Patten Title Company Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation

Did you receive a notice from Patten Title Company—or do you suspect your records were exposed? More than 4,100 individuals may now be at risk of identity theft after a cyber-attack on the Texas-based real-estate giant. Find out how to protect yourself and whether you qualify to file a legal claim.

What Happened?

On 4 September 2025, Patten Title Company filed a data security incident report with the Texas Attorney General. The company says an unauthorized third party infiltrated its network and potentially accessed files containing customer and employee data. As of the filing date, Patten Title has not publicly disclosed exactly how the intrusion occurred or when impacted individuals will receive formal notification.

What Information Was Exposed?

The type and scope of data vary by individual, but the breach may have included:

• Full names
• Social Security numbers
• Dates of birth
• Driver’s license or other government-issued ID numbers
• Home address details
• Financial account information
• Medical or protected health information

Why This Breach Matters

With Social Security numbers, financial records, and health information in play, victims face an elevated risk of:

• Identity theft and tax fraud
• Credit card or banking fraud
• Medical identity theft
• Unauthorized loans or property transactions

Real-estate transactions already involve highly sensitive personal data. When those records are compromised, cyber-criminals can not only steal your identity but also manipulate property titles, creating long-term financial chaos.

Your Immediate Action Plan

1. Monitor Your Credit: Request free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to spot unfamiliar activity.
2. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze: A fraud alert is free and lasts one year. A credit freeze prevents new credit from being opened in your name until you lift it.
3. Change Passwords & Enable MFA: Update credentials on any accounts that share user names or email addresses with Patten Title records.
4. Watch Medical Statements: Review Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms and doctor bills for unrecognized services.
5. Document Everything: Keep copies of any letters or emails from Patten Title Company and note time spent mitigating the breach—this evidence may prove essential if you pursue compensation.

Can You Sue Patten Title Company?

Companies that store personal information have a legal duty to safeguard it. If Patten Title Company’s security was inadequate—or if notice to consumers is delayed beyond legal deadlines—affected individuals may be entitled to:

• Monetary damages for time, stress, and out-of-pocket losses
• Reimbursement for credit-monitoring and identity-theft services
• Stronger data-security commitments going forward

Class-action and individual lawsuits often follow major breaches, but strict filing deadlines apply. Consulting an experienced data-privacy attorney promptly can preserve your rights.

Timeline of Key Events

• 2001: Patten founded as Patten Law Firm.
• 2019: Rebranded to Patten Title Company after expanding services.
• 4 Sep 2025: Data-breach report filed with Texas Attorney General, citing 4,100+ affected individuals.
• Current Status: No individual notification letters have been mailed yet.

Protecting Your Identity in the Wake of the Patten Title Company Breach

Beyond the action steps above, consider these long-term safeguards:

• ID-Theft Insurance: Provides professional restoration services if fraud occurs.
• Opt-Out of Pre-Screened Offers: Reduce data exposure by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT.
• Secure Physical Mail: Use a locking mailbox or PO Box to deter mail theft.
• Review Property Records: Check county clerk filings for unauthorized liens or title transfers.

FAQ: Patten Title Company Data Breach

How do I know if my data was included in the Patten Title Company breach?

Patten Title Company is legally required to send written notice to all affected parties. If you did not receive a letter but completed a transaction with Patten Title, monitoring your credit and property records is still advised.

What compensation is available to Patten Title Company breach victims?

Potential compensation may cover unreimbursed financial losses, credit-monitoring costs, and time spent restoring your identity. Lawsuits may also seek punitive damages if negligence is proven.

When will Patten Title Company send notification letters?

The company has not yet announced a mailing date. Under Texas law, notice must be provided “as quickly as possible” after confirming a breach, so letters could arrive soon.

Is my health information really at risk from the Patten Title Company breach?

Yes. The breach report specifies “medical information” among the exposed data categories, raising concerns of potential medical identity theft.

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim against Patten Title Company?

An attorney experienced in data-privacy litigation can help navigate complex state and federal statutes, maximize compensation, and ensure claims meet all deadlines.

Next Steps

If you believe you were impacted, act quickly: secure your personal data, document your losses, and consult a qualified attorney. Staying proactive is the best defense against identity theft and financial harm.