SSA Long Con Scams on the Rise

In recent months, there has been an alarming increase in long con scams targeting Social Security Numbers (SSNs). These scams are designed to steal sensitive personal information and exploit individuals through highly orchestrated and deceitful tactics. According to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG), scammers are evolving their methods, and […]

NationalPublicData.com Breach Exposes 2.9 Billion SSNs: Protect Yourself

We previously reported last month that NationalPublicData.com, a widely-used public data aggregation platform, had suffered a massive system breach, exposing 2.9 billion Social Security Numbers (SSNs). This incident marks one of the largest data breaches in history, leaving millions vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. As details continue to unfold, it’s important to understand what […]

2.9 Billion SSN Records on Dark Web

A background check service known as National Public Data (NPD) just confirmed that their system has been breached. The company stated that “the breached data may include names, email addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers (SSNs) and mailing addresses.” Ten days ago a large portion of the database was leaked with an enormous amount of […]

110 Million AT&T Call & Text Logs Stolen

Last Friday, July 12th, Telecom giant AT&T revealed that they experienced a data breach impacting nearly all of their wireless customers. The company announced on April 19th, that “hackers exfiltrated records of customer call and text interactions from May 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022” and also on January 2, 2023. AT&T is in process […]

Millions Potentially Exposed by Neiman Marcus Breach

Dallas-based Neiman Marcus Group (NMG), a luxury department store chain that includes Bergdorf Goodman, recently learned that an unauthorized party gained access to a cloud database platform used by NMG that is provided by a third party named Snowflake. The company notified Maine’s Attorney General’s Office that the breach has impacted more than 64,000 customers. […]

Gamers Hit with Social Engineering Attack

Our security teams have recently discovered that Shadow.tech, a cloud computing service developed by the French company Blade and later acquired by OBHcloud founder Octave Klaba in 2021 has been breached. Its technology is based on Window 10 server executing video games or other Windows software applications remotely. The breach origin date is October, 2023 […]

Nationwide Cyberattack Paralyzes Auto Dealerships

If you have been trying to buy a car this summer, you might have hit a snag or two. Dealerships have had to go back to good old fashioned pen and paper to complete deals after their operations suddenly came to a complete halt. What happened? Hackers targeted CDK Global, a software company that 15,000 […]

Update – Ticketmaster/Live Nation Breach Alert: 560 Million Fans Impacted

Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC is an American ticket sales and distribution company based in Beverly Hills, California with operations in many countries around the world. In 2010, it merged with Live Nation under the name Live Nation Entertainment. Ticketing giant Live Nation confirmed this summer that it has been the victim of a cyber attack. We […]

Financial Tips for 2024 Grads

It’s that exciting time of year! Cap and gowns are coming in and Pomp and Circumstance is running through your head as you prepare for the big event. If you’re a parent of a soon-to-be high school graduate, dollar signs may be running through your head as well, along with advice … and lots of […]

ALERT: Toll Smishing Text Scam – Do Not Click!

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, the FBI and SunPass are warning drivers of a text message smishing scam that requests payment for unpaid tolls. The FBI is recommending that if you receive a message like the one shown below, to take the following actions: – Do not click the link in the text. – […]

AI Voice Cloning is on the Rise

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool that can be used for beneficial purposes but it is also used to harm by scammers. Approximately one in ten adults have been targeted with a robocall claiming a family emergency and that a loved one needs money. These types of calls are set up through voice cloning and […]

AT&T Breach Alert: 73 Million Impacted

Our security teams have recently discovered that AT&T, one of the main US telecommunications companies, has suffered an enormous data breach. Data from 73 million current and former customers has been leaked on the dark web. In August, 2021, the company originally said that they did not suffer a data breach after a well-known threat […]

Consumer Fraud Losses Top $10 Billion

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently released data showing that consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023. This marks a 14% increase over reported losses in 2022. Fraud data came from 2.6 million consumers last year, nearly the same as 2022. Consumers reported to the FTC that they lost more money […]

Keeping Kids Safe from Recruitment Scams

More than half of all workers worldwide are actively searching for another job or watching for openings. Are you one of them? Although it can be an exciting time to find a new career or income stream, the job search process can be very stressful, time-consuming and possibly full of disappointment. Scammers are taking advantage […]

Boeing Breach Alert

Our security teams have recently discovered that The Boeing Company has experienced a ranson breach alert. Boeing is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotocraft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles worldwide. The hacking origin date is November, 2023 and impacts 50,000. Data exposed include email addresses, phone numbers, physical addresses, […]

Help Spread the Word: Identity Theft Awareness Week

Welcome to Identity Theft Awareness Week. January 29th to February 2nd, otherwise known as #IDTheftWeek, exists to spread resources so you and your loved ones can stay ahead of identity thieves. Whether you’re a business owner, a young adult, a service member, an older adult or someone caring for a senior, understand that knowledge is […]

Even Frosty Can Get Scammed

2024 is already looking like a doozy on the winter storm chaos-meter. We are barely two weeks into the new year and winter storms are wreaking havoc across the country. No surprise that utility scammers and unlicensed contractors are targeting those affected. Although utility imposter scams have been around for years, fraudsters are getting extra […]

Investment Opportunity or Not? Keeping Eyes on Your 💰

One of the top scams of the century involving investments is making a comeback in 2024. A fixed deposit, otherwise known as a term deposit, has traditionally been an investment plan that allows you to earn a safe guaranteed rate of interest for a lump sum over a fixed period of time. Funds can be […]

Holiday Rental Scams are Not on Your Wish List

There is expected to be over 115 million people traveling this holiday season. If you and your family are in the same boat (or plane or car or train), please be aware that holiday rental scams are abundant and there isn’t any hope that they are going away anytime soon. If you are renting a […]

Scammers are Impersonating FTC Inspector General Katsaros

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released that scammers are using the names of their employees, including the Inspector General Andrew Katsaros to trick people into sending money or giving up their personal identifying information (PII). What you need to know: – The FTC won’t threaten you or demand a payment. If you receive a […]

How to Spot a Scam with Children’s Health Insurance

The cost of health care has skyrocketed in the United States. The very topic is as stressful as it is expensive. Did you know that the United States is the highest spending country on healthcare worldwide? In 2021, total health expenditure exceeded four trillion dollars with per capita health expenditure at $12,555.30. Statista Research recently […]

Major Eyewear Company: Over 70 Million Hacked

Our security teams have recently discovered large data sets of compromised cyber elements on the Dark Web. On May 19th, the world’s largest eyewear company, Luxottica, confirmed reports of a 2021 data breach from a vendor’s computer network that leaked private information. Luxottica, based in Milan, Italy, designs and manufactures sunglass and prescription frames. Brands […]

Breach Alert Impacts 1.2 Million: RentoMojo.com

Our security teams have recently discovered that online furniture and electronics rental startup RentoMojo has confirmed a data breach. The hacking origin date is April 23, 2023 and impacts 1.2 million. Personal identifying information data exposed include email addresses, user id, phone number, nationality and passport numbers. The company reported that the attackers were able […]

Triple Date Breach Climbs to 25 Million: TruthFinder, Instant Checkmate and Gemini

Our security teams have recently discovered that over 25 million people have been impacted by data breaches involving TruthFinder, Instant Checkmate and Gemini. Both TruthFinder and Instant Checkmate are subscription-based websites owned by PeopleConnect that allow users to do background checks on people by utilizing public records. The breaches for both companies occurred on April […]

Consumers Lost Nearly $8.8 Billion to Scams in 2022

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently released data showing that consumers lost over $8 billion to scams in 2022. This massive loss is an increase of more than 30% compared to 2021. The majority of the crimes came from investment scams ($3.8 billion) and imposter scams ($2.6 billion). Online shopping scams were more commonly […]

Online Music Streaming Service Breach Impacts Billions

Our security teams have recently discovered that a former deezer.com partner experienced a data breach in 2019 that has impacted 257 billion users. Deezer is a France-based music streaming platform. Leaked information includes users’ dates of birth, email addresses, genders, geographic locations, IP addresses, names, spoken languages and/or surnames. The hacking dates back to mid-2019 […]

Update for 200 Million Breach

Our security teams have discovered that hackers stole the email addresses of more than 200 million Twitter users  and posted them on an online hacking forum. The Twitter breach origin date was July 2022. Data exposed includes name, phone number, email address and account holder user IDs. We first reported the breach on December 6, […]

FBI’s Vetted Threat Sharing Network Hacked

Just recently, our security teams have discovered large data sets of compromised cyber elements on the Dark Web. The breached site is InfraGard.org, which is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and key members of the private sector for the protection of the United States critical infrastructure. InfraGard members are in roles […]

Twitter Data Breach Alert

Just recently our security teams have found that Twitter, a popular social media service, has been breached. At least 5.4 million accounts have been compromised. The breach origin date is July, 2022 and data exposed includes name, phone number, email address and account holder user IDs. Twitter acknowledged publicly that they received a report through […]

Keeping Your Holidays Happy and Fraud-free

Yes, it’s that wonderful time of year. The holidays are quickly approaching … and at lightning speed! Will you be traveling to see family in the next few weeks? Or, maybe you’ll be skipping off to a great vacation instead of decking the halls? Whatever your plans are, having time off of work, fun with […]

Experian Boost is Here

It is now possible to raise your credit FICO score instantly with Experian Boost! This new feature has been added to our website to help you increase your score by an average of 13 points*.   In seconds you can get: – Credit for the utility bills you’ve been paying from your bank account. – […]

Hurricane Ian Scams: Protecting Yourself from Charity and Disaster Fraud

On September 28th, Ian, the fifth strongest hurricane on record in the United States, slammed into Florida as a category four. Devastation, flooding, loss of life and significant property damage along the rest of Ian’s path occurred in multiple states over the next few days. Following natural disasters like Ian, charity and disaster schemes from […]

Student Loan Scams Are On The Rise

On August 24th, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the one-time federal student loan debt relief plan. While the forgiveness plan is designed to help many low and middle-income families, we are now seeing an increase in scams that have the potential to hurt them badly. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests some ways to avoid being […]

Guard Well Appoints New Chief Technology Officer and VP of Operations

CINCINNATI, OH – September 1, 2022 Guard Well Identity Theft Solutions today announced the appointment of Bradley Amster, Owner of Data Design Systems, as Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Operations. Amster holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing/Management from the University of Cincinnati. Since 2011, Amster has provided web design and in-depth […]

Guarding Against Business Identity Theft

Individuals aren’t the only targets for identity theft. Corporate, also known as commercial identity theft, saw a 46% increase last year according to the National Cybersecurity Society (NCSS). Although businesses of all sizes are at risk, small businesses are particularly vulnerable. “Small business identity theft—stealing a business’ identity to commit fraud—is big business for identity […]

Data Breach Alert: T-Mobile 100 Million Impacted

The Associated Press reported yesterday that communications giant T-Mobile confirmed there was unauthorized access to ‘some T-Mobile data’ but that the company is still determining the scope of the breach and who was affected. T-Mobile is actively investigating the leak after someone took to an online underground forum offering to sell personal information from more […]

University of California and StreetEasy: Dark Web Fraud Alert

Our teams have discovered extremely large sets of compromised data on the Dark Web. The latest two websites involved are University of California and StreetEasy.com.   The University of California (UC) is the world’s leading public research university system. Like several hundred other institutions throughout the country, including universities, government institutions and private companies, UC […]

Zoofari 2021: Through the Zoo

We are so excited that Zoofari is back in 2021! Once again, we are a sponsor of this ‘party of the year’ in the most unique space in the city. From dinner-by-the-bite samples by Cincinnati’s amazing local restaurants, creative cocktails and entertainment, as an attendee you will also be able to wander through themed sections […]

