The Philadelphia Inquirer Notice of Data Event

The Philadelphia Inquirer (the “Inquirer”) is providing notice of an incident that may affect the security of certain individuals’ personal information. Although we have no evidence that information has been misused for identity theft or fraud as a result of this incident, we are contacting individuals to explain the circumstances of the incident, our response, and additional measures individuals can take to help protect their information. 

What Happened? On May 13, 2023, we became aware of suspicious activity relating to certain internal information systems. In response, we began working with third-party cyber specialists to investigate the nature and scope of the activity. We determined that an unauthorized party gained access to our systems and certain files were viewed and/or copied from our systems between May 11, 2023, and May 13, 2023. In response, we undertook a comprehensive review of the potentially impacted files to determine what information was present and to whom it pertained. Based on these efforts we recently confirmed what information was in the potentially affected files and are now taking steps to notify individuals accordingly.  

What Information Was Involved? The potentially impacted information varies by person, but may include name, Social Security number, date of birth, driver’s license number/ state identification number, passport number, financial account information, and/or limited health insurance and medical information. 

What Are We Doing? The confidentiality, privacy, and security of personal information within our care is important to us. Upon learning of the incident, we promptly began an investigation to determine the nature and scope of the incident, took steps to secure the environment, and notified federal law enforcement. We are notifying relevant individuals and providing them with information and services to help them protect their personal information from misuse. 

What Can Individuals Do? At this time, we are not aware of anyone experiencing fraud as a result of the incident. We encourage individuals who may be affected to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing account statements and monitoring free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. Individuals may also review the Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Personal Information section below, which contains information on what can be done to safeguard against possible misuse of information. 

Where Can Individuals Find More Information? Individuals with questions may contact our dedicated assistance line at 833-918-7674 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Eastern Time (excluding U.S. holidays).  

Steps Consumers Can Take To Help Protect Their Information 

Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.

Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.

As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, consumers may need to provide the following information, depending on whether they make the request online, by phone, or by mail:

1. Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
2. Social Security number;
3. Date of birth;
4. Addresses for the prior two to five years;
5. Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
6. A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or identification card, passport, military identification, etc.); 
7. A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.

Should consumers wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below: