RINA Accountants & Advisors $400K Data Breach Settlement, Claims, Eligibility, and $10,000 Payout Details 2026
If your personal information—including Social Security numbers—was stored by RINA Accountants & Advisors during a 2022 cybersecurity incident, you may be entitled to significant cash compensation. As of January 2026, a $400,000 settlement has received preliminary approval to resolve claims that the accounting firm failed to protect sensitive client data.
The RINA Accountants Settlement: At a Glance
The lawsuit, Richard Cresse v. RINA Accountants & Advisors, stems from a data breach discovered around February 28, 2022. An unauthorized third party allegedly gained access to RINA’s systems, potentially exposing the personally identifiable information (PII) of clients and associates. While RINA maintains it had meritorious defenses, it has agreed to the $400,000 fund to provide restitution to those affected.
Official Settlement Website
The court-appointed administrator for this case is Simpluris. You can file your claim, download court documents, or view the Full Notice of Settlement here.
- Website: www.RINADataBreachSettlement.com
Important 2026 Deadlines
To participate in this settlement, you must act before the following windows close:
- Claim Submission Deadline: March 24, 2026
- Exclusion (Opt-Out) Deadline: March 24, 2026
- Objection Deadline: March 24, 2026
- Final Approval Hearing: May 14, 2026
Who Is Eligible?
The “Settlement Class” includes all individuals whose personal information was compromised in the data breach disclosed by RINA on or around August 1, 2022. If you received a data breach notification letter from RINA regarding the February 2022 incident, you are likely eligible to file a claim.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
The $400,000 fund offers two distinct payout options, along with free credit monitoring. Class members must choose one of the following cash options:
1. Documented Economic Losses (Up to $10,000)
If you suffered actual financial harm traceable to the breach, you can claim reimbursement for up to $10,000. Eligible expenses include:
- Unreimbursed fraudulent charges or bank fees.
- Costs for credit reports, identity theft insurance, or freezing your credit.
- Professional fees (legal or accounting) incurred to rectify identity theft.
- Documented travel expenses or phone charges related to resolving breach issues.
2. Alternative Pro-Rata Cash Payment
If you did not suffer documented financial losses, you can still file a claim for a Non-Economic Loss payment. This will be a pro-rated share of the remaining settlement fund after all documented claims and administrative costs are paid. The exact amount will depend on the total number of valid claims filed.
3. Credit Monitoring Services
Regardless of which cash option you choose, all settlement class members are eligible to enroll in two free years of credit monitoring. This service includes dark web monitoring, identity theft insurance, and fully managed identity recovery services.
What to Do Next: Your Action Plan
Follow these steps to ensure you don’t miss out on your share of the $400,000 fund.
1. Locate Your Unique ID and PIN
Most eligible class members were sent a notice via mail in early 2026. This notice contains a Unique ID and PIN required to file your claim instantly through the Online Claim Portal.
2. Choose Your Claim Type
Determine if you have receipts or bank statements showing financial harm. If you do, gather them now to support a “Documented Loss” claim for the higher $10,000 cap. If not, simply submit the “Non-Economic Loss” form to receive the flat-rate payout.
3. Review the Settlement Terms
By participating, you agree to release RINA from any future legal claims regarding this data breach. If you wish to sue RINA individually, you must mail an exclusion request by March 24, 2026. For more information on how these legal timelines work, visit our guide on class action settlement procedures.
FAQs About the RINA Data Breach Settlement
What information was actually exposed?
The breach primarily involved names and Social Security numbers. Because Social Security numbers were involved, the risk of long-term identity theft is considered high, which is why the settlement includes significant credit monitoring.
Can I file if I already fixed the identity theft?
Yes. If you spent money on or after February 28, 2022, to fix identity theft related to this breach, you can claim those past expenses under the $10,000 “Economic Loss” category.
When will I get my money?
If the court grants final approval on May 14, 2026, and no appeals are filed, payments are expected to be distributed by late Summer or Fall 2026.
Is there a cost to file a claim?
No. Filing a claim is completely free. The attorneys’ fees (up to $133,333) are paid directly from the settlement fund, not by you.
Where can I find more about consumer data rights?
For more information on how laws like the CCPA protect your personal data in California, check out our resources on securities litigation and telemarketing violations.
Last Updated: January 31, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. AllAboutLawyer.com is an independent news resource and is not the settlement administrator.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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