The Biggest Ransomware Attack Ever

On Friday, July 2nd, an affiliate of the REvil gang (Russian-linked) infected millions of victims in at least 17 countries via the US IT software company Kayesa. Our cybersecurity team has learned that the company’s software was used to slip into victims’ systems, which they’re now holding hostage.   The hackers have demanded $70 million […]

Stolen Data of 533 Million Facebook Users Leaked Online

Facebook, the most popular social media platform worldwide, has experienced another leak. This weekend we learned that the phone numbers and personal data of 533 million users were published for free.   Business Insider reported that “the exposed data includes the personal information of over 533 million Facebook users from 106 countries, including over 32 […]

RedDorz and Foxtons: Dark Web Fraud Alert

Our teams have discovered extremely large sets of compromised data on the Dark Web. The latest two websites involved are RedDorz.com and Foxtons.com.   RedDoorz.com is a Singapore-based hotel management and booking platform. Their breach size involves 5.8 million records: first name, last name, email address, password, gender, phone number, and date of birth. The […]

Dramatic Spike in Unemployment Fraud: What You Need to Know

We have seen a dramatic spike in unemployment fraud, PPP fraud and SBA loan fraud.   Some of you may have received or will be receiving unemployment benefits. Or, maybe you are an employer and have received notice that an employee of yours applied for unemployment benefits. The thieves simply apply for benefits or loans […]

Romwe.com Breach Impacting 23 Million

Our security teams have recently discovered several large sets of compromised data on the Dark Web. The website, Romwe.com, has been affected.   Romwe is a Chinese fashion retailer founded in 2008. Headquartere in Nanjing, China, Romwe deals with a wide range of trending fashion items for men, women and children. The breach date was […]

Guard Well Awarded Most Promising Solution Provider – 2020

Enterprise Security Magazine has once again recognized Guard Well Identity Theft Solutions in their CIOReview as one of the most promising Identity Governance and Administration Solution Providers. The magazine previously featured Guard Well’s Founder and CEO in their article Protecting Your Employees and Company Bottom Line.   Most firms have a considerable stockpile of end-of-life […]

Guard Well Introduces Three Bureau Credit Report & Score Center

Now more than ever, having the right identity theft protection in place is critical. “Cyberattacks, especially phishing scams, are on the rise and that means that identity theft rates are increasing as well,” remarks E. Allan Hilsinger, Founder and CEO of Guard Well Identity Theft Solutions. “Although identity theft is not preventable, it is key […]

Websites with Compromised Data on the Dark Web

Our security teams have recently discovered several large sets of compromised data on the Dark Web. The websites listed below have been affected. If you have visited these websites or have engaged in business activity with any of these companies, please call us at 888.966.GUARD (4827) to speak with a fraud resolution specialist. Likewise, if […]

Guard Well Recognized as Top 10 IAM Solutions Provider

Enterprise Security Magazine has once again recognized Guard Well Identity Theft Solutions as a Top 10 Identity and Access Management (IAM) Solutions Provider. The magazine first featured Guard Well’s Founder and CEO earlier this year. Check out the article: “Protecting Your Employees and Company Bottom Line.” Guard Well is available 24/7/365 at 888.966.GUARD (4827) or […]

The Quick Rise of Phishing Scams – Do Not Click!

Many of us have been experiencing much more free time on our hands, which is great if you enjoy the sport of fishing, have a pile of books to read or Netflix shows to catch up on. Unless you are on the front line, life, as we know it during this pandemic, has forced the […]

And More Coronavirus Scams …

We are monitoring updates surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic around the clock. This environment is a breeding ground for scams to take advantage of you and your identity. Rest assured that we are here to help and will communicate with you every step of the way.   The following is the latest information that we […]

Coronavirus Scams are on the Rise

COVID-19 is a breeding ground for scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has alerted consumers that scammers are taking advantage of the panic and fear surrounding the global pandemic. “They’re setting up websites to sell bogus products, and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get […]

