Your Social Security Number May Be Stolen, 740,000 PNC Customers at Risk PNC Bank Again Facing a Class Action Lawsuit Over Data Breach
PNC Bank is facing a class action lawsuit after a massive data breach exposed 740,000 customer records, including highly sensitive information like Social Security numbers, names, addresses, and account details. The September 2024 breach has left hundreds of thousands of customers vulnerable to identity theft, and legal action is already underway in Pennsylvania federal court. If you’re a PNC customer, understanding your rights and potential compensation is critical right now.
What Happened in the PNC Bank Data Breach?
The proposed class action filed in Pennsylvania federal court claims PNC Financial Services suffered a data breach affecting 740,000 customers, marking one of the most significant banking security failures of 2024. The breach occurred in early September 2024 and involved unauthorized access to PNC’s IT network.
A threat actor group called Market Exchange was able to exfiltrate 740,000 customer records including information like names, Social Security numbers, and contact information. This isn’t just a minor data exposure—we’re talking about the kind of information identity thieves dream about.
The compromised data includes:
- Full names and residential addresses
- Social Security numbers (SSN)
- Bank account numbers
- Contact information including phone numbers and email addresses
- Additional personally identifiable information (PII)
The Legal Battle: Class Action Lawsuit Against PNC
PNC Financial Services should be held liable for not protecting customer personal information, according to the lawsuit filed by affected customers. The legal action centers on PNC’s alleged failure to implement adequate cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive customer data.
The plaintiff is represented by Ken Grunfeld and Jeff Ostrow of Kopelowitz Ostrow P.A. and Mariya Weekes of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC, who are seeking damages on behalf of all affected customers. The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The PNC data breach class action lawsuit is Blunt v. The PNC Financial Services Group Inc., Case No. 2:25-cv-01469, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Legal Grounds for the Lawsuit
The class action alleges several key violations:
Negligence: PNC failed to implement industry-standard security measures to protect customer data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks.
Breach of Contract: Customers trust banks with their most sensitive information under the implicit agreement that it will be protected. This breach violates that fundamental trust and contractual obligation.
Violation of Data Privacy Laws: The breach potentially violates federal and state data protection regulations, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which requires financial institutions to protect customer information.
Failure to Notify Promptly: Questions have been raised about whether PNC notified affected customers in a timely manner, as required by various state breach notification laws.
What This Means for Affected Customers
If your information was compromised in the PNC Bank data breach, you face several immediate risks:
Identity Theft Risk: With Social Security numbers exposed, criminals can open credit accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, or apply for loans in your name.
Financial Fraud: Account numbers and personal details make it easier for thieves to access your existing accounts or create convincing phishing schemes.
Long-Term Exposure: Once your Social Security number is on the dark web, it remains a permanent vulnerability. This isn’t a one-time risk—it’s an ongoing threat.
Credit Score Damage: Fraudulent accounts opened in your name can devastate your credit score, affecting your ability to get mortgages, car loans, or even employment.
Your Legal Rights and Potential Compensation
As an affected customer, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Credit monitoring services and identity theft protection
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to identity theft
- Time spent addressing fraudulent activity
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Potential future damages from identity theft
The lawsuit seeks to hold PNC accountable and secure compensation for all affected customers. Even if you haven’t experienced fraud yet, you may still be eligible to join the class action based on the exposure of your data alone.
Immediate Steps You Should Take
Review Your PNC Notification Letter: PNC sent breach notice letters to impacted persons detailing what sensitive information was exposed. Read it carefully to understand exactly what data of yours was compromised.
Enroll in Credit Monitoring: While PNC may offer complimentary credit monitoring, consider additional services for comprehensive protection. Monitor all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze: Contact the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your file (lasts 1 year) or a security freeze (blocks new credit applications entirely).
Monitor Your Accounts: Check your bank statements, credit card bills, and account activity daily for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity.
Watch for Phishing Attempts: Scammers often use stolen data to create convincing phishing emails or calls. Be extremely skeptical of any communication claiming to be from PNC or other financial institutions.
File Your Taxes Early: With Social Security numbers exposed, file your tax return as early as possible to prevent fraudsters from filing a fake return in your name.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any time spent, expenses incurred, or damages suffered due to the breach. This documentation will be crucial if you pursue compensation.
Understanding Data Breach Liability
Financial institutions have a legal duty to protect customer information under multiple regulations:
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): Requires banks to protect the security and confidentiality of customer information and implement comprehensive security programs.
State Data Breach Notification Laws: Most states require companies to notify affected individuals within specific timeframes when sensitive personal information is compromised.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Standards: The FTC enforces data security requirements and can take action against companies that fail to implement reasonable security measures.
