National Public Data class action claims co. failed to protect consumer data

National Public Data class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Charles J. Geletko filed a class action lawsuit against Jerico Pictures Inc. d/b/a National Public Data.
• Why: National Public Data allegedly failed to take adequate measures to protect personal consumer data, leaving it vulnerable to a cyberattack.
• Where: The National Public Data class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court.

A new National Public Data class action lawsuit alleges the data aggregator failed to properly secure the personal data of more than 2 billion people.

Plaintiff Charles J. Geletko claims National Public Data collects and sells access to personal data for use in background checks, private investigations, mobile applications and data resale.

National Public Data allegedly scrapes consumer data from public and non-public sources, compiling them into individual profiles without consumer knowledge or consent.

National Public Data hacker leaked PII onto hacking forum, plaintiff says

In April 2024, a cybercriminal called “USDoD” said it accessed 2.7 billion records stored on National Public Data databases and leaked the information onto a hacking forum, the class action lawsuit claims. The leaked information allegedly includes consumers’ full names, birthdates, addresses, Social Security numbers, phone numbers and information about relatives.

The class action also alleges the individual profiles National Public Data created have significant value to hackers because it makes it easier for them to commit identity theft and fraud.

“The data breach was a direct result of defendant’s failure to implement reasonable safeguards to protect PII from a foreseeable and preventable risk of unauthorized disclosure,” the National Public Data class action lawsuit says.

Data breach victims are at increased risk of spam, phishing and social engineering attacks intended to dupe individuals into disclosing sensitive information, according to the lawsuit. Criminals can also use stolen PII to open financial accounts, take out loans, obtain government benefits, file fraudulent tax returns and provide false information to police.

As a result of the data breach, Geletko says he has to spend time and money finding and removing his personal data from data broker websites. 

“The cost to automate this ‘opt-out’ process is $355.32 a year or $32.90 per month,” Geletko alleges.

The National Public Data class action lawsuit asserts claims for negligence/negligence per se, invasion of privacy, breach of third-party beneficiary contract, breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment and violation of several California laws.

Consumers filled at least three other National Public Data class action lawsuits in the wake of the data breach.

Were you affected by the National Public Data data breach? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

Geletko is represented by Kiley Grombacher of Bradley/Grombacher LLP.

The National Public Data class action lawsuit is Charles J. Geletko v. Jerico Pictures Inc. d/b/a National Public Data, Case No. 2:24-cv-08003, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

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