Skip to main content
Jump to a category page

For five days in September, an unauthorized person had access to customer data in the online store of Hitec Group USA, the radio-control servo and hobby electronics brand. Names, addresses, emails, phone numbers and order history were accessed.

Hitec Group USA, Inc. reported the incident to the California Attorney General, which posted it on Oct. 27, 2026. According to Hitec’s Notice of Data Breach, the company became aware on Sept. 19, 2026, that an unauthorized person had reached data in its online store through compromised login credentials belonging to a third-party application. The notice says the unauthorized activity took place from Sept. 13 through Sept. 17, 2026.

A third-party application is software from an outside company that plugs into a website, such as a tool that helps run an online store. Hitec’s notice says the person got in by using that application’s stolen credentials.

Emery | Reddy is investigating the Hitec data breach on behalf of customers who may be affected.

Harmful Code Was Removed From the Store Website

After learning of the incident, Hitec and its vendor began investigating and took steps to shut off the unauthorized access, according to the notice. The notice says the affected application was disabled and that “harmful code and unauthorized website content were removed.”

The notice does not explain what the harmful code did or how long it was on the site. It also does not list payment card information among the data accessed. Hitec says it will prepare a report on its investigation, and customers may request a copy by mail or email.

A 38-Day Gap Before the Breach Became Public

Hitec learned of the breach on Sept. 19, 2026. The California Attorney General posted the breach report on Oct. 27, 2026, 38 days later. Hitec has not publicly explained the timing. Hitec also has not disclosed how many customers were affected.

What Information Was Exposed?

According to Hitec’s Notice of Data Breach, the following information was accessed:

  • Names
  • Email addresses
  • Shipping and billing addresses
  • Phone numbers
  • Order history

What Is Hitec Offering Affected Customers?

Hitec’s notice does not describe free credit monitoring or identity protection. It encourages customers to review account statements and credit reports and explains how to place a fraud alert or security freeze. The notice directs questions to Experian; customers should check their letter for the phone number and hours.

Why Order History Makes Scams More Convincing

Contact details on their own may seem low risk. Paired with order history, they are not. A scammer who knows a customer’s name, address, phone number and exactly what that customer bought can send a fake shipping notice, warranty offer or refund message that looks real. These targeted messages, often called phishing, try to trick people into sharing passwords, card numbers or other sensitive information.

Steps that reduce the risk:

  • Be cautious with any email, text or call that mentions a past Hitec order
  • Do not click links in unexpected messages about refunds or shipping problems
  • Review card and bank statements for charges you do not recognize
  • Change the password on any account that shares a password with the Hitec store
  • Request Hitec’s investigation report if more detail would help

Do You Have Legal Options?

Online stores that collect customer information have a duty to protect it, including when they rely on outside software vendors. When that duty is not met, affected customers may have legal rights and remedies worth discussing with an attorney.

Contact the Data Breach Attorneys at Emery | Reddy today for a Free Case Review. No Fee Unless We Recover.

Your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) includes information that can be used to identify you, such as your name and other personal details. Organizations that manage healthcare data are legally required to safeguard this information. When PII is exposed in a data breach, it can potentially be used by cybercriminals to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other misuse.

Residents of California may be entitled to additional protections under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which provides enhanced rights regarding the collection, use, and safeguarding of personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people were affected by the Hitec data breach?

Hitec has not disclosed how many customers were affected.

What information was exposed in the Hitec breach?

According to Hitec’s notice, the accessed information includes:

  • Names
  • Email addresses
  • Shipping and billing addresses
  • Phone numbers
  • Order history

Was my credit card number taken?

Hitec’s notice does not list payment card information among the data accessed. The notice does say harmful code was removed from the website. If you see a charge you do not recognize on a card you used at Hitec, report it to your card issuer right away.

Why did it take so long for Hitec to report the breach?

Hitec became aware of the breach on Sept. 19, 2026. The California Attorney General posted the report on Oct. 27, 2026, 38 days later. Hitec has not explained the timing.

What should I do if I received a Hitec notice?

Keep the letter. Then:

  • Watch for fake messages that mention your Hitec orders
  • Check card and bank statements for unknown charges
  • Change any reused passwords
  • Consider a free security freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion

How can I protect myself from scams that mention this breach?

Criminals often use the name of a real breach to make a scam look legitimate. Do not give personal or payment information to anyone who contacts you out of the blue about your order. Contact the company directly through its official website instead.

Do I have a legal claim?

Companies that collect customer information have a duty to protect it and to tell customers promptly when it is exposed. If your information was involved in the Hitec data breach, you may have legal rights. Contact Emery | Reddy at 916.995.5968 or visit emeryreddy.com for a Free Case Review to see what you may qualify for. No Fee Unless We Recover.

"Very friendly interview and intake process. I was informed thoroughly about the processes in obtaining a lawyer and was given ample time to make a decision on representation. I’m thankful for everyone’s help and looking forward to working with this Firm on my worker’s compensation claim."

- Darren A.

Receive a
FREE Case Review

Call Now