Website updated August 15, 2017

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 Sutts, Strosberg LLP (now Strosberg Sasso Sutts 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.  If 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.