Melwood Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation
Non-profit service provider Melwood disclosed a cyber-incident that allowed an unauthorized actor to copy files from its network. The organization has begun notifying affected individuals and offering complimentary identity-monitoring services. If you received a breach letter, use the secure form on this page to request a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Download Official Breach Notice (PDF)
Key Facts About the Melwood Data Breach
- Breach window: August 9 – 17, 2025
- Type of event: Unauthorized access and copying of files
- Consumer notices mailed: January 26, 2026
- Personal data involved: Individuals’ names and additional personal information identified in the compromised files
- Free services offered: Identity-monitoring and guidance resources
What Happened
According to the notice filed with the Vermont Attorney General, an unknown cyber actor accessed a portion of Melwood’s computer network between August 9 and August 17, 2025 and copied certain files without authorization. Melwood secured its network, began a file-by-file review, and posted a public statement while the investigation was underway. Contact information for potentially affected persons was finalized on January 5, 2026, enabling direct outreach on January 26, 2026.
Information Involved
The review determined that the files contained each impacted individual’s name along with unspecified additional personal details referenced in the letter. Melwood’s notice did not list every data element, so recipients should carefully review their breach letter to understand exactly what was exposed.
Company Response
Melwood states it is:
- Notifying affected individuals and providing complimentary identity-monitoring services
- Offering written guidance on placing fraud alerts, credit freezes, and monitoring credit reports
- Evaluating additional technical safeguards and reviewing staff training and supervision to reduce future risk
What You Can Do Now
Melwood encourages all recipients to remain vigilant for signs of identity theft or fraud. Recommended actions include:
- Review account statements for unauthorized activity
- Obtain free credit reports and dispute any errors
- Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze with the credit bureaus
- Enroll in the complimentary identity-monitoring service using the instructions provided in your letter
Company Overview
Melwood is a nonprofit organization that creates job opportunities and services for people with disabilities.
- Website: melwood.org
- Headquarters: 5606 Dower House Road, Upper Marlboro, MD, United States
- Industry: Nonprofit & NGO
- Year founded: 1963
- Employees: 1,001 – 5,000
- Contact page: melwood.org/contact
- Social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
I received a data breach letter from Melwood — what should I do?
Follow the enrollment instructions in the letter to activate the free identity-monitoring service, review your financial statements, and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze.
How do I submit a claim related to the Melwood data breach?
You can request a free case evaluation using the secure form on this page. An attorney can review whether you qualify for compensation under state or federal privacy laws.
What information did the Melwood breach expose?
The files contained individuals’ names and additional personal data identified during Melwood’s review. The specific data elements are outlined in each person’s notification letter.
Did Melwood offer credit monitoring, and for how long?
Yes. Melwood is offering complimentary identity-monitoring services. The company’s letter includes detailed enrollment instructions.
How many people were affected by the Melwood breach?
Melwood’s notice did not disclose the exact number of impacted individuals. Regulators may update public records when that figure becomes available.
How can I get the official breach notice (PDF) for Melwood?
You can download the letter filed with the Vermont Attorney General by clicking the “Download Official Breach Notice (PDF)” button near the top of this article.
