Data breaches in Maryland have surged dramatically over the past four years, exposing residents to heightened risks of identity theft and fraud.
Jennifer Donelan, spokesperson for the Office of the Maryland Attorney General, reports that the number of data breach notices received by the office has increased from 50-100 per month before 2020 to 120-180 per month currently. This represents a 41-55% rise, with the number of affected victims climbing alongside the increase in incidents. “In 2022 alone, 940,654 Maryland residents were impacted by data breaches,” Donelan noted.
Victims often spend significant time and money addressing the fallout. Financial fraud victims deal with debt collectors and uncooperative credit bureaus, resulting in lower credit scores and difficulties obtaining credit. Medical identity theft can lead to higher insurance rates, inaccurate diagnoses, and dangerous drug interactions. Criminals use stolen identities for unemployment claims, tax fraud, renting apartments, and other crimes. All identity theft victims may have to defend themselves against civil or criminal charges to clear their names.
Peter Holland, founder of The Holland Law Firm for Consumer Rights, has spent over 30 years helping identity theft victims.
“We see two major types of identity theft: account takeover fraud and new account fraud,” Holland explained. His firm assists clients in submitting well-documented disputes to credit bureaus to remove fraudulent accounts and sues under the Fair Credit Reporting Act when they refuse. “Having those fraudulent accounts on credit reports can prevent a person from getting a car loan, a mortgage, a job, and even security clearance,” he said.
The firm also defends clients sued on fraudulent accounts and sues creditors who pursue victims despite evidence of fraud.
“It is very disillusioning to be sued by a bank or debt buyer who has all the evidence they need to know that the victim does not owe the money,” Holland noted.
Laws like the Maryland Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and the new Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA) are crucial for protecting personal data and defending against the impacts of data breaches and identity theft. PIPA requires companies to safeguard personal information and notify impacted individuals and the Attorney General’s office when a breach occurs. MODPA, set to take effect in October 2025, restricts businesses from collecting excessive personal data and from selling certain sensitive data. It also grants consumers the right to access, correct, download, and delete their data, and to opt out of data processing for targeted advertising, profiling, or sale to third parties.
Holland advocated for MODPA earlier this year.
“This statute creates a ‘right to know’ what information large corporations are storing about you,” he said. “Now, a person can request their file and determine if any of the information is inaccurate. Previously, this information was only available by subpoena or through a lawsuit.”
The Office of the Attorney General plays a crucial role in enforcing data protection laws. Notable cases include a $600 million settlement with Equifax for a massive 2017 data breach and settlements with Wawa, Uber, Blackbaud, and Inmediata, totaling $10.9 million. The office also educates the public through its website, social media, and the Identity Theft Unit, which provides direct assistance to consumers.
Holland emphasized that while providing legal services to clients is primary, attorneys can do more by advocating in the legislature and educating the public about consumer privacy issues.
To educate the public about identity theft and data privacy, Holland recommended the Federal Trade Commission’s website, which offers excellent materials and steps victims can take to resolve identity theft issues. He advised consumers to review credit reports annually through the government website annualcreditreport.com, change financial account passwords regularly, and place a credit freeze on their credit reports if personal information is exposed. Consulting a lawyer for guidance is also recommended.
The increasing number of data breaches presents ongoing challenges for the Attorney General’s office. Donelan emphasized the growing importance of privacy and data minimization, especially as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent. Holland hopes Maryland will lead in data privacy, advocating for stronger protections and a shift in perception regarding identity theft, its victims, and the severity of its impact.
“I expect that the MODPA will open people’s eyes to just how much private information is gathered and stored, and how great the problem is of inaccurate and fraudulent accounts polluting one’s profile,” he said.
By understanding their rights and the resources available, Marylanders can better protect themselves against data breaches and identity theft, ensuring they are prepared to defend their personal information in an increasingly digital world.
How Legal Eye Investigations, LLC Can Help
Legal Eye Investigations, LLC, stands ready to assist Maryland residents in navigating the complexities of identity theft and data breaches. Our team of experienced investigators offers a range of services tailored to mitigate the impact of these incidents and safeguard your personal information:
Comprehensive Background Checks: We provide thorough investigations into any suspicious activity that may indicate identity theft, ensuring that all aspects of your personal history are secure.
Digital Forensics: Our experts can analyze compromised systems to identify the source of data breaches and gather evidence to support legal action against perpetrators.
Social Media Investigations: We monitor and analyze social media activity to detect unauthorized use of your personal information, helping to prevent further misuse.
Legal Documentation: We can provide findings in an official, notarized document for use in court proceedings, both domestically and internationally, to support your case against identity thieves.
Consultation and Advice: Our team offers personalized advice on protecting your data and recovering from identity theft, including steps to take immediately after a breach and long-term strategies for securing your information.
Collaboration with Legal Experts: We work closely with law firms specializing in consumer rights to ensure comprehensive support for identity theft victims, from initial investigation to courtroom representation.
Education and Awareness: We provide resources and training to help you understand your rights and the best practices for data protection, empowering you to take proactive steps in safeguarding your personal information.
At Legal Eye Investigations, LLC, we are committed to helping you navigate the aftermath of identity theft and data breaches, ensuring your peace of mind and the security of your personal information. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in protecting your identity and recovering from data breaches.
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