Gulshan Management Services Data Breach Lawsuit, 377K Consumers’ SSNs Exposed in Phishing Attack

Gulshan Management Services faces legal action after a September 2025 phishing attack exposed the Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial information of 377,082 consumers—but the company didn’t notify affected individuals until January 2026, potentially violating data breach laws. Multiple law firms are investigating 700credit data breach class action lawsuits against the Texas-based convenience store operator that runs 150 Handi Plus and Handi Stop locations.

What Gulshan Management Services Is and Why They Had Your Data

Gulshan Management Services Inc. is a Texas-based business services company that operates 150 convenience stores under the Handi Plus and Handi Stop brands across multiple states. The company collected and stored customer information through employment applications, loyalty programs, payment processing, and business operations at its retail locations.

If you applied for a job at a Handi Plus or Handi Stop store, made purchases using a loyalty card, or provided personal information for any business transaction with these convenience stores, Gulshan Management Services may have stored your data on its systems—data that hackers later accessed.

What Happened in the Gulshan Management Services Data Breach

On September 17, 2025, cybercriminals successfully executed a phishing attack against Gulshan Management Services employees. A phishing attack is when hackers send fake emails that appear legitimate to trick employees into clicking malicious links or providing login credentials.

Once inside the company’s network, the hackers deployed malicious software that encrypted parts of Gulshan Management Services’ systems—essentially a ransomware attack that locked the company out of its own data. This encryption disrupted business operations and gave the attackers time to access and steal files containing sensitive personal information stored on company servers.

Gulshan Management Services discovered the unauthorized network access during the weekend of September 27, 2025—ten days after the initial breach. The company worked with third-party cybersecurity investigators to contain the incident, expel the attackers from its systems, and restore operations using known-safe backups.

However, the investigation determined that during those ten days, cybercriminals potentially accessed and acquired files containing the sensitive personal information of 377,082 individuals.

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What Personal Information Was Exposed

According to breach notification letters sent to affected consumers and reports filed with state attorneys general, the exposed data includes names, contact information (addresses, phone numbers, email addresses), Social Security numbers, and driver’s license numbers.

Additionally, reports submitted to the Texas Attorney General’s Office indicate the breach may have compromised government-issued ID numbers, addresses, and certain financial information. Social Security numbers are the most concerning data type exposed because they’re the “master key” to identity theft. Unlike credit card numbers that can be changed, you’re stuck with your Social Security number for life—making this breach create permanent identity theft risk.

With your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, identity thieves can open fraudulent credit accounts, file fake tax returns, apply for government benefits, take out loans, or commit other crimes in your name. Similar Transunion identity theft protection after data breaches requires immediate action to prevent long-term damage.

Who Filed the Lawsuit and Legal Claims

Multiple law firms announced investigations into class action lawsuits against Gulshan Management Services in early January 2026, including Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP, Murphy Law Firm, and Srourian Law Firm. These investigations typically precede formal lawsuit filings.

The legal claims being investigated include negligence for failing to implement reasonable cybersecurity measures to protect consumer data, breach of fiduciary duty to safeguard sensitive personal information, violations of state data breach notification laws for delayed consumer notification, failure to detect and prevent the phishing attack and unauthorized access, and violations of consumer protection statutes.

A critical allegation is that Gulshan Management Services violated state and federal data breach notification laws. Although the breach occurred in September 2025, the company did not begin notifying affected individuals until on or around January 5, 2026—more than three months after discovery. Many state laws require notification within 30-60 days of discovering a breach.

Current Status and How to Join

As of January 2026, law firms are actively investigating claims and gathering information from affected consumers. Formal class action lawsuits are expected to be filed in federal or state court in the coming weeks.

If you received a data breach notification letter or email from Gulshan Management Services, you’re likely part of the affected class. You don’t need to take any immediate action to preserve your rights as a potential class member—but you should take protective steps to secure your identity.

Gulshan Management Services is offering 12 months of free identity monitoring services through Kroll, a leading settlement administrator that handles many major ATT consumer rights when personal information is exposed. This includes credit monitoring, fraud consultation, and identity theft restoration services.

What You Must Know About Data Breach Risks

Unlike stolen credit cards that can be quickly canceled and replaced, exposed Social Security numbers create lifelong identity theft vulnerability. Criminals may not use your information immediately—they often wait months or years before attempting fraud, hoping you’ve stopped monitoring your credit.

State data breach notification laws vary, but most require companies to notify affected individuals within 30-90 days after discovering a breach. The three-month delay between Gulshan Management Services’ discovery of the breach in September 2025 and consumer notification in January 2026 may violate these laws—strengthening potential legal claims.

Similar phishing attack breaches affecting hundreds of thousands of consumers have resulted in significant class action settlements. Past settlements have provided payments ranging from $20-$160 per person for basic claims, with higher amounts for those documenting actual identity theft or financial losses.

What Affected Consumers Should Do Now

If you received a breach notification from Gulshan Management Services, enroll in the free 12-month credit monitoring service offered through Kroll. Contact Kroll directly to activate your monitoring if you haven’t received enrollment instructions.

Place fraud alerts with all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) by calling 888-766-0008 (Experian), 888-397-3742 (TransUnion), or 800-525-6285 (Equifax). Fraud alerts require creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts.

Consider freezing your credit with all three bureaus to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Credit freezes are free and don’t affect your credit score. Visit each bureau’s website to initiate freezes online.

Monitor your bank accounts, credit card statements, and credit reports for unauthorized activity. You’re entitled to free weekly credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your Social Security Administration account at ssa.gov for suspicious earnings activity that could indicate someone is working using your SSN.

File an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov if you discover fraudulent accounts or suspicious activity. This creates an official record and provides a recovery plan.

Save all documentation related to the breach, including notification letters, correspondence with Gulshan Management Services, and records of any identity theft or fraud you experience. This documentation strengthens potential class action claims.

If you suffered actual identity theft or significant financial losses from the breach, consider consulting a consumer protection attorney about individual claims separate from the class action. Many attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency.

Last Updated: January 17, 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.

Call to Action: If you received a Gulshan Management Services data breach notification, enroll in free credit monitoring, place fraud alerts, and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. Watch for class action lawsuit developments and document any identity theft you experience.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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