College Students, Families Sue Herff Jones Following Data Breach

By Emma Atkinson, WNIN

June 17, 2021

Multiple families have brought suit against Indianapolis-based education service company Herff Jones following a data breach that left customers’ personal and financial information unprotected.

In a series of three separate lawsuits filed in late May, college students and their families allege that Herff Jones did not do enough to protect their information and failed to inform affected customers in a timely manner after the cyber attack.

One lawsuit states that the data breach affected college students in at least 14 states, including Indiana. Some plaintiffs allege they faced fraudulent charges of up to $3,000 on credit or debit cards. All had purchased or rented graduation-related products, like class rings or caps and gowns, from the company.

Each of the suits requests a jury trial.

In a May 12 news release, Herff Jones said it was aware of the breach and apologized to customers.

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