Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation
On October 17, 2025, the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) began notifying individuals that a fingerprint-background-check form containing sensitive information had been disclosed without authorization. If you received a breach notice, you may be entitled to compensation and protective services.
Download Official Breach Notice (PDF)
Key Timeline
- Breach date: September 24, 2025
- Consumer notices mailed: October 17, 2025
- Report filed with MA Attorney General: October 27, 2025
- Total people affected: 1 Massachusetts resident
- Type of incident: Inadvertent disclosure (paper records)
What Happened?
According to the filing with the Massachusetts Attorney General, an employee of the Department inadvertently shared a DCJIS Fingerprint Background Check Data Collection Form with three unauthorized individuals on September 24, 2025. The document contained personally identifiable information belonging to one person.
Information Exposed
The notice specifies the following data elements were contained in the form:
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license number
How the Department Responded
The Department states it sent written notifications and outlined rights under Massachusetts and federal law. No mention of complimentary credit monitoring services was included in the notice.
Your Options & Next Steps
1 — Obtain or File a Police Report
You have the right to request any police report related to this incident, or to file one if you suspect identity theft.
2 — Place a Free Security Freeze
A security freeze blocks new credit from being opened in your name without permission. You must contact each bureau individually:
- Equifax: 1-800-349-9960 or equifax.com
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or experian.com
- TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872 or transunion.com
3 — Explore Legal Remedies
Data-privacy laws may entitle you to compensation for time spent monitoring accounts or any out-of-pocket losses. Our privacy-rights attorneys are evaluating potential claims stemming from this incident.
Company Overview
- Official website: mass.gov/eec
- Headquarters: 51 Sleeper Street, 4th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Industry: Government Agency
- Parent entity: Executive Office of Education
- Year founded: 2005
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care data breach occur?
A background-check form containing personal data was shared with three unauthorized individuals on September 24, 2025.
What personal information was compromised in the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care breach?
The notice lists Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers.
How many people were affected?
The Department reported the incident impacted one Massachusetts resident.
Is the Department offering free credit monitoring?
The mailed notice does not reference any complimentary identity-protection service.
Can I sue Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care over the data breach?
Potential legal claims are being investigated. Eligibility depends on factors such as residence, damages, and statutory rights. Contact us for a free review.