Data security breach – Advice and guidance for residents
Published on 11/08/2021
We've recently contacted residents who may have been affected when Plentific Limited, who are one of our repairs providers, suffered a data security breach following a cyber-attack on its systems. This means that an unauthorised person or organisation has been able to access some of the data it holds.
As a result of the breach, we understand that some residents may have received an email that falsely claims to be from Plentific and/or L&Q – this is known as a phishing email. There are at least two versions of the email in circulation, both claiming that cryptocurrency (digital or virtual money, such as Bitcoin) should now be used to pay for repairs to your home.
L&Q does not use cryptocurrency as a form of currency or money transfer and have no plans to do so in the future. You should treat any communication of this kind as fraudulent and not from Plentific and/or L&Q.
L&Q and our partners will also never ask you to confirm your identity by asking for your bank details.
We are working with Plentific to fully investigate the incident and will share any updates with affected residents when they are available.
In the meantime, please contact us at plentificsupport@lqgroup.org.uk if you receive any request from L&Q or Plentific that you think may be fraudulent.
You can also report fraudulent communications of any kind to Action Fraud on www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
You will find advice on how to spot fraudulent communication and staying safe online on the Government’s National Cyber Security Centre website.
The Cyber Helpline provide free, expert help for victims of cybercrime and online harm.
To protect yourself from scammers and cyber criminals it's important that you never give out personal information without being certain the person or organisation requesting it is genuine.
Find out more on how to keep your personal information safe on our website.
As a result of the breach, we understand that some residents may have received an email that falsely claims to be from Plentific and/or L&Q – this is known as a phishing email. There are at least two versions of the email in circulation, both claiming that cryptocurrency (digital or virtual money, such as Bitcoin) should now be used to pay for repairs to your home.
L&Q does not use cryptocurrency as a form of currency or money transfer and have no plans to do so in the future. You should treat any communication of this kind as fraudulent and not from Plentific and/or L&Q.
L&Q and our partners will also never ask you to confirm your identity by asking for your bank details.
We are working with Plentific to fully investigate the incident and will share any updates with affected residents when they are available.
In the meantime, please contact us at plentificsupport@lqgroup.org.uk if you receive any request from L&Q or Plentific that you think may be fraudulent.
You can also report fraudulent communications of any kind to Action Fraud on www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
You will find advice on how to spot fraudulent communication and staying safe online on the Government’s National Cyber Security Centre website.
The Cyber Helpline provide free, expert help for victims of cybercrime and online harm.
To protect yourself from scammers and cyber criminals it's important that you never give out personal information without being certain the person or organisation requesting it is genuine.
Find out more on how to keep your personal information safe on our website.