What Happened
National Public Data (operated by Jerico Pictures), a Florida background-check data broker, suffered a breach in which a hacker put an enormous database up for sale on the dark web in 2024. The stolen data was alleged to include roughly 2.9 billion records with full names, current and past addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth and phone numbers for people in the US, UK and Canada.
What made it especially alarming is that many affected people had never heard of the company — a data broker had compiled and then lost their most sensitive identifiers without any direct relationship with them.
The Lawsuits and the Shutdown
More than a dozen class actions were filed alleging the company failed to implement reasonable safeguards for a foreseeable, preventable breach. The fallout was severe for the company itself: it briefly filed for bankruptcy, saw that filing dismissed, and by the end of 2024 shut down. A defendant winding down complicates recovery — there may be limited assets to satisfy judgments, which is a real practical constraint in these cases.
The litigation continues against related entities and individuals.
What to Do
Because SSNs were reportedly exposed at scale, a credit freeze at all three major bureaus is the single most protective step — it is free and blocks new-account fraud. Watch for unfamiliar accounts, and be alert to phishing that uses your real details to seem credible. Keep documentation of any identity theft you experience.
Before You Act
Thinking About Filing a Claim?
Most plaintiff lawyers offer a free initial consultation and work on contingency, meaning no fee unless there is a recovery. LawsuitWatch is not a law firm: we publish explainers, and we do not provide legal advice, representation or referrals. Your state bar directory is the reliable place to find and verify a lawyer.
National Public Data Breach Lawsuit: Billions of Records Exposed: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
How big was the National Public Data breach?
Lawsuits allege roughly 2.9 billion records were exposed, including Social Security numbers, names, addresses and dates of birth for people in the US, UK and Canada.
Is National Public Data still in business?
No. After the breach the company briefly filed for bankruptcy, had it dismissed, and shut down by the end of 2024, which complicates recovery for plaintiffs.
How do I protect myself?
Freeze your credit at all three bureaus (it's free), monitor for new-account fraud, watch for targeted phishing, and document any identity theft.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case status, eligibility criteria, and any amounts described are as reported at the date shown and may change. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your own situation.