Laptop Stolen from the Hawaii Department of Transportation

An investigation is underway after a laptop was stolen from the Hawaii Department of Transportation. It is believed that information of some 2000 holders of commercial driver’s licenses was on the laptop. Those notified should be aware of identity theft especially criminal identity theft as that is what identity thieves generally use licenses for – to pretend to be you when they get pulled over by a police officer for doing something illegal or just because they have warrants.

The state computer had personal data of vehicle driver licenses.Although the incident has been reported to police, no arrest has been made at this time. Three weeks went by before letters were sent to those affected, but this was because the state needed to follow the steps and protocol before sending the notification letters to the drivers.

Those affected may want to consider an identity theft protection service such as ID Watchdog as they are the only company guaranteeing protection against criminal identity theft.

Patients Information Found Scattered at Richmond Dermatology and Laser Specialists in Richmond, Virginia

A few blocks away from the Richmond Dermatology and Laser Specialists office in Richmond, Virginia, hundreds of patient’s information was found scattered around the ground near the local Babies R Us.

Among the paperwork–patient lists, social security numbers, names and home addresses, insurance information, and medical records. The doctor’s office appeared to be very nonchalant about the issue, and later sent one employee out to the location to pick up the papers, though she missed numerous sheets behind.

Local news reporters returned the remaining paperwork they could find, and wanted to know more about this lack of care that is the doctor’s responsibility.

They later found out that the bag was on a waste management truck being sent away to be shredded, but fell off the truck, split open and scattered throughout the area.

Anyone who feels they may have medical records at risk is urged to call 1-800-533-1560 or email enfcomplaints@dhp.virginia.gov

Patients should also consider a credit monitoring service and check their credit reports thoroughly.

Town of Culpeper, Virginia Exposes Taxpayers

Between March 27th and March 30th, taxpayer information of those who reside in Culpeper, Virginia was exposed and made public due to a vendor’s error. Even though the files were password-protected, they had been compromised.

Almost 8,000 town taxpayers may have been affected, and the town manager, Jeff Muzzy, has suggested that the taxpayers obtain a free credit report to monitor for unusual activity. You can do this at www.annualcreditreport.com or include it in a credit monitoring service for daily credit report monitoring.

An investigation is underway, and a letter has been sent to those who should be concerned. Residents should become vigilant in checking over their finances to make sure nothing is wrong.

Identity Thief Attempts to Sell Information on 1500 People to Undercover Operative

Steven K. Gilmore, 27, of Nashville, Tennessee was recently arrested for the intent to commit identity theft.

This former child support worker at Policy Studies Inc., a contractor with the Tennessee Department of Human Services, was selling personal data, including names, Social Security numbers, and bank account information of over 1500 people he acquired through work. Fortunately, he sold some numbers to an undercover operative and was arrested for having and selling the stolen information.

“Public trust and confidence is severely undermined when attempts are made to steal and
profit from the sale of private identifying information entrusted to our public service agencies,”
United States Attorney Ed Yarbrough said. “State and federal law enforcement agencies recognize
the terrible expense and burden of identity theft and take very seriously such breaches of the public
trust. Together, we are determined to find and prosecute those who violate that trust.”

The investigation is still underway by the US Secret Service and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. As of this point, it appears as though the stolen names have been recovered, and the only names sold were those sold to the undercover operative though it is never a bad idea to purchase identity theft protection.

University of Washington Computer Hack Exposes 6,000 Employees

Back in December, computers at the University of Washington showed signs of being compromised, but until now, no one was notified as the situation was under investigation.

Now, some 6,000 employees, past and present, of the University of Washington, are being notified that their names and Social Security numbers were accessible on the computer.

The university used to use social security numbers for employee identification, but stopped using this system about seven years ago. The information, however, was still on the system and the data could have been reached by the hacker.

Letters have been sent to those who may have been affected, and university directors recommend past and present employees watch their credit reports and personal information for suspicious activity. You may want to take this one step further and enroll in a credit monitoring service.

State of Maryland Mailing Containing Personal Information of Employees Turns up Empty

It’s never good when mail arrives from the United States Postal Office and is delivered empty. This happened in the State of Maryland, where personal information of Maryland state employees was mailed through USPS. The envelope arrived at it’s destination, but the contents did not.

It is unknown where the information is, but it definitely did not make it where it was supposed to go. The employees’ union is very upset at the incident, and it is highly likely that sensitive information like this will no longer be sent by mail and will be transferred electronically to reduce the risk to those at stake.

Employees should monitor their credit reports or enroll in a credit monitoring service.

Thieves Break in and Steal Laptop from Palo Alto Medical Foundation

An office break-in through a window resulted in the theft of a laptop computer connected to medical equipment in the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

This computer contained information of patients, including their names, birthdates, and diagnosis, test results and treatment plans.

All those who may have been affected, which is estimated to be around 1,000 patients of the hospital, have been notified of the theft and have been given a free credit monitoring service to help them prevent identity fraud and theft of their personal information.

After the break-in was discovered by a security guard, it was quickly investigated but no suspects or leads were found.

Credit Protection Advice Provided by New York City Housing Authority

Atlantic Avenue, near Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York was scattered with personal paperwork mid-March. This paperwork came from the City Housing Authority, and an unknown amount of tenants were exposed to possible identity theft.

Instead of being shredded, thousands of personal documents including income amounts, Social Security numbers, and court orders were found lying on city sidewalks. These documents date back to 2006.

There is currently an investigation underway to try to find out why these files weren’t shredded to protect the privacy of those involved. In the meantime, the New York City Housing Authority is providing those affected with information on how to protect their credit and how to safeguard their personal data in the event of misuse.

Just remember to not only listen to their credit protection information but to also take action on it as it is only by being proactive that we can reduce our chances of becoming an identity theft victim. You may also want to visit some identity theft protection sites to make sure that the credit information they give you is correct and sufficient. Hopefully it includes fraud alerts and not just the routine statement to check your credit reports.

Laptop Stolen from Professor Last Year Contained Sensitive Personal Data

A laptop that was stolen almost a year ago is now under research due to the recent notification that it contained sensitive personal data, including Social Security numbers along with names, addresses and phone numbers.

Some 1,300 students and faculty members of the University of West Georgia have been notified their information is at risk after the laptop was stolen in Italy during a professor’s travels.

Though there are no confirmed identity theft cases due to the stolen laptop students and faculty should continue to be vigilant in monitoring their credit reports and may want to consider buying a credit monitoring service.

Walgreens Emails Personal Information of 28,000 Retirees

Walgreens in Frankfort, Kentucky is in speculation for emailing documents with personal data to the Kentucky Retirement Systems. Names, birthdates and social security numbers of approximately 28,000 retirees were included in the email.

Although the file reached its destination and Walgreens received confirmation that the file was received, there is the slight possibility the file was accessed during transmission.

Walgreens still sent a letter to all those who may have been affected in the event the information had been accessed. Though the threat of identity theft would be very, very low it is possible the transmission was accessable by third party. It would be a good idea to keep an eye on your credit report if your information was on the list and it is never a bad idea to to place a fraud alert, just in case, or use a service such as TrustedID.

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