentially leading to identity theft attempts, fraudulent charges, and other malicious activities.

What is the Total Settlement Amount?

The total settlement amount is $7,250,000.00.

How Do I Qualify for a Payout?

You may qualify if your private information was potentially accessible due to the data security incident, including if you received a notification from Berry Dunn about the incident. You must submit a valid claim form by May 22, 2025.

How Much Can I Get Paid?

You can get one or all of the following payouts if you qualify:

• Up to $5,000 for documented losses related to the incident.
• A flat payment of $100, subject to adjustment based on the number of valid claims.
• Three years of credit monitoring services.

What Should I Do If My Data Was Hacked?

Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long term damage. Hackers break into networks so that they can steal your personal information to sell it on the dark web, commit identity theft, financial theft or other frauds.

If you believe you have been the victim of the data breach, and may have received a notice, there are several steps you should take to protect yourself and mitigate the potential damage, including filing a claim form if you follow (follow the link at the bottom of the page). These steps apply more broadly to a wider plethora of data breach cases:

Stay Calm: Discovering your data has been compromised in a data breach can be alarming, especially if it is not your fault, but it's important to remain calm and take immediate action to protect your information.

Confirm the Breach: Verify that the data breach has actually occurred and that your personal information has been compromised. Look for official announcements from the affected organization or reputable sources reporting the breach.

Change Your Passwords: Start by changing the passwords for the affected account(s) immediately. Choose strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable. It's best to use a password manager to securely store and generate passwords.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate two-factor authentication for all your online accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification method, such as a temporary code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.

Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly monitor your financial and online accounts for any suspicious activity. Keep an eye out for unauthorized transactions, unfamiliar logins, or changes to your personal information.

Notify Your Bank/Credit Card Companies: If your financial information has been compromised, contact your bank and credit card companies immediately. Report the breach and inquire about any additional security measures they can provide, such as monitoring your accounts for fraudulent activity.

Check Your Credit Reports: Request a free copy of your credit report from one of the major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). Review the report for any unauthorized accounts or inquiries. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts for added protection.

Be Vigilant Against Phishing Attempts: Data breaches often lead to an increase in phishing attempts. Be cautious of suspicious emails, messages, or phone calls asking for personal information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

Update Software and Use Antivirus Protection: Ensure that your computer, smartphone, and other devices are running the latest software updates. Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to protect against potential threats.

Stay Informed and Seek Assistance: Keep yourself updated on the progress of the data breach investigation. The affected organization may provide guidance or resources for affected individuals. If necessary, consider seeking legal advice or contacting relevant authorities for further assistance.

How Do I Qualify for Compensation?

Complete and submit a claim form available online or request one by calling the class action administrator directly if you did not receive a notice ID or unique confirmation code ahead of time by mail or email.

Do I Need Proof to File a Claim?

Yes, for Cash Payment A (up to $5,000 for documented losses), you need to provide reasonable documentation supporting your losses. However, no further documentation may be required for the $100 flat payment or for credit monitoring, although you may still need to provide a notice ID or confirmation code which you can find out from the class action administrator if you believe you are part of the settlement.