Forum Communications Company Reports March 2025 Data Breach
Forum Communications Company reported a data breach on March 19, 2025, to the Maryland Attorney General. This incident exposed sensitive information, including Full Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Mailing Address, and financial details, for an unknown number of individuals. Those affected face potential risks of identity theft and financial fraud due to the compromise of this data.
- State
- Maryland
- Reported
- March 19, 2025
What may have been exposed
- Full Name
- Social Security Number
- Date of Birth
- Mailing Address
- Wage and Compensation Information
- Direct Deposit Account Details
- Email Address
- Subscription and Account History
Forum Communications Company, a media and publishing enterprise, filed a data breach notice with the Maryland Attorney General on March 19, 2025. The filing indicates an unspecified security incident that led to the compromise of personal data. An investigation into the full scope and nature of the breach is currently underway, with monitoring in progress.
The information reported as exposed in this incident includes Full Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Mailing Address, Wage and Compensation Information, Direct Deposit Account Details, Email Address, and Subscription and Account History. This range of data suggests that both employee and customer records may have been impacted.
The exposure of sensitive identifiers such as Social Security Number and Date of Birth can enable identity theft, allowing unauthorized parties to open new accounts or misuse existing ones. Compromised Mailing Address, Email Address, and Direct Deposit Account Details heighten the risk of financial fraud, targeted phishing scams, and unauthorized transactions. Wage and Compensation Information, alongside Subscription and Account History, could be used for further impersonation or financial targeting.
Individuals who receive a breach notification are advised to remain vigilant by monitoring their financial accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity. Placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with credit bureaus can help prevent unauthorized access to new credit. Additionally, changing passwords for online accounts and enabling multi-factor authentication are recommended security practices. Reviewing official guidance from regulatory bodies on identity protection can provide further assistance.
What to do if you were affected
Based on the categories of information reported in this filing, these steps can help limit the risk of identity theft and fraud.
Freeze your credit
Place a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A freeze blocks new accounts from being opened in your name and can be lifted anytime.
Guard against tax fraud
File your tax return as early as possible and consider requesting an IRS Identity Protection PIN so no one can file a fraudulent return in your name.
Watch your financial accounts
Review bank and card statements for unfamiliar activity and turn on transaction alerts. Report anything you don't recognize to your bank right away.
Secure your online accounts
Change the password on any account that reused an exposed password and turn on two-factor authentication wherever it's offered.
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.
Source: Maryland Attorney General filing
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