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Investigation OpenCA AG filing · February 19, 2026

Choice Hotels International Files California Data Breach Notice

Choice Hotels International, Inc. has filed a data breach notification with California authorities concerning an incident on January 14, 2026. An ongoing investigation aims to determine the full scope of personal information involved, which could impact individuals affiliated with the company.

State
CA
Breach date
January 14, 2026
Reported
February 19, 2026

Choice Hotels International, Inc. submitted a formal report of a data security incident to California regulatory bodies on February 19, 2026. The company identified January 14, 2026, as the date of the security event.

The specific categories of personal information affected by this breach were not detailed in the public filing. Choice Hotels International has stated that an investigation is currently active to fully ascertain the nature and extent of the data compromised.

As the investigation proceeds, individuals who have engaged with Choice Hotels International should be aware of this reported security incident. The company's public notification did not specify the number of individuals potentially impacted by this event.

Following any data security incident, it is prudent to increase vigilance for unusual account activity. Regularly check statements from financial institutions and other accounts for any transactions or communications that appear unauthorized or suspicious.

For enhanced security, consider activating multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all your online accounts where this option is available. Additionally, exercise caution with unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls that ask for personal details, as these may be attempts to phish for your information.

What to do if you were affected

These general steps can help limit the risk of identity theft and fraud after any data breach.

  • Stay alert to targeted scams

    Be cautious of calls, texts, or emails that reference this breach. Legitimate organizations won't ask you to confirm sensitive details through an unsolicited message.

  • Keep your notification letter

    Save the notice you received. It documents that your information was involved and is often needed to enroll in any credit monitoring offered or to join a related legal claim.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. breach filing: questions and answers

Where can I see the official Choice Hotels International, Inc. breach notice?
Choice Hotels International, Inc.'s report is published by the CA Attorney General: https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/databreach/list#choice-hotels-international-inc--2026-02-19 Compare it with the letter you received to confirm the dates and details match.
Is there a Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach class action lawsuit?
Law firms often open an investigation after a breach notice like this one, and a class action lawsuit may follow. This page doesn't confirm that a lawsuit has been filed against Choice Hotels International, Inc.. You usually don't have to join a class action to be included — if a settlement is reached, class members are notified and can file a claim.
Is the Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach letter legit or a scam?
A notice from Choice Hotels International, Inc. in the mail matches the breach Choice Hotels International, Inc. reported to the CA Attorney General on February 19, 2026. Check that the company name and dates in your letter match that filing. A real notice of data security incident won't ask for your password, Social Security number or a payment — if it does, contact Choice Hotels International, Inc. through a phone number or website you find yourself.
Can I sue Choice Hotels International, Inc. over the data breach?
It depends on what was exposed, the law in CA and your own state, and whether you've been harmed. Most people take part through a class action rather than suing alone. Keep your notification letter — it's the proof that connects you to the breach.
How much could a Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach settlement or claim be worth?
There is no set amount, and no Choice Hotels International, Inc. settlement is confirmed here. In past data breach settlements, payments depended on what data was exposed and on documented losses — fraud, out-of-pocket costs and time spent dealing with the breach. Keep receipts and records; they're what damages claims are built on.
Did Choice Hotels International, Inc. offer free credit monitoring?
Any free monitoring Choice Hotels International, Inc. is offering will be described in the notice you received, along with an activation code and a sign-up deadline. Using the free service won't stop you from joining a lawsuit or settlement later.
Do I need a Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach lawyer or attorney?
An attorney can read your notice and tell you whether a claim makes sense. A case review here is free, and data breach cases are usually handled on contingency, so there is no upfront cost.
What should I do after getting the Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach notice?
Keep the letter and the envelope, and note the date it arrived. Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, change any passwords the notice mentions, and sign up for any free credit monitoring the letter offers. Then check whether you may have a claim.

Source: CA Attorney General filing

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