OT: Veterans ALERT

[dolphin]

Fellow Vets,

   Just in case someone did not see the news on 5/22.    

   There was an incident where a Veterans Affairs employee took an unauthorized computer disk home with the names and SS numbers of 26.5 million vets on it ( back as far as the Vietnam era around 1969 if I heard right ).    His home was broken into and the disk stolen.

   Sure a strange coincidence no?

   Anyway I ran into some folks who did not know this and I felt all should be aware.   There is a web site at <www.firstgov.gov> and I believe the VA.  They have a call center being set up to check into whatever message or advice they are offering.  I don't know why or what good that will do, or if anything at all would come of it other than a possible ID issue, but just wanted folks to be aware so they can watch their perimeter a bit more.  Let anyone know that may not tap onto e-mail much.

   FBI and all are all over it……………….. but ?


VA Info on Identity theft

[Gregg]

The theif had almost a three week head start before the DVA reported the missing disc to the FBI. Maybe the crook doesn't know what's on that disc, and doesn't watch TV, listen to the radio, surf the internet, read the newspapers, get the warning from the DVA about missing records....

I guess that would be too many conincidences.

[Jack W]

Herfe's the article that appeared in today's Akron Beacon Journal (5/23/2006) on page 1:

"Personal data of 26.5 millon vets stolen
    Thieves took sensitive personal information on 26.5 million U.S. veterans, including Social Security numbers and birth dates, after a Veterans Affairs employee improperly brought the material home, the government said Monday. :DUH:
    The information involved mainly those veterans who served and have been discharged since 1975, Said VA Secretary Jim Nicholson.
    Nicholson said there was no evidence the thieves had used the data for identity theft.
    The VA has set up a call center at 1-800-FED-INFO and Web site, www.firstgov.gov, for veterans who believe their information has been misused."

Italics and :DUH: above are my adds. I couldn't believe what I read this morning.

Sure sounds like collusion to me, altho I may be wrong.

- Jack

[JohnKentucky]

Man oh man...does that suck. I hope that they don't ever get to my name on the list!

Why is that big of a list available to be able to put on a laptop??

[pendragon]

It is almost certain that I am amongst the 26.5 million victims.

FWIW 1). I called 1-800-525-6285 (Equifax) and initiated a Fraud Alert. They, in turn, are to notify the other credit agencies. NOTE: this alert is only valid for 90 days.

Equifax provided an automated control number and is to send a confirming letter within the next 7 days (I think that is number, not really sure) and the letter will additionally provide the detail to obtain a free credit report.

FWIW 2). These stolen data may be propagating around the internet as  "we speak" and the consequences may periodically recur throughout my life.

FWIW 3). Essentially all security experts advise one not to carry their social security card in their wallet/purse (in case of loss or theft) unless it is specifically needed that day. But I have 2 cards that, for all practical purposes, I must carry, and both contain my social security number:
a, Medicare
b, My USAF (retirement) ID
Both of these are issued by the US Govt.

FWIW 4). Of course, if the National Security Agency (NSA) or the FBI were  to lose data on me, they would not announce it, because no data are collected on law-abiding private citizens.
----------
If interested:

In addition to notifying the credit card issuer in the event of card loss or theft, notify the credit tracking companies. This will put in place the controls necessary to ensure you are not a victim of identity theft.

The numbers are:
•   Equifax 1-800 525-6285
•   Experian (formerly TRW) 1-888-397-3742
•   Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

Social Security Administration also has a fraud line at 1-800-269-0271

FTC Identity Theft Hotline: 877-438-4338 (877-ID-THEFT)

For a free annual credit report (varies by State)
•   Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
•   Experian: 1-888-397-3742
•   Trans Union: 1-800-888-4213
•   All Three Credit Agencies: 877-322-8228

Opt-out, for 5 years,  (pre-screened credit reporting): 888-567-8688

[kimmer]

I feel for all those vets/spouses affected by this. Sneakers and I went through several years ago when the state of confusion's personnel computers were hacked into. In our case, it was 6-8 wks (can't remember exactly) before we were notified -- and then we found out because a State Police Lt. was so disgusted (his agency was working the case) he went to the news and leaked the story.

My first call was to our bank's security/fraud dept. They gave me the numbers pendragron has listed. I spent hours over Memorial Day weekend filing reports. We also signed up for a credit watch - $9 a month at that time, although the first 6 months were free.

Fortunately nothing came of the whole mess, but you never know and you have to be alert. Maybe, just maybe, this will spur some legislation to give all of us some protection from id theft.

Let's hope it was someone who wanted the laptop and doesn't know how to access the data it contains.

[dolphin]

I followed Pendragon's lead and called Equifax and had them place a fraud alert on mine also.

[pendragon]

After reading on the VA Web Site that:

"...(actions) have already taken to protect the affected veterans, including working with the credit bureaus to help ensure that veterans receive the free credit report they are entitled to under the law."

Since I have already received a credit report within the past 12 months, I called (1-800-333-4636) and asked if the above meant that I would be entitled to additional free credit reports.

After a most painful discussion with what I can only describe as the world's most useless call center rep. (and eventually his supervisor), I was assured that I am entitled to the additional free credit reports.

FWIW, I find Indian support far preferable to these folks.

I haven't had this much fun since my sigmoidoscopy.

[Gregg]

QUOTE

After a most painful discussion with what I can only describe as the world's most useless call center rep.

You got a live person? (barely live?)

Push omega to continue....

[pendragon]

Good News

(full quote follows)

Press Release   
Baltimore Division, FBI
Contact: SA Michelle Crnkovich
410-277-6223

June 29, 2006

STOLEN LAPTOP AND EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE RECOVERED

Baltimore, Maryland – The Veterans Administration OIG, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Montgomery County Police Department announce the recovery of the stolen laptop computer and the external hard drive taken during a burglary on May 3, 2006. The electronic equipment contained sensitive information concerning over 26 million veterans and the recovery of the data has been of paramount concern. The protection of the sensitive data, and well being of those potentially affected, has made this investigation a number one priority for the investigating agencies. A preliminary review of the equipment by computer forensic teams determined that the database remains intact and has not been accessed since it was stolen. A thorough forensic examination is underway, and the results will be shared as soon as possible. The investigation is ongoing.

The Veterans Administration OIG, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Montgomery County Police Department would like to thank the United States Park Police for their invaluable work in this case. Their efforts led to the recovery of the equipment.

[Gregg]

That should staunch the flood of phone calls, e-mails, etc. to the DVA.

Now, what about the rain?? :umbrella:

[Xairbusdriver]

I'm not sure which is more amazing: The actions of the induhvidual that enabled the loss or,
actually finding the computer!

I'm sure there were plenty of flyers ( and agents ) sent to every pawn shop, computer store, flea market up and down the East coast, but I still suprised that it was found. Of course, finding it is like closing the barn door after all the horses have left...

[Gregg]

Well, it sounds like the horses stayed in the barn. They seem to have some means of determining that the data was not accessed. There was a $50k reward for it. Some guy paid $100 for it from whoever fenced it. (is that the right terminology?) We should be so lucky!

[Xairbusdriver]

QUOTE

They seem to have some means of determining that the data was not accessed.

I fear we may have watched too many episodes of CIS...
I prefer to err on the side of caution and assume that the data has been copied/sold/used/stored/etc. whether they can determine when/how or not. I hope this is not the end of the concern at VA and other offices.

[Gregg]

QUOTE(airbusdriver @ Jul 1 2006, 10:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I fear we may have watched too many episodes of CIS...

My comment was based on a news story. Now, I'm aware of the danger of placing too much faith on that as well...