In January 2023, Francesca’s, a women’s clothing retailer, suffered a data breach between **January 12 and January 31**, exposing sensitive customer and employee information—including **Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, account details, and addresses**. The breach led to a **class action lawsuit**, with plaintiffs alleging negligence in cybersecurity measures, claiming the company failed to implement adequate safeguards to prevent unauthorized access. The settlement allows affected individuals to claim **up to $1,500 for ordinary losses** (e.g., fraudulent transactions, identity theft mitigation) and **up to $5,000 for extraordinary losses** (e.g., severe financial harm or prolonged identity theft). Additional compensation includes **$25/hour for up to five hours of lost time** spent resolving breach-related issues. Customers not seeking reimbursement for losses can opt for a **flat $50 payment** ($75 for California residents). All claimants receive **two years of free credit monitoring**. The breach’s financial and reputational fallout is significant, with potential long-term trust erosion among customers. The lawsuit underscores the growing legal and operational risks companies face when failing to protect consumer data in an era of escalating cyber threats.
Source: https://www.ecoticias.com/en/francescas-shoppers-could-get-6500/23006/
francesca’s® cybersecurity rating report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/francesca-s-
"id": "fra5032350111025",
"linkid": "francesca-s-",
"type": "Breach",
"date": "1/2023",
"severity": "85",
"impact": "4",
"explanation": "Attack with significant impact with customers data leaks"{'affected_entities': [{'industry': 'Fashion/Retail',
'name': 'Francesca’s',
'type': 'Retail (Women’s Clothing)'}],
'customer_advisories': 'Affected customers can claim up to $1,500 for '
'ordinary losses, $5,000 for extraordinary losses, or '
'a flat $50 ($75 for California residents). Two years '
'of credit monitoring provided to all class members.',
'data_breach': {'data_exfiltration': 'Yes',
'personally_identifiable_information': 'Yes (SSNs, driver’s '
'license numbers, '
'addresses)',
'sensitivity_of_data': 'High (SSNs, driver’s license numbers)',
'type_of_data_compromised': ['Personally Identifiable '
'Information (PII)',
'Financial account information']},
'date_detected': '2023-01-31',
'description': 'A data breach at Francesca’s, a women’s clothing company, '
'occurred between January 12 and January 31, 2023. The breach '
'compromised shoppers’ and employees’ sensitive information, '
'including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, '
'account information, and addresses. The incident led to a '
'class action lawsuit, alleging that Francesca’s failed to '
'implement adequate cybersecurity measures to prevent the '
'breach. The company settled the lawsuit, offering '
'compensation to affected individuals, including up to $1,500 '
'for ordinary losses, up to $5,000 for extraordinary losses, '
'and additional payments for lost time. All class members also '
'receive two years of credit monitoring services.',
'impact': {'brand_reputation_impact': 'Negative (settlement and public '
'disclosure)',
'customer_complaints': 'Class action lawsuit filed',
'data_compromised': ['Social Security numbers',
'Driver’s license numbers',
'Account information',
'Addresses'],
'identity_theft_risk': 'High (PII exposed)',
'legal_liabilities': 'Class action lawsuit settled with '
'undisclosed sum',
'payment_information_risk': 'Moderate (account information '
'exposed)'},
'investigation_status': 'Settled (class action lawsuit resolved)',
'lessons_learned': 'Companies must prioritize robust cybersecurity frameworks '
'to prevent data breaches and potential lawsuits. '
'Proactive measures, such as regular security audits and '
'employee training, are critical to mitigating risks '
'associated with unauthorized access to sensitive customer '
'data.',
'motivation': 'Financial gain, identity theft',
'post_incident_analysis': {'corrective_actions': ['Settlement with affected '
'parties, including '
'financial compensation and '
'credit monitoring.',
'Likely internal review and '
'strengthening of '
'cybersecurity policies '
'(not explicitly '
'detailed).'],
'root_causes': 'Alleged inadequate cybersecurity '
'measures and failure to prevent '
'unauthorized access to sensitive '
'customer data.'},
'recommendations': ['Implement stronger cybersecurity protocols, including '
'encryption for sensitive data.',
'Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability '
'assessments.',
'Provide employee training on data protection and '
'phishing awareness.',
'Establish a clear incident response plan to minimize '
'damage in case of a breach.',
'Offer transparent communication and compensation to '
'affected parties to maintain trust.'],
'references': [{'date_accessed': '2025-11-10',
'source': 'Francesca’s Data Breach Settlement Notice'}],
'regulatory_compliance': {'legal_actions': 'Class action lawsuit (settled)'},
'response': {'communication_strategy': 'Public settlement announcement, '
'customer advisories for claims',
'recovery_measures': 'Settlement with affected parties, credit '
'monitoring services'},
'stakeholder_advisories': 'Customers advised to file claims by November 10, '
'2025, for compensation. Final approval hearing '
'scheduled for November 13, 2025.',
'title': 'Francesca’s Data Breach (2023)',
'type': 'Data Breach'}