Hackers have stolen the personal data of about 15 million T-Mobile wireless customers from the credit reporting agency Experian.
The information, which includes Social Security numbers, was stolen from Experian, which processes T-Mobile’s credit applications, both companies announced Thursday.
T-Mobile CEO John Legere states in a letter to consumers:
“Obviously, I am incredibly angry about this data breach and we will institute a thorough review of our relationship with Experian, but right now my top concern and first focus is assisting any and all consumers affected.”
The people affected by the hack include 15 million customers in the U.S. and people who applied for T-Mobile USA postpaid services or device financing from Sept. 1, 2013, through Sept. 16, 2015.
Experian states in a news release that it “took immediate action” after discovering the hack, including notifying law enforcement agencies. The company is also in the process of notifying the affected people, to whom Experian is offering two years of free credit monitoring and identity resolution services through ProtectMyID, which is part of Experian.
No payment or banking information was stolen in the data breach, but the hackers could have obtained:
- Names
- Dates of birth
- Addresses
- Social Security numbers
- Alternative form of ID like driver’s license numbers
- Additional information used in T-Mobile’s own credit assessment
Experian cautions consumers against providing personal information to anyone who calls them or sends them a message about the breach.
Experian’s news release says that “under no circumstances” will Experian or T-Mobile call or send consumers a message regarding the breach or ask for personal information in connection with it.
If you believe you might have been affected by this data breach, visit T-Mobile’s Web page with resources for consumers.
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