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MonitoringMontana AG filing · December 31, 2025

Harnish Group Inc. Confirms 2025 Data Breach Exposing Personal Information

Harnish Group Inc., a heavy equipment and industrial machinery dealer, reported a data security incident to the Montana Attorney General's office on December 31, 2025. The breach, which occurred on November 11, 2025, involved the exposure of sensitive personal data including Full Names, Social Security Numbers, and Driver's License Numbers. This exposure creates potential risks of identity theft and financial fraud for those affected.

State
Montana
Breach date
November 11, 2025
Reported
December 31, 2025

What may have been exposed

  • Full Name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Mailing Address
  • Driver's License Number
  • Wage and Compensation Information
  • Tax Return Information
  • Direct Deposit Account Details

Harnish Group Inc., a dealer specializing in heavy equipment and industrial machinery, formally disclosed a data security incident to the Montana Attorney General's office on December 31, 2025. The company stated that the breach event took place on November 11, 2025, and the investigation into its mechanics is ongoing, with the situation currently being monitored.

The reported exposed data categories are comprehensive and highly sensitive. They include Full Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Mailing Address, Driver's License Number, Wage and Compensation Information, Tax Return Information, and Direct Deposit Account Details.

This specific combination of compromised data types, particularly Social Security Numbers and Driver's License Numbers, places affected individuals at a significantly elevated risk of identity theft. Such information can be exploited for various forms of financial fraud, including opening unauthorized accounts, filing fraudulent tax returns, or misusing personal identification documents. Unlike other forms of data, a Social Security Number cannot be changed, meaning its compromise can pose a lifelong risk.

Individuals who believe they may be affected by this Harnish Group Inc. data breach should exercise increased vigilance. It is advisable to regularly review financial account statements and credit reports for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit files with the major credit bureaus to help prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your authorization.

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.

  • Replace exposed ID documents

    Contact your state DMV or the issuing agency about replacing an exposed driver's license, passport, or government ID number.

  • 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: Montana Attorney General filing

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