Patients of UCSF Are at Risk for Identity Theft after Laptop Stolen from School of Medicine Employee

Near the end of November, 2009, a laptop that contained sensitive information was stolen from an employee of the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, resulting in an identity theft scare for the 4,400 patients whose information was stored on this computer.

After an investigation, the police department recovered the laptop near the beginning of January 2010, and have begun the process of addressing the patients whose information was accessible during this time. Although a long process, UCSF is working with the police department and the hospital to ensure that everyone is notified of the incident. Although the information included did not include the patients’ Social Security numbers and financial data, it is still at risk for medical identity theft and is, therefore, still a concern for all those involved. It is advised that those affected sign up for credit protection services to monitor unusual activity on their financial and medical accounts.

UCSF has a toll free number available to call if you have any questions–the number is 1-877-809-1270 extension 74005.