Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Victim to Security Breach

Late in October of 2009, a flash drive with sensitive personal data was stolen from the car of an employee of the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Center in Detroit, Michigan. This flash drive, a portable storage device used for storing data for the department, contained birth certificate information for residents within the 48202 and 48205 zip codes in 2008 and 2009.

The same department fell victim to a break in at the Herman Kiefer Health Complex during Thanksgiving break, and a computer, storing Medicare and Medicaid flu billing information from 2008, was stolen from the office.

Both incidences have residents concerned about the safety of their information and the act of identity theft taken with their information. Although investigators are on the case, the department would appreciate the safe return of the information from those responsible for the theft.

Some 10,000 individuals’ information may have been compromised, and the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness is contacting those who may have been affected via letter. It is stated that if you have any questions regarding this breach to call 877-737-4780. In the meantime, it may be a good idea for those affected to invest in credit report monitoring services to protect their financial accounts from identity theft.