Choice Hotels Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation
Published: February 20, 2026 | By Nikki Feig, Marketing Manager & Senior Writer

Choice Hotels Data Breach: What You Need to Know

Choice Hotels International, Inc. has reported a data breach that occurred on January 14, 2026, affecting its franchisees and franchise applicants. This breach led to unauthorized access to sensitive personal information, impacting individuals in various states.

Timeline of Events

The breach took place on January 14, 2026, and was identified on the same day. Choice Hotels promptly acted to contain the breach and initiated an investigation, which concluded by January 26, 2026, confirming that certain records had been accessed. Notifications to consumers began on February 19, 2026.

Impact Summary

Individuals in Maine and Vermont were affected by this breach. Although the total number of affected individuals remains undisclosed, the breach involved sensitive personal information from franchisees and franchise applicants.

Information Exposed

Maine

  • Name
  • Contact Information
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth

Vermont

  • Name
  • Contact Information
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth

What Affected Individuals Should Do

Choice Hotels is offering two years of access to Epiq Privacy Solutions ID credit monitoring for those affected. This service aids in detecting potential misuse of information and provides identity protection solutions. Individuals should activate this service and follow additional steps provided in their notification letter to reduce the risk of identity theft.

Company Response

Following the breach, Choice Hotels has enhanced its security measures to further limit access to sensitive records and continues to improve security awareness training. The company has notified law enforcement and is cooperating with their investigation.

FAQ

Was my data exposed in the Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach?

If you are a franchisee or franchise applicant with Choice Hotels, your information may have been exposed during the breach on January 14, 2026. Notifications have been sent to affected individuals.

What information was stolen in the Choice Hotels International, Inc. data breach?

The breach involved names, contact details, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth of franchisees and franchise applicants.

How do I know if I was affected by the Choice Hotels International, Inc. breach?

Affected individuals should have received a notification letter from Choice Hotels. The company is offering credit monitoring services as part of its response to the breach.

What should I do if my data was exposed in the Choice Hotels International, Inc. breach?

Activate the provided credit monitoring service and follow the recommended steps to protect your personal information. Refer to the notification letter for detailed instructions.

How do I get free credit monitoring from Choice Hotels International, Inc.?

Choice Hotels is offering two years of free credit monitoring through Epiq Privacy Solutions. Affected individuals can find activation instructions in their notification letters.

Official Sources

Official Notice Documents

The following are official data breach notification documents filed with state attorneys general.

File a Claim