In a letter sent out to customers on Friday, Volkswagen, which also owns Audi, warned that an “unauthorized third party” obtained customer data from a North American vendor between 2019 and 2021. The data itself had been gathered by the vendor between 2014 and 2019 for sales and marketing purposes.
The data stolen included basic information like vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and model information, as well as customers’ driver license numbers, loan details, and in several cases, Social Security numbers and tax identification numbers.
Volkswagen said that it has contacted cybersecurity experts and law enforcement, and offered customers free identity theft insurance.
“We regret any inconvenience this may cause our current or potential customers,” VW said in a statement. “As always, we recommend that individuals remain alert for suspicious emails or other communications that might ask them to provide information about themselves or their vehicle.”
A true industrial behemoth, the Volkswagen Group is the world’s second-largest carmaker, by yearly revenue. In addition to its own brand, Volkswagen also owns Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT and Škoda, as well as Italian motorcycle firm Ducati, and truckmakers Man and Scania.
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