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ParkMobile Data Breach: What You Need to Know

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 4 March 2025
  • 13 mins read

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Cybercriminals never stop exploiting vulnerabilities, and repeated breaches make personal data even more valuable on the dark web. ParkMobile, a widely used parking app, suffered a massive data breach in 2021, which compromised the personal information of over 21 million users. 

Now, after years of legal battles, the company has agreed to settle—but in the meantime, how many times has your data been exposed or misused?

A closer look at the settlement terms reveals significant concerns about inadequate compensation for affected users. Let’s break down the details, the ongoing risks, and what steps you should take to protect yourself.

What Happened in the ParkMobile Data Breach?

ParkMobile initially reported a cybersecurity breach on March 26, 2021, after hackers exploited a vulnerability in a third-party software system. This led to the exposure of sensitive user data, but the extent of its misuse over the past years remains unclear.

Key Points

  • The breach compromised the personal data of 21 million users.
  • Affected users were included in a class-action lawsuit against ParkMobile.
  • The company is now settling the lawsuit with a $9 million cash payout and $21 million in app credits.
  • During the lengthy litigation, the compromised data could have been exploited multiple times on hacker forums and for identity theft schemes.

Despite the settlement, many argue that the compensation is insufficient, especially considering the prolonged exposure of customer data.

ParkMobile Data Breach

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What Data Was Exposed?

Investigations indicate that the stolen data may include:

  • Names and personally identifiable information (PII)
  • ParkMobile account details
  • Other undisclosed sensitive records

The prolonged time between the breach and the settlement means that bad actors may have already used or sold this data multiple times, increasing the risk of fraud.

What Are the Risks of This Breach?

With years passing since the original breach, cybercriminals may have continued to exploit stolen data, leading to serious security concerns. If your information was exposed in the ParkMobile breach, you could be at risk for:

  • Phishing & Social Engineering Attacks: Hackers may have used compromised data to send fraudulent emails, tricking you into revealing more sensitive information.
  • Financial Fraud & Identity Theft: Stolen personal details can be used for fraudulent transactions, loans, or even new accounts opened in your name.
  • Multiple Unauthorized Data Sales: Data from high-profile breaches often gets resold multiple times, meaning your information could still be circulating among different groups of cybercriminals.

What Should You Do If Your Data Was Compromised?

If you were a user of ParkMobile, we recommend taking immediate action to secure your personal information:

  1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your banking statements and credit reports for any inquiries or transactions you did not authorize.
  1. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Stay alerted to emails or messages impersonating ParkMobile or other familiar services.
  1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding extra security layers to your accounts can prevent unauthorized access.
  1. Consider a Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert: If you're worried about identity theft, request a credit freeze or place a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus.

How to Minimize Damage After a Data Breach

Since this breach occurred years ago, cybercriminals have had ample time to misuse your data. Take these steps immediately:

  1. Change Your Passwords – Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts. 
  2. Stay Alert for Scam Calls & Emails – Fraudsters may still be using your leaked data for ongoing phishing attacks. 
  3. Demand Transparency – Push for stronger cybersecurity measures from companies handling your personal data.
  4. Enable Dark Web Monitoring – PureVPN scans the dark web and notify you if your data appears in illicit marketplaces. 

Enable PureVPN's Dark Web Monitoring 

Here's how you can use Dark Web Monitoring and take action before it's too late:

  1. Install PureVPN on your device or update your existing VPN app.
  2. Visit the Members Area to get access.
  3. Go to Dark Web Monitoring from the main menu.
Enable PureVPN's Dark Web Monitoring 

4. Select Add Assets to Monitor.

5. Add your email address, SSN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number.  

6. Mention the code sent to your registered number, and you’re done.

Select Add Assets to Monitor

7. Take the recommended steps if your data is part of a breach. 

8. You can mark the breaches as resolved. 

You can mark the breaches as resolved

Use Dark Web Monitoring to Get Alerts About Information Leaks

Your personal information is a target for hackers and scammers, that will ruin your online identity and finances.

Imagine losing your hard-earned money, your reputation, and your peace of mind to a cybercriminal.

With PureVPN, you can scan the Dark Web 24/7 and receive alert notifications whenever someone posts your private information (Email Address, Phone Number, Credit Card Number, SSN, Passport Number). Get instant Dark Web Alerts and the power to stop data breaches dead in their tracks.

Get Dark Web Alerts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Was the ParkMobile breach caused by ransomware?

    Plus

    No, this breach resulted from a security vulnerability rather than ransomware or extortion tactics.

  • How do I know if my data was compromised in the ParkMobile breach?

    Plus

    If you were a ParkMobile user before March 26, 2021, your data was likely exposed. Even if you have not received a direct notification, it is crucial to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

  • Can my data still be used for financial fraud?

    Plus

    Yes, compromised personally identifiable information (PII) can be exploited for fraudulent transactions, identity theft, and phishing attempts,even years after the initial breach.

  • What penalties could ParkMobile face?

    Plus

    While ParkMobile is settling the lawsuit, it may still face regulatory scrutiny for its handling of the breach and delayed compensation process.

The Bottom Line

A data breach from 2021 is finally being settled, but the damage may have already been done multiple times over. Companies must be held accountable for long-term security failures, and consumers should take proactive measures to secure their data.

If you were affected, don’t assume the risk is over—act now to protect yourself.

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