Tips to Lower Your Fraud Risk this Tax Season

It’s tax season! For some, preparing and filing taxes is an hour or two-long process; for others, it’s a week or more. By year-end, the majority of us know if we will owe or if we are due to receive a refund … it’s just a matter of how much … and we are happy […]

Cybersecurity Trends in Store for 2020

Did you know that the first documented ransomware attack was more than 30 years ago in 1989? That was around the time when a mobile phone was called a bag phone because it sat in a big black bag in your passenger seat … and that curly cord was wound so tight it hardly let […]

Founder and CEO on iHeartRadio 700WLW Podcast

On December 5, 2019, Guard Well Identity Theft Solutions Founder and CEO was interviewed by Rocky and Rachel on Cincinnati’s News Radio 700WLW. Topics discussed during the ten-minute segment (51:50 to 60:52) include the risk of living in a technologically advanced society, what a digital footprint is and how to reduce the risk of your […]

Scams, Scams and More Darn Scams

Did you know that there are at least 48 different types of identity theft and the number of scams involved in each is growing daily? Romance scams, residence scams, utility scams, employment scams, telephone scams, email scams, charity scams, Apple care scams, AirBNB scams, PayPal scams, census scams, ticket scams, government scams, medical scams, insurance […]

SIM Swap Attack – the New Hijack

Imagine no texting, no service, and no data for a minute. Yikes! Halloween or not, the lack of being able to connect is a very scary thought and it can happen to any of us due to a tiny piece of plastic called a SIM card. There is a SIM (subscriber identity module) in every […]

BBB’s Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics

Join us in celebrating businesses and charities that go above and beyond to exemplify ethical behavior and create a trusted marketplace. We are a proud sponsor of the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Awards event, which will take place Friday, October 18th at the Sharonville Convention Center 11:30am – 1:30pm.   2019 Torch Award Winners include: […]

DoorDash Data Breach: How to Tell if You’ve Been Hacked

Remember when home-cooked meals happened six nights a week instead of just during the holidays? I don’t really do either. Delivery is indeed a major convenience though. From groceries and prescriptions to corporate lunches, family dinners and late night snacks, if you can order it on an app, such as Uber Eats, it can be […]

Accidentally Clicked on a Phishing Link – Now What

You know that searing flush-faced feeling when you pretty much know you made a mistake with a slip of the finger? Sometimes it’s sending a text too soon or responding to an email without editing your response. Other times it’s when you click on something you likely shouldn’t have … and then the “uh oh” […]

DNA – Genetic Testing Hacks

Yes, we all would love to know more about our pasts … some from a medical necessity and others just from plain curiosity. Unfortunately, genetic testing is one of the newer “gotcha” identity theft hacks. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of Inspector General has just alerted the public about this new fraud […]

Zoofari 2019

Join us! We are a proud sponsor of Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Zoofari event, which will take place Friday, September 13, 2019 from 6:30 pm to midnight. This year’s theme is A Masquerade Ball.   Zoofari attracts over 2,600 guests and raises integral support for the Zoo’s initiatives, including the care and sustenance of […]

Capital One Breach Alert – 100 Million Impacted

The Wall Street Journal reports that this latest massive consumer data breach stands to be one of the worst for U.S. consumers because of the type of financial information that was accessed. The hacker accessed personal information of Capital One credit card customers and applicants in the U.S and 6 million in Canada. “This valuable […]

Top 10 Identity and Access Management Solution Providers – 2019

An Intelligent Way to Protect Your Employees Guard Well Identity Theft Solutions was listed as one of the “Top 10 Identity and Access Management (IAM) Solutions Providers – 2019” in Enterprise Security Magazine. “What has intrigued us the most is that Guard Well always takes the driver’s seat in addressing the identity theft and restoration […]

Guard Well Presenting Sponsor BBB Torch Awards

For the past 18 years, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the BBB Center for Ethics have given awards to students, businesses and nonprofits at the Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics for aligning with their mission – to provide ethics education, direction, and recognition to the community, for the purpose of strengthening the career lives of future and […]