Stanley Steemer Reaches $700,000 Data Breach Settlement After Customer and Employee Data Exposed

In November 2023, Stanley Steemer International, Inc., a well-known cleaning services company, reported a major data breach that exposed the personal information of approximately 66,978 individuals. The breach, which occurred between February 10 and March 6, 2023, resulted in unauthorized access to sensitive data, including:

• Full names
• Social Security numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Financial account information

The breach raised concerns about Stanley Steemer’s cybersecurity measures, leading to a class action lawsuit that accused the company of failing to protect customer and employee data adequately.

The Class Action Lawsuit and Settlement

Following the lawsuit, Stanley Steemer agreed to a $700,000 settlement to compensate affected individuals. The settlement aims to reimburse those who suffered financial losses or other damages due to the breach.

The court overseeing the case is expected to hold a final approval hearing on May 27, 2025. If the settlement is approved, eligible claimants will be able to receive compensation for their losses.

Who is Eligible for the Settlement?

The settlement applies to all individuals who received a notification letter from Stanley Steemer, informing them that their personal information was compromised in the February 2023 data breach. This includes both current and former customers and employees.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

Under the terms of the settlement, eligible individuals can apply for one or more of the following benefits:

1. Out-of-Pocket Expenses Reimbursement
   • Affected individuals can claim up to $10,000 in reimbursements for documented expenses related to the data breach. This includes costs associated with:
     • Identity theft or fraud
     • Credit monitoring services
     • Bank fees
     • Other related financial damages
2. Cash Payments
   • If class members do not submit proof of losses, they can receive a pro rata cash payment of up to:
     • $100 for employees
     • $50 for customers

How to File a Claim?

To receive a settlement payout, affected individuals must submit a valid claim form by April 28, 2025. The claim form can be accessed and submitted online at the official settlement website:

🔗 Stanley Steemer Settlement Official Website

Claimants will need to provide supporting documentation, such as receipts or bank statements, to verify financial losses resulting from the breach.

Deadline for Exclusions and Objections

If affected individuals do not wish to participate in the settlement, they can choose to opt out or object to its terms. The deadline for exclusions and objections is also April 28, 2025.

Individuals who opt out retain the right to sue Stanley Steemer separately but will not receive any benefits from the settlement. Objections must be filed in writing, explaining why a class member disagrees with the settlement terms.

Final Approval Hearing Date

A final approval hearing is scheduled for May 27, 2025. During this hearing, the court will review the settlement terms and determine whether it is fair and reasonable for class members.

Protecting Yourself from Future Data Breaches

To prevent falling victim to data breaches, individuals should consider taking the following steps:

• Monitor Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit report for unauthorized activity. You can get a free credit report from the government at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Use Credit Monitoring Services: Sign up for a reputable credit monitoring service that alerts you of suspicious activity.
• Freeze Your Credit: If you believe your personal data has been compromised, consider freezing your credit through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to prevent identity theft.
• Update Passwords Regularly: Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts and enable two-factor authentication when possible.

Additional Resources

For more details on cybersecurity and consumer rights related to data breaches, visit:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Protection: www.ftc.gov
• Identity Theft Resource Center: www.idtheftcenter.org
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): www.cisa.gov

Final Thoughts

Stanley Steemer’s $700,000 data breach settlement serves as a warning to companies about the importance of implementing strong cybersecurity measures. If you received a notification letter from Stanley Steemer, you may be eligible for compensation.

Affected individuals should act before April 28, 2025, to submit their claims or opt out. For official updates and to file a claim, visit the Stanley Steemer Settlement Website.

For further information, stay updated on FTC’s Identity Theft Protection to learn how to safeguard your personal data in the future.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.