Posted On March 14, 2022 Consumer Privacy & Data Breaches

Data Breach Alert: Bolton Global Capital, Inc.

March 14, 2022 – Recently, Bolton Global Capital, Inc. announced a data security incident resulting in the sensitive information of as many as 6,354 individuals being compromised. It is essential those who receive a data breach notification from Bolton Global Capital understand what is at risk. The data breach lawyers at Console & Associates, P.C. are actively investigating the Bolton Global Capital data breach on behalf of people whose information was exposed. As a part of our investigation, we are providing free consultations to anyone affected by the breach who is interested in learning more about the risks of identity theft, what they can do to protect themselves, and what their legal options may be to obtain compensation from Bolton Global Capital.

In 2021, there were 1,862 data breaches affecting more than 189,000,000 individuals. Victims of identity theft spend, on average, 200 hours and more than $1,300 recovering their identity. Many of these victims also suffer credit damage, emotional distress, and may even end up with a criminal record. Taking immediate action is the best way to prevent the worst consequences of a data breach.

What We Know So Far About the Bolton Global Capital Breach

According to a letter from the company to affected parties, on September 8, 2021, Bolton Global Capital discovered unauthorized activity on its computer network. In response, the company secured its systems and engaged in an investigation to learn more about the incident and whether any consumer information was compromised. The company’s investigation revealed that an unauthorized party gained access to certain systems between August 12 and September 9, 2021.

Upon learning of the extent of the security breach, Bolton Global Capital then reviewed the affected files to determine what information was accessible to the unauthorized party. On February 8, 2022, the company completed its review of the files. While the compromised information varies by consumer, it may include your Social Security number, driver’s license number, and bank account number.

On March 10, 2022, Bolton Global Capital began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals whose information was compromised as a result of the recent data security incident. The Bolton Global Capital breach may have impacted as many as 6,354 individuals.

Bolton Global Capital is a wealth management firm and brokerage/advisor based in Bolton, MA. The company was founded in 1985 with the opening of a single office. Since then, Bolton Global Capital has grown to include over 50 affiliated offices across the world. The company currently manages more than $12 billion in client assets. In addition to wealth-management services, Bolton Global Capital also provides trustee services, retirement planning services, cash management services and lending services to its clients.

Can Consumers Whose Data Was Leaked Pursue Legal Action Against a Company?

When you allowed Bolton Global Capital access to your personal data, you trusted the company to keep your sensitive information safe. However, news of the Bolton Global Capital data breach raises some very serious questions about the company’s data security measures and whether the company could have done more to prevent this type of cyber-attack.

Regardless of the industry, all businesses have a legal obligation to protect consumer information in their possession. Although creating and maintaining a data security system is costly, this is a necessary expense given the frequency with which cyberattacks occur.

Consumers whose personal, identifying, financial or healthcare-related data was compromised in a data breach can pursue legal action against a company that misused or mishandled their information. However, the investigation into the Bolton Global Capital breach is only in its beginning phases. For that reason, it is too early to tell if Bolton Global Capital was legally responsible for the breach. However, our data breach attorneys are investigating the Bolton Global Capital security breach to determine the potential legal remedies of those affected.

If you have questions about your ability to pursue a data breach class action lawsuit against Bolton Global Capital, contact a data breach attorney as soon as possible.

What to Do If You Received a Data Breach Notification from Bolton Global Capital

If you receive a data breach notification from Bolton Global Capital in the coming weeks, it means your personal data was among that which was compromised in the recent cyberattack. It also means a cybercriminal may have had access to—and may have stolen—your personal data. Given the risks involved, it is important you remain vigilant by taking the following steps:

1. Figure Out What Information Was Stolen: Carefully review the data breach letter sent by Bolton Global Capital, keeping in mind the information you provided to the company as well as the type of data that was compromised in the breach. You should also take a copy of the data breach letter and keep it for your records. Of course, data breach letters are not always easy to understand. A consumer privacy lawyer can help victims of a data breach understand what was compromised and how to protect themselves.
2. Prevent the Hacker from Accessing Your Accounts: Once you determine the scope of the breach and how it affected you, you should take all steps to prevent cybercriminals from accessing your credit or financial accounts. For example, you should change all passwords and security questions for your online accounts. You should also consider setting up multi-factor authentication where it is available.
3. Protect Your Credit and Your Financial Accounts: In the wake of a data breach, companies usually provide free credit monitoring services for a specified period of time. This is not a gimmick, and you do not give up any rights by taking a company up on their offer. Additionally, you should contact one of the three main credit bureaus to request a copy of your credit report. Even if you do not notice any signs of fraud or unauthorized activity, it is a good idea to request a fraud alert. Fraud alerts are free and serve as a red flag to potential lenders and creditors that your information was compromised.
4. Consider a Credit Freeze: A credit freeze prevents access to your credit report unless you specifically authorize it. Credit freezes are free and last until you remove them. While placing a credit freeze on your accounts may initially seem like a drastic measure, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center (“ITRC”), doing so is the “single most effective way to prevent a new credit/financial account from being opened.” However, ITRC reports that just 3% of consumers whose information is leaked place a freeze on their accounts. Once a credit freeze is in place, you can temporarily lift the freeze if you need to apply for any type of credit.
5. Regularly Monitor Your Credit Report and Financial Accounts: Protecting yourself in the wake of a data breach is not a one-time task. You should continually monitor your credit report and all financial accounts, keeping an eye out for any signs of unauthorized activity or fraud. You may also consider calling your banks and credit card companies to report the fact that your information was compromised in a data breach.

If You Have Questions About Your Rights Following the Bolton Global Capital Data Breach, Console & Associates, P.C. Can Help

At Console & Associates, P.C., our consumer privacy lawyers monitor all security and data breaches to help affected consumers pursue their legal remedies. We offer free consultations to victims of data breaches and can explain your rights in clear, understandable terms so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed with your case. If you’ve been affected by the Bolton Global Capital data breach or any other data security incident, Console & Associates, P.C., will investigate your case at no charge and offer you thorough advice about how to most effectively proceed with your case. If you decide to bring a case, we only get paid if you do. If your claim is successful, any legal fees are either paid by the defendant or come out of the funds recovered from the defendant. If your claim doesn’t result in a recovery, you will pay nothing.

To schedule your free consultation, just call (866) 778-5500 today or fill out our secure contact form.