Data Breach at 700Credit Exposes Social Security Numbers of Over 5.8 Million Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 5.8 million consumers have had their Social Security numbers and other sensitive personal information exposed in a data breach linked to fintech firm 700Credit, officials confirmed on December 29, 2025. The breach originated not from a direct attack on 700Credit’s own systems but through a compromised third-party integration partner, highlighting growing vulnerabilities in interconnected financial technology services.
The incident reportedly began in July 2025 when hackers infiltrated an external vendor connected to 700Credit’s platform, gaining unauthorized access to an exposed API that allowed retrieval of customer data tied to auto dealership clients using 700Credit’s services. The breach went undetected for several months because the integration partner failed to notify 700Credit of the compromise. Suspicious activity was only flagged on October 25, prompting an internal investigation and the involvement of third-party forensic experts.
According to 700Credit’s Managing Director Ken Hill, approximately 20% of the consumer data accessible through the affected system was stolen between May and October. The exposed information includes Social Security numbers, a critical identifier that poses a long-term risk of identity theft and financial fraud since it cannot be changed like a password. The company has since established a dedicated webpage detailing the breach and the types of data impacted.
In response, 700Credit is offering affected individuals 12 months of complimentary identity protection and credit monitoring services through TransUnion, with a 90-day window to enroll after receiving notification. Experts warn that breaches involving Social Security numbers require heightened vigilance from consumers to monitor for fraudulent activity.
This breach underscores the challenges faced by the financial services sector in securing data across complex third-party ecosystems. The Federal Trade Commission has long emphasized the importance of robust vendor risk management practices to prevent such incidents. Similarly, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency advocates for continuous monitoring and rapid incident response to mitigate damage.
Data breaches involving financial technology companies have become more frequent, with recent high-profile incidents affecting platforms such as SoundCloud and Pornhub, which also suffered significant data exposures. The growing reliance on third-party integrations in fintech amplifies the attack surface for cybercriminals.
Consumers concerned about their exposure are encouraged to review guidance from the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov portal, which offers resources for protecting personal information and responding to identity theft. Additionally, credit reporting agencies provide tools to place fraud alerts or credit freezes to prevent unauthorized account openings.
As investigations continue, 700Credit and its partners face scrutiny over their security protocols and communication practices. The breach serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for transparency and proactive cybersecurity measures in the fintech industry to safeguard consumer data.
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