On May 2, 2023, Optima Tax Relief, LLC (“Optima”) filed a notice of data breach with the Montana Attorney General’s office after learning that a recent data security incident exposed the confidential information of certain customers to an unauthorized party. Based on the company’s official filing, the incident resulted in an unauthorized party gaining access to consumers’ names, mailing addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. After confirming that consumer data was leaked, Optima began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals who were impacted by the recent data security incident.

If you received a data breach notification from Optima Tax Relief, it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. Given the right knowledge and tools, you may be able to prevent hackers from using your information to commit fraud in your name. Additionally, Optima Tax Relief may be liable to you for any damages if it turns out that the company was negligent in how it handled or stored your information. To learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft and what your legal options are in the wake of the Optima Tax Relief data breach, please see our recent piece on the topic here.

What We Know So Far About the Optima Tax Relief Breach

News of the Optima Tax Relief data breach is still fresh; however, what we know at this point comes from the company’s filing with the Montana Attorney General. According to this source, in November 2022, Optima learned that the company had been the recent victim of a cyberattack. In response to this discovery, Optima secured its network and then enlisted the assistance of an IT firm to investigate the incident.

The Optima investigation confirmed that an unauthorized party was able to access the company’s computer network, including files containing confidential consumer information.

Upon discovering that sensitive consumer data was made available to an unauthorized party, Optima Tax Relief began to review the affected files to determine what information was compromised and which consumers were impacted. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, mailing address, date of birth, and Social Security number.

On May 2, 2023, Optima Tax Relief sent out data breach letters to all individuals whose information was compromised as a result of the recent data security incident.

More Information About Optima Tax Relief, LLC

Optima Tax Relief, LLC is a business that provides tax relief and resolution services. Based in Santa Ana, California, Optima prepares tax returns, negotiates with the IRS on past-due balances, investigates claims against taxpayers, and enlists a range of strategies designed to resolve customers’ tax burdens. Optima Tax Relief employs more than 711 people and generates approximately $93 million in annual revenue.