#United States #Data Breach #Florham Park #Edelson Lechtzin LLP #MLD Mortgage Inc.

Investigation into The Money Store Data Breach

Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a prominent national class action law firm, is currently investigating data privacy issues stemming from a serious data breach at MLD Mortgage Inc., commonly known as The Money Store. This family-owned mortgage company, based in Florham Park, New Jersey, recently came under scrutiny following a ransomware incident that compromised sensitive customer information.

What Led to the Breach?

The breach was first identified on September 9, 2026, when The Money Store noticed unusual activity within its IT systems. Subsequent investigations revealed that an unauthorized third party had gained access through a remote monitoring and management platform utilized by a third-party service provider. Reports suggest that the breach began around September 8, 2026, and resulted in the theft of critical data, specifically residential mortgage loan files encompassing original applications, underwriting processes, and closing documentation.

On September 21, 2026, a ransomware group known as Storm publicly claimed responsibility for the breach, asserting that they had acquired approximately 229 GB of The Money Store’s data and threatened to make it public. This alarming revelation has raised concerns about the security of customer data and the potential ramifications for those affected.

Personal Information Compromised

The Money Store has confirmed that the compromised data may include a wide range of personal information such as:

• - Names
• - Social Security numbers
• - Driver's license numbers
• - Government-issued IDs, including passport and state ID numbers
• - Financial details, such as account numbers and credit/debit card information
• - Medical records
• - Dates of birth

Moreover, due to the involvement of mortgage loan documents, dependents associated with the affected customers may also be at risk, as their information was included in tax documents submitted during loan applications.

Who Might Be Impacted?

The investigation is primarily concerned with individuals connected to The Money Store, particularly customers and their dependents, whose data was managed by the company. Notifications about the breach were sent to the California, Massachusetts, and Texas Attorneys General, and letters were dispatched to affected customers starting October 15, 2026. So far, it has been reported that 1,367 residents in Texas and 1,248 in Massachusetts are among those impacted.

Legal Options for Affected Customers

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is exploring a potential class action lawsuit aimed at individuals whose data may have been compromised in the breach. A successful lawsuit could lead to restitution for impacted customers covering lost time, out-of-pocket costs, loss of privacy, and potentially push The Money Store to enhance its data protection measures. The firm is offering complimentary evaluations of potential claims related to this breach.

Protective Measures for Affected Individuals

Customers concerned about their information are advised to take proactive steps to safeguard themselves:

• - Expect a notification letter from The Money Store and retain any provided enrollment code.
• - Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with major credit bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, while also obtaining your free annual credit reports.
• - Regularly review bank statements and insurance documents for any unfamiliar transactions, promptly reporting suspected identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

How to Reach Out for Assistance

Those affected can confidentially discuss their concerns with attorney Marc Edelson by contacting Edelson Lechtzin LLP at 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940. Assistance is available via phone at 844-696-7492 or through email at [email protected]. A free consultation can also be requested through their official website.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP operates nationally, focusing on class action lawsuits spanning areas such as data breaches, securities fraud, and consumer rights violations. With offices in Pennsylvania and California, the firm is committed to protecting the interests of affected consumers and ensuring that justice is served. The firm’s commitment to rigorous investigation and client advocacy positions it as a leader in class action litigation.

In the wake of this significant data breach, the focus remains on securing affected individuals’ rights and holding The Money Store accountable for its data protection failures.