Genova Burns LLC (“Genova Burns”) is providing notice of a recent incident that may affect the security of certain firm information.
On January 31, 2023, we became aware of suspicious activity relating to our internal information systems. In response, we engaged outside forensic and data security specialists to investigate the nature and scope of the activity. While this event resulted in no interruption of service to our clients, we determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to our systems and certain limited files were accessed or exfiltrated between January 23, 2023 and January 31, 2023. On March 1, 2023, we confirmed that certain information, which may include information provided by certain parties to Genova Burns was accessed or taken by an unauthorized third party. At this time, we are unaware of any actual or attempted misuse of information taken from our systems as a result of this incident.
The investigation determined that the impacted information concerns personal and private information that may include Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers and/or medical information that was provided to Genova Burns.
The confidentiality, privacy, and security of information within our care is among our highest priorities. Upon learning of the incident, we investigated to determine the nature and scope of the incident and secured the environment by changing all system passwords. We also notified law enforcement, and are cooperating with its investigation. We will be taking additional steps to improve security and better protect against similar incidents in the future.
We encourage potentially impacted parties to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing your account statements. We also encourage impacted parties to review the additional information contained with the Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Personal Information section below.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this incident, we ask that you please contact our dedicated assistance line at (866) 869-0391 between the hours of 9:00am and 6:30pm Eastern. You may also write to Genova Burns at 494 Broad Street Newark, NJ 07102.
Steps You Can Take To Protect Your Personal Information
Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Individuals may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.
Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If an individual is the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should they wish to place a fraud alert, they may contact any one of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.
As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in an individual’s name without their consent. However, individuals should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, an individual cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a security freeze, individuals will need to provide the following information:
- Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
- Social Security number;
- Date of birth;
- Addresses for the prior two to five years;
- Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
- A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, military identification, etc.); and
- A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.
Should individuals wish to place a fraud alert or credit freeze, they may contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:
|
Equifax |
Experian |
TransUnion |
|
888-298-0045 |
1-888-397-3742 |
1-800-916-8800 |
|
Equifax Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 |
Experian Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
|
TransUnion Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016 |
|
Equifax Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 |
Experian Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 |
TransUnion Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094 |
Additional Information
Individuals may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect their personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state Attorney General.
The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Individuals can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Individuals have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, individuals will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and their state Attorney General. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.