COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Some Camden residents said they’re left with more questions than answers after getting a notice from a local accounting firm, warning that their personal information may have been exposed.
According to a notice on Sheheen, Hancock & Godwin, LLP’s website, an unknown actor downloaded files from its network earlier this year.
When Robert Baskins checked his mail, he didn’t expect to find a notice saying his personal information may be in the wrong hands.
“This is ridiculous, and we can’t get no answers about it,” he said.
The firm said the unusual activity happened in April. After investigating in May, they learned an unknown person had downloaded files from the company’s network. Just last month, they confirmed those files may have included personal information — like Social Security numbers, bank details, and even medical records.
Baskins’ mother, Eva Baskins, also got a notice but said her family has never done business with the firm.
“That’s concerning. It’s real concerning, and somebody needs to check it and see what’s happening,” she said.
The firm said in its notice that it has since secured its systems and is strengthening its cybersecurity policies. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions, including how many people were impacted, why notifications took months to send, and why some non-clients were notified.
WIS went to the firm in person to get answers, but was told to speak with their attorney. The firm has yet to provide the name of its attorney.
Richard Brooks, a computer engineering professor at Clemson University who specializes in cybersecurity, says data breaches like this are becoming more common.
“That is getting worse and worse,” he said.
He added that there are things people can do to try to safeguard their information.
“The best thing you can do is take care of the monitoring solutions that they have,” he said. “And just be aware and try to limit how much of your personal data you’re putting out there — but that’s getting to be more and more difficult all the time, simply because your data is valuable and people are trying to take advantage of it.”
The firm is urging anyone who received a notice to keep a close eye on their accounts and credit reports. It’s also offering a year of free credit monitoring and identity protection services.
According to the notice, anyone with questions or concerns can call the firm’s call center at 1-833-844-8187.
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