People’s Energy data breach – compensation advice

The People’s Energy data breach is one the latest large-scale breach cases to reach the headlines, reportedly affecting all 270,000 customers who entrusted their personal details to the company.

Among the details exposed were full names, dates of birth, addresses, and phone numbers, as well as the customer-specific tariff and energy meter IDs for some. Furthermore, the breach has adversely impacted small business customers of the energy provider, whose financial details were also understood to have been accessed in the hack.

Although the computer systems involved in the breach were shut down as soon as the problem became apparent, the small window of opportunity may have been enough for the hackers to obtain details that could serve as powerful tools in data misuse. We have taken cases forward, and we may be able to help you too if you are based in England or Wales.

The response of People’s Energy

It is understood that all of the affected customers have been contacted by People’s Energy, who have explained the implications of the breach.

At The Group Action Lawyers, we know all too well how severe the risks for victims can be. People must take heed of the advice that has been issued and be vigilant for any suspicious activity that may now arise following the breach.

We believe that it is important to outline the potential consequences of the people’s energy data breach, and make sure that victims understand the potential ramifications.

Potential impact of the People’s Energy data breach

Although the majority of customers have not had financial details stolen, there is a possibility that customers will be targeted by things like phishing scams that can still lead to fraud.

In a phishing scam, a fraudster can send a message, typically an email, masquerading as a reputable company in order to obtain more personal information or access to accounts. In the case of the People’s Energy data breach, a scam artist could use the personal data that they have already obtained to add credibility to their act. It is important that recipients never click on any links or attachments in these emails.

In some data breach cases, the cybercriminals who carry out such scams are not always the hackers themselves. Hackers often choose to illegally sell on personal details, allowing fraudsters to use the exposed information for monetary gain.

People’s Energy has begun an investigation looking into the vulnerabilities that may have caused the breach, as well as trying to find the identities of the hackers. It is vital that the energy provider identifies the root of the problem if they are to stand any chance of recovering their reputation with customers, as well as preventing any similar attacks from happening in the future.

Claiming compensation with the Group Action Lawyers

In a case such as the People’s Energy data breach, the sheer number of people affected could warrant a Group Action claim. In a Group Action case, hundreds or even thousands of people can all claim compensation together regarding the same or a similar issue.

If we bring together Claimants, the Group Action Lawyers could be in the position to bring a Group Action case to fruition. The circumstances of the breach bear a strong resemblance to other Group Actions for which we represent clients, so we believe that we can offer the expertise to advise and support you through your claim.

If you have been affected by the People’s Energy breach, please do not hesitate to contact us, as you could be eligible for our offer of No Win, No Fee Representation. Please note that we are only able to represent victims that are based in England or Wales.