If you’re a Spectrum customer, this one’s for you.
Charter Communications, the company behind Spectrum internet and TV, confirmed a data breach. The hackers didn’t crack any sophisticated code or exploit a software flaw. They made a phone call.
A criminal group called ShinyHunters phoned Charter and used voice phishing (vishing) to talk their way into the company’s systems by compromising an employee’s Microsoft Entra account. No malware required. Just a convincing voice and an unsuspecting worker on the other end of the line. Once inside, they exported millions of records directly from Charter’s Salesforce database.
📋 Here’s what thieves say they took
According to the hackers, the stolen records contain customer names, email addresses, home addresses, phone numbers, account plan information and customer support ticket data. We’re talking over 42 million records containing personally identifiable information. For context, Charter serves about 32 million U.S. customers. (Spoiler: Some are duplicates or former customers. But still.)
Charter is pushing back. Their official statement: “No sensitive personal information or customer proprietary network information (CPNI) was exfiltrated.” But here’s the thing. ShinyHunters told reporters they specifically grabbed CPNI, which is essentially a record of your call history and service details. Someone isn’t telling the truth.
The hackers warned that the stolen data will be leaked publicly if negotiations don’t begin before May 27, 2026. This group does not bluff. Their standard playbook is “pay or leak.” If the company doesn’t pay the ransom, the stolen data gets released or sold on the dark web.
🔒 Lock it down right now
You don’t need to wait for Charter to mail you a letter.
First, freeze your credit at all three bureaus. Free. Permanent until you lift it. Takes 10 minutes and blocks anyone from opening accounts in your name.
Look for accounts you didn’t open, inquiries from lenders you never contacted and addresses where you’ve never lived.
- Equifax handles a massive portion of mortgage and car loan data. Equifax Credit Freeze, 1-800-685-1111
- Experian is often used by credit card issuers and tech companies. Experian Credit Freeze, 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion, the third pillar of the standard credit check. TransUnion Credit Freeze, 1-888-909-8872
- Innovis, the one most people miss, is a primary source for preapproved mailers and secondary identity verification. If a scammer finds a lender that pulls from Innovis, your other three freezes won’t stop them. Innovis Credit Freeze, 1-800-540-2505
Second, watch for targeted scams. The hackers have your phone number, address and account details. That’s enough to craft a very convincing fake Spectrum customer service call. If someone calls YOU about your Spectrum account, hang up and call 1-833-267-6094 directly.
Third, change your Spectrum account password today, and turn on two-factor authentication under My Account > Security Settings.
The call came from inside the house. Don’t let the next one get you.
🗣️ TEXT/POST THIS STAT: 42 million Spectrum customer records were stolen in a single fake phone call. The hackers threaten to release everything on May 27. Here’s what to do right now. GetKim.com
📩 Send this to someone who pays a Spectrum or Charter bill every month.