Peoples Trust Privacy Breach

1. On October 25, 2013, Peoples Trust Company (PTC) notified about 12,000 to 13,000 individuals of a risk of identity theft due to unauthorized access to a database used to collect their online application information on PTC's website (Notice). The database was compromised by cybercriminals located in the People's Republic of China. PTC discovered the breach when its customers complained of phishing attempts text messages from an individual falsely claiming to represent PTC and asking the message recipient to provide their account details.

2. The Notice states that the personal information that may have been accessed includes customer names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth and social insurance numbers. The Notice states that PTC has arranged for a flag to be placed on the credit files of affected individuals for a period of 6 years to alert companies accessing their credit information of the data compromise.

3. On November 18, 2013, the law firms of Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP, Charney Lawyers PC and Branch, MacMaster LLP commenced a national class action against PTC on behalf of all persons in Canada whose personal information was compromised.

4. In June and November, 2016, Mr. Justice Masuhara of the Supreme Court of British Columbia heard submissions on the plaintiff's motion for certification of the class action. Justice Masuhara's decision is under reserve. Further information on the outcome of the plaintiff's motion for certification will be posted here upon receipt from the court.

5. Individuals who received the Notice may be entitled to compensation for the breach of their privacy, damages for identity theft and/or damages to their credit reputation, damages for the costs incurred to prevent identity theft, damages for the time spent changing your personal information, damages for emotional distress/inconvenience, and/or compensation for out of pocket expenses.

6.vIf you received the Notice from PTC or if you believe your personal information was contained in PTC's online application database that was compromised, please provide the information requested on our Communication page to indicate your interest in the class action.

7. We will continue to update this website as developments occur.

8. If you prefer, you may contact us toll-free at 1.800.229.5323, extension 296.

9. If you would like to know more about how a class action works, click here.

You are not obliged to fill in this form to participate in the class action. If you choose to do so, you are not retaining Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLPCharney Lawyers or Branch, MacMaster LLP to act on your behalf. The information collected about potential class members on this system will assist counsel in prosecuting the class action and assessing what damages were suffered by the class as a whole. All information submitted will be treated as confidential, and will only be released as required by law or as you may consent.  Providing the information requested does not make you a client of Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLPCharney Lawyers or Branch, MacMaster LLP.

Contact information
Particulars

What type of Peoples Trust product were you applying for?

If yes, what type of account did you open with Peoples Trust Company?

Have you spent any time responding to the privacy breach to

Other

To provide documents by fax, use our toll-free fax 1.866.316.5308. 

To provide documents to us by delivery or mail: 
     Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP 
     1561 Ouellette Avenue
     Windsor ON N8X 1K5 
     Attention: Peoples Trust Privacy Breach class action

Acknowledgement