The California Public Employees’ Retirement System ("CalPERS") is the largest government worker pension fund in the United States. It manages over $400 billion. Its sister fund, the California State Teachers' Retirement System ("CalSTRS") controls another $300+ billion. Together, these funds service the pensions of millions of retired public workers and their families.

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In May 2023, a third-party vendor named PBI Research Services/Berwyn Group allowed hackers to access over 1 million retirees' names and social security numbers. With this information, the criminals can impersonate the funds' pensioners. The breach is especially problematic given the community of people whose data was compromised. Fixed-income seniors are the most targeted demographic for cyber fraud.

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When entities fail to safeguard personal information, California law subjects them to severe penalties. Individuals whose data is compromised can recover statutory damages of up to $750 or more in addition to other remedies under the state's Consumer Privacy Act. Californians affected by the breach should receive a letter like the one posted here.

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EKO has filed a class action complaint in the Northern District of California federal court against the third-party vendors that allowed the breach. The case was originally filed as Ng v. Pension Benefit Information, LLC, Case No. 4:23-cv-03297. It is now a part of the In re MOVEit Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, Case No. 1:23-md-03083 in the District of Massachusetts. Access the complaint here. 

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If you were involved, or if you have questions about this case, please contact an EKO attorney.

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