Notice of Data Security Incident
The privacy and security of personal information is of the utmost importance to City of Hayward. This notice contains information regarding a data security incident that involved certain protected personal information collected and maintained by City of Hayward. City of Hayward is providing individuals with information about the incident and making certain services available to those who are involved. City of Hayward continues to take significant measures to protect personal information.
City of Hayward experienced a data security incident on or about July 9, 2023. Upon learning of this issue, City of Hayward immediately commenced a prompt and thorough investigation. As part of the investigation, City of Hayward engaged external cybersecurity professionals who regularly investigate and analyze these types of situations to help determine the extent of any compromise of the information on the City of Hayward network. It was determined that an unauthorized actor downloaded certain files from the City of Hayward’s network. Following our investigation, we discovered on December 30, 2024, that certain stolen files contained personal information in the possession of City of Hayward. The impacted data includes full names in combination with one or more of the following: Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Bank/Financial Account Number, Routing number, Credit/Debit Card Number, and security code and/or PIN, Driver's License/Government ID, Medical Treatment, Medical Diagnosis, COVID test and results, U.S. alien registration number, military identification number, passport number, and non-U.S. identification number, health, dental, and vision insurance information, policy number and/or member ID number, and username and password. Not all data elements were impacted for every individual.
To date, City of Hayward is not aware of any incidents of identity fraud or financial fraud because of the incident. Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, City of Hayward is providing notice to the affected individuals for whom it has a mailing address via first class mail commencing on January 29, 2025. The notified individuals who have had their Social Security number impacted will receive complimentary credit monitoring services. Additionally, City of Hayward is advising all affected residents to remain vigilant in reviewing financial account statements for fraudulent or irregular activity on a regular basis. City of Hayward is further advising the affected residents about the process for placing a fraud alert and/or security freeze on their credit files and obtaining free credit reports. The affected residents are also being provided with the contact information for the consumer reporting agencies and the Federal Trade Commission.
Individuals who have questions or need additional information regarding this incident or to determine if they are impacted may reach out to the toll-free response line that City of Hayward has set up to respond to questions at 833-251-9665. This response line is available Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (excluding major U.S. holidays).
Other Important Information
Placing a Fraud Alert on Your Credit File.
You may place an initial one-year “Fraud Alert” on your credit files, at no charge. A fraud alert tells creditors to contact you personally before they open any new accounts. To place a fraud alert, call any one of the three major credit bureaus at the numbers listed below. As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, they will notify the others.
Equifax P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-fraud-alerts/ (800) 525-6285 | Experian P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html (888) 397-3742 | TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Department P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016-2000 https://www.transunion.com/fraud-alerts (800) 680-7289 |
Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit File.
If you are very concerned about becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, you may request a “security freeze” be placed on your credit file, at no charge. A security freeze prohibits, with certain specific exceptions, the consumer reporting agencies from releasing your credit report or any information from it without your express authorization. You may place a security freeze on your credit report by contacting all three nationwide credit reporting companies at the numbers below and following the stated directions or by sending a request in writing, by mail, to all three credit reporting companies:
Equifax P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-fraud-alerts (800) 525-6285 | Experian P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html (888) 397-3742 | TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Department P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016-2000 https://www.transunion.com/fraud-alerts (800) 680-7289 |
In order to place the security freeze, you’ll need to supply your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and other personal information. After receiving your freeze request, each credit reporting company will send you a confirmation letter containing a unique PIN (personal identification number) or password. Keep the PIN or password in a safe place. You will need it if you choose to lift the freeze.
If you do place a security freeze prior to enrolling in the credit monitoring service as described above, you will need to remove the freeze in order to sign up for the credit monitoring service. After you sign up for the credit monitoring service, you may refreeze your credit file.
Obtaining a Free Credit Report.
Under federal law, you are entitled to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the above three major nationwide credit reporting companies. Call 1-877-322-8228 or request your free credit reports online at www.annualcreditreport.com. Once you receive your credit reports, review them for discrepancies. Identify any accounts you did not open or inquiries from creditors that you did not authorize. Verify all information is correct. If you have questions or notice incorrect information, contact the credit reporting company.
Additional Helpful Resources.
Even if you do not find any suspicious activity on your initial credit reports, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you check your credit reports periodically. Checking your credit report periodically can help you spot problems and address them quickly. If you find suspicious activity on your credit reports or have reason to believe your information is being misused, call your local law enforcement agency and file a police report. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report, as many creditors will want the information it contains to absolve you of the fraudulent debts. You may also file a complaint with the FTC by contacting them on the web at www.ftc.gov/idtheft, by phone at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338), or by mail at Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580. Your complaint will be added to the FTC’s Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, where it will be accessible to law enforcement for their investigations. In addition, you may obtain information from the FTC about fraud alerts and security freezes.
If this notice letter states that your financial account information and/or credit or debit card information was impacted, we recommend that you contact your financial institution to inquire about steps to take to protect your account, including whether you should close your account or obtain a new account number.
If your personal information has been used to file a false tax return, to open an account or to attempt to open an account in your name or to commit fraud or other crimes against you, you may file a police report in the city in which you currently reside.