Banks hold some of our most sensitive information, and with that privilege comes responsibility. When a breach of this magnitude occurs, holding the institution accountable isn’t just about compensation—it’s about demanding better security standards for all consumers.
How to Join the Class Action Lawsuit
If you received a data breach notification from PNC, you may automatically be included in the class action once it’s certified. However, staying informed about the case status is important:
- Monitor updates from the law firm representing the class
- Keep your contact information current with PNC
- Preserve all documentation related to the breach
- Don’t sign any settlement agreements without understanding your rights
You also have the option to opt out of the class action and pursue individual legal action, though this requires careful consideration and typically legal counsel.
What Makes This Breach Different
The scale and sensitivity of this breach set it apart. Social Security numbers are the golden key of personal identification—they’re used for credit applications, tax filings, medical records, and countless other critical purposes. Unlike a credit card number that can be changed, your Social Security number is permanent.
Additionally, the involvement of a known threat actor group (Market Exchange) suggests this wasn’t a simple oversight but a targeted attack that PNC’s security measures failed to prevent or detect in time.
PNC’s Response and Responsibilities
While PNC has issued breach notifications to affected customers, many are questioning whether the bank did enough to prevent the breach and whether their response has been adequate. The class action lawsuit argues that PNC should have:
- Implemented more robust cybersecurity measures
- Conducted regular security audits and penetration testing
- Encrypted sensitive data more effectively
- Detected the breach sooner
- Provided more comprehensive identity theft protection to victims
Banks profit from holding customer deposits and charging fees for services. Those profits should translate into best-in-class security infrastructure, not cut corners that leave customers exposed.
The Bigger Picture: Banking Data Breaches
This PNC breach is part of a troubling trend of financial institution data breaches. When banks—entities specifically entrusted with our financial security—fail to protect our data, it raises serious questions about industry-wide security standards.
The financial services sector is one of the most targeted by cybercriminals, and banks must invest heavily in cybersecurity to stay ahead of evolving threats. When they don’t, customers pay the price through identity theft, financial fraud, and countless hours dealing with the aftermath.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I was affected by the PNC Bank data breach?
If your information was compromised, PNC is required to send you a breach notification letter. This letter should detail what specific information was exposed. If you’re a PNC customer and haven’t received notification but are concerned, contact PNC directly at their customer service number or check your online account for messages.
Can I get compensation even if I haven’t experienced identity theft yet?
Yes. The legal theory in data breach cases recognizes that the exposure of sensitive information creates immediate harm and future risk, even before actual identity theft occurs. Courts increasingly recognize the time, effort, and expense required to protect yourself after a breach as compensable damages.
How much compensation could I receive from the class action lawsuit?
Compensation amounts in class action settlements vary widely based on the number of affected individuals, the severity of the breach, and the specific damages claimed. Previous bank data breach settlements have ranged from $50 to several hundred dollars per affected customer, plus reimbursement for documented expenses and credit monitoring services.
What if I don’t want to participate in the class action?
You have the right to opt out of a class action lawsuit, which preserves your ability to file an individual lawsuit against PNC. However, this requires careful consideration. Individual lawsuits can potentially yield higher compensation but also involve more legal complexity and expense. Consult with an attorney before deciding.
Is PNC paying for credit monitoring services?
According to typical data breach responses, PNC should offer complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to affected customers. Check your breach notification letter for details on enrollment. However, these services are typically limited to 1-2 years, while the risk remains permanent.
How long will the class action lawsuit take?
Class action lawsuits can take several years to resolve, from initial filing through class certification, discovery, potential settlement negotiations, and final approval. Most data breach class actions resolve within 2-4 years, though some take longer. The case was filed in late 2024, so updates will develop throughout 2025 and beyond.
What should I do if I discover fraudulent activity on my accounts?
Immediately contact PNC and any other affected financial institutions to report the fraud and freeze your accounts. File a report with your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. Document everything meticulously, as these records support your claim for damages in the class action.
Additional Resources
For more information about protecting yourself after a data breach:
- Federal Trade Commission: IdentityTheft.gov provides step-by-step guidance for identity theft victims
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Offers resources on financial fraud protection
- Annual Credit Report: AnnualCreditReport.com provides free credit reports from all three bureaus
For updates on the PNC Bank class action lawsuit, monitor court filings through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) or follow legal news sources covering the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Did you have your PII compromised in the PNC data breach? Let us know in the comments.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the PNC Bank data breach class action lawsuit and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and you should not rely on this information as a substitute for consulting with a qualified attorney about your specific situation. Data breach laws and class action procedures vary by jurisdiction, and individual circumstances differ. For personalized legal guidance regarding your rights and potential claims related to the PNC data breach, please consult with a licensed attorney experienced in data breach litigation and consumer protection law.
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.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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