Patterson-Schwartz Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation
On November 6, 2025, Patterson-Schwartz & Associates, Inc. (Patterson-Schwartz) disclosed a phishing incident that allowed unauthorized actors to access two employee email accounts in May 2025. If you received a notice about this breach, learn how to protect yourself and explore your legal rights below.
Take action: review the facts, enroll in the free credit monitoring offered, and contact an experienced data-privacy attorney to discuss potential compensation.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Breach window: May 14–29, 2025
- Attack type: Phishing campaign compromising two internal email accounts
- Notice mailed: November 6, 2025
- Affected data: names, contact details, birth dates, driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers, and bank/credit-card information
- Free services: complimentary single-bureau credit monitoring, credit report, and credit score
How the Patterson-Schwartz Email Breach Occurred
Patterson-Schwartz reports that sophisticated phishing emails tricked two employees on May 14 and May 29, 2025. Once inside the accounts, the intruders could view emails and attachments, but the company stresses that its core systems were not breached. The compromised accounts were secured immediately, and an outside cybersecurity firm was engaged to investigate.
What Information Was Exposed?
The details contained in the affected mailboxes varied by individual. According to the company’s letter, the following data elements may have been accessible:
- Full names
- Email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses
- Birth dates
- Driver’s license numbers
- Social Security numbers
- Bank-account and credit-card numbers
No misuse has been confirmed, but exposure of this combination of personal identifiers and financial information increases the risk of identity theft and fraud.
Patterson-Schwartz’s Response Measures
The real-estate brokerage says it:
- Secured the affected email accounts as soon as the activity was detected
- Implemented enhanced security controls across its email platform
- Enabled stronger multi-factor authentication for all employees and sales associates
- Started additional cybersecurity training focused on phishing awareness
- Is offering free single-bureau credit monitoring, credit report, and credit score services
Steps You Can Take Now
- Enroll promptly in the complimentary credit-monitoring service described in your letter.
- Watch for unfamiliar transactions on bank and credit-card statements.
- Be alert for phishing emails, calls, or texts that appear to reference Patterson-Schwartz or real-estate transactions.
- Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze with the credit bureaus.
Company Overview
Patterson-Schwartz is a Delaware-based real-estate brokerage founded in 1961.
- Industry: Real Estate
- Headquarters: 7234 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE, United States
- Employees: over 500
- Website: pattersonschwartz.com
- Social: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram
Frequently Asked Questions
I received a data breach letter from Patterson-Schwartz — what should I do?
Follow the instructions in the letter, enroll in the free credit-monitoring service, and monitor financial accounts closely. If you detect suspicious activity, report it to the relevant institution immediately.
How do I submit a claim related to the Patterson-Schwartz data breach?
Gather your breach letter, proof of any out-of-pocket losses, and speak with a data-privacy attorney to determine eligibility for damages or to join a class-action investigation.
Am I eligible to join a lawsuit against Patterson-Schwartz?
If your personal data was included in the incident and you incurred fraud-related costs or time spent remedying issues, you may qualify. Legal counsel can evaluate your individual circumstances.
What information did the Patterson-Schwartz breach expose?
Potentially exposed data includes names, contact details, birth dates, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and bank or credit-card numbers.
Did Patterson-Schwartz offer credit monitoring, and for how long?
Yes. Impacted individuals receive complimentary single-bureau credit monitoring, plus a credit report and score. The enrollment details and service terms are outlined in the mailed notice.
How many people were affected by the Patterson-Schwartz breach?
The notice filed with the Maine Attorney General does not state the total number of impacted individuals.
How can I get the official breach notice (PDF) for Patterson-Schwartz?
You can download the document directly from the Maine Attorney General’s website using the link above or by clicking the “Download Official Breach Notice” button in this article.