North Carolina People Lose Money After Ticketmaster’s Latest Data Breach

Imagine purchasing your concert tickets, eagerly waiting for the event, and then finding out that your personal information has been stolen. This unsettling scenario is now a reality for many North Carolinians affected by the latest hacking incident at Ticketmaster.

What Happened To Ticketmaster?

Ticketmaster recently uncovered that an unauthorized third party had accessed information from a cloud database managed by an external data services provider. The breach occurred between April 2, 2024, and May 18, 2024, with the discovery of compromised personal information confirmed on May 23, 2024. Fortunately, no further unauthorized activity has been detected since the investigation began.

What Information Was Involved?

The stolen data includes names, basic contact information, and encrypted payment card details such as credit or debit card numbers and expiration dates. While the encryption adds a layer of protection, the potential exposure of this sensitive information remains a serious concern.

What Ticketmaster Is Doing

Ticketmaster is taking this breach seriously. They are working with outside experts and federal law enforcement to investigate the incident. They have implemented several security enhancements, including:

• Rotating passwords for all accounts linked to the affected cloud database
• Reviewing access permissions
• Deploying increased alert mechanisms in their environment

These steps aim to prevent future breaches and protect customer data more effectively.

What You Can Do

If you believe you are the victim of identity theft or have reason to believe your personal information has been misused, North Carolina residents may contact The North Carolina Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, at:

• 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001.
•  www.ncdoj.gov,
• Or by phone at 1-877-566-7226.

Vigilance is key to protecting yourself from identity theft and fraud. Here are some other steps you can take:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity.
2. Get Your Free Credit Reports: Review your credit reports for any signs of suspicious behavior.
3. Use Identity Monitoring Services: Ticketmaster is offering free identity monitoring with TransUnion. This service will alert you if your personal information appears on the dark web and provide fraud assistance for one year from the date of enrollment. You can sign up here.

Additionally, be wary of phishing attempts. These can come in the form of emails from unknown senders, links, or attachments asking for personal information. Always verify the sender's identity before responding or clicking on any links.

For More Information

Ticketmaster is committed to protecting your information and sincerely regrets this incident. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact their customer service at 1-800-653-1840, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central Time, excluding holidays.

Safety Tips

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
• Update Passwords Regularly: Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest security news and breaches to know how to protect yourself better.

While the Ticketmaster breach is unsettling, taking proactive steps can help you stay ahead of potential identity theft and fraud. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe.