30 August 2024. Tycko & Zavareei LLP Partner Sabita J. Soneji has been appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in the consolidated class action against Patelco Credit Union, alleging that Patelco failed to safeguard its members’ data and failed to provide access to their funds. The $500 withdrawal limit after the cybersecurity event particularly frustrated customers, some of whom were unable to make larger critical payments.
Patelco Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the nation, serves communities across Northern California. This class action arose following a recent cyberattack and data breach where a known cybercriminal organization illegally obtained and released personal data of some of Patelco’s retail bank customers on the dark web. The compromised information includes names, addresses, contact details, Social Security numbers, and account numbers.
On June 29, 2024, Patelco announced via its website that it had experienced a cybersecurity incident, later confirmed to be a ransomware attack. Plaintiffs allege that Patelco breached its duty to safeguard its members’ personal information by failing to implement reasonable security procedures and practices. Plaintiffs also allege that, during and after the incident, Patelco failed to ensure that members could access their own funds, including businesses which counted on fund access to operate.
Ms. Soneji’s appointment to the leadership of this consolidated class action underscores her and Tycko & Zavareei’s reputation as leaders in consumer protection and data breach litigation. Ms. Soneji’s extensive experience in handling complex class actions will be invaluable in seeking justice for the affected Patelco members.
The consolidated case is Carl Cordell v. Patelco Credit Union, Case No. 24CV082095 in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Alameda.