Welcome to this guide on making sort code data breach claims. Sort codes are publicly available information and are often used to identify bank branches for various financial transactions. However, if your sort code is breached along with other personal information, such as your name, address, or account details, it can result in someone gaining access to your financial data.
If you have been a victim of a sort code data breach, you have the right to make a data breach compensation claim. This guide will explain your legal rights to make a claim and the steps you can take to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered.
We will provide you with detailed information on what damages you could claim and how much compensation you might be entitled to. We will also explain the time limits for making a data breach claim and what evidence you will need to provide to support your case.
Furthermore, we understand that making a data breach compensation claim can be complex and stressful, which is why we are here to help. Our team of experienced advisors will guide you through the process and could provide you with one of the data breach solicitors from our panel if you’re eligible to claim.
In summary, if your sort code and other personal information have been wrongfully exposed, leading to harm or loss, please get in touch. You can reach us by:
- Telephone: 0800 408 7827
- Contact form
- Live Chat
Am I Eligible To Make A Sort Code Data Breach Claim?
If you have been a victim of a sort code data breach, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim. However, there are certain eligibility criteria that must be met in order to make a successful claim.
Under the Data Protection Act 2018, organisations that hold personal data have a legal obligation to protect it from unauthorised access or disclosure. If a breach occurs due to wrongful actions taken by the party responsible for protecting your data, you may be able to claim compensation.
It is important to note that not all data breaches will result in compensation. You must be able to prove that the breach resulted in harm or loss to you. For example, if your personal data and the sort code of your bank account have been exposed, this could be used to access your bank accounts or commit fraud in your name. This could result in financial losses and cause distress, making you eligible for compensation.
Additionally, you must be able to prove that the breach was caused by the wrongful actions of the organisation responsible for protecting your data. This could include actions such as failing to implement appropriate security measures, not training staff properly, or not responding to a breach in a timely manner.
If you meet these criteria, you may be entitled to compensation for the distress and financial losses you have suffered. Please get in contact with our advisors if you feel you could benefit from help with starting a claim.
How Long Do I Have To Make A Sort Code Data Breach Claim?
In general, someone would have six years from the date of the data breach to make a data breach claim under the Limitation Act 1980. However, this time limit can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For example, if the data breach involves a public authority or a human rights claim, the time limit may be shorter.
If you believe you could have a valid data breach compensation claim, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. That way, you could ensure you do not miss the deadline.
How Could A Sort Code Data Breach Happen?
A sort code data breach can happen in a number of ways. One of the most common ways is through cyber attacks, such as hacking or phishing scams. Hackers can use various methods to gain unauthorised access to a company’s systems. They could exploit vulnerabilities in software, using stolen credentials or use social engineering techniques to trick employees into divulging sensitive information.
Phishing scams are also a common tactic cyber criminals use to obtain personal and financial information. In these scams, attackers may send fake emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or online retailer, asking the recipient to provide their login details or other sensitive information.
Another way a sort code data breach can occur is through the mishandling of data by a company or its employees. This could include leaving sensitive information unprotected or unencrypted or failing to follow proper data handling procedures.
In some cases, data breaches may also occur as a result of third-party service providers that have access to a company’s data. If these service providers fail to implement proper security measures or experience a breach themselves, it could result in the exposure of sensitive data, including sort codes and other financial information.If a company has acted wrongfully, and the exposure of your personal data has harmed you, you could be eligible to claim compensation.
Fat Face Data Breach – Case Study
In 2021, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) reportedly issued a reprimand to the clothing retailer after a data security information. Details of the reprimand were withheld from the public, but it was widely reported in the media that the company had failed to advise customers of the breach promptly after it was discovered.
According to reports, the data breach was caused by a vulnerability in a third-party software tool used by the company. It allowed the attackers to gain access to the company’s systems. The breach affected both online and in-store customers of FatFace, and exposed some of their bank details, including sort codes.
The company apologised to its customers for the breach and offered free credit monitoring services for a year. However, the incident has raised concerns about the security practices of third-party service providers and the risks of outsourcing sensitive data.
Damages You Could Claim After A Sort Code Data Breach
The amount of compensation you may receive for a sort code data breach can depend on various factors. Compensation for a data breach claim can cover two primary categories of damages: material and non-material damages.
Material damages refer to any financial losses or expenses incurred due to the breach, such as unauthorised charges on your bank account or the cost of replacing a stolen device. The amount of compensation you may receive for material damages will depend on the actual amount of losses or expenses you’ve incurred and can be proven.
Non-material damages refer to the distress caused by the data breach or loss of privacy. The amount of compensation you may receive for non-material damages will depend on the severity and impact of the breach on your emotional well-being.
Compensation brackets for psychological injury resulting from a sort code data breach can vary and are influenced by several factors. The Judicial College Guidelines offer rough guidance for compensation brackets based on the severity of the psychological harm suffered. These figures can range from £1,540 to £115,730.
However, it’s important to note that these figures are only intended to provide a general idea of what compensation amounts might be appropriate for specific levels of psychological harm. The actual amount of compensation that you could receive for your sort code data breach claim may vary, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
How To Make No Win No Fee Data Breach Claims
We understand how a data breach can have a distressing impact on individuals. That’s why we have a panel of solicitors who can provide their services under a No Win No Fee agreement. This means that you can have experienced data breach solicitors take on your case without any upfront fees, working under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
Under the CFA, the terms of your agreement, including the capped percentage of compensation our solicitors receive upon success, will be outlined in compliance with the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013. This ensures that our clients receive fair and transparent compensation for their data breach claims.
Our advisors are ready to help assess your case and determine if you’re eligible for a claim under a CFA. If you are, we’ll guide you through the claims process and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today. You can reach us by:
- Calling our helpline on 0800 408 7827
- Using the contact us page,
- Or, getting in touch through Live Chat.
Our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case and ensuring that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Sort Code Data Breach Claims – Further Reading
Finally, please see guidance on other types of data breach claims. Furthermore, we’ve included guidance from the ICO about data protection.
Salary Data Breach – Learn how to claim compensation for a salary data breach.
Charity Data Breach – Could you claim for a charity data breach? Find out here.
Data Breach Calculator – Find out how to calculate compensation for a data breach claim.
Data Security Incident Trends – Learn more about the statistics surrounding data breach claims.
Protecting Your Personal Data Online – Learn what steps you can take here.
Who Can I Complain To? – Here, you can find out more about complaining after a data breach.