FAQs - Personally Identifiable Information
Is the information that became availiable on August 25th still vulnerable?
No. The system was shut down immediately after we learned of the situation and those files were no longer available for unauthorized access. All files under the Departments folder remain locked down. A thorough review has been conducted and the problem that created the initial incident has been rectified. Security has been reinforced and the information has been secured.
Does this mean I am the victim of identity theft?
No. The fact that someone had access to your personal information does not necessarily mean they intend to use it in a fraudulent manner. We wanted to make you aware of this incident so that you can take steps to protect yourself and your identity. The best way to do that is to carefully review all credit cards and banking/financial institution(s) statements regularly for any suspicious and/or unauthorized activity. For additional information on identity theft, you may want to review this website: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/.
If my information may have been compromised, what should I do?
As a precaution, you are encouraged to request a free copy of your credit report. You may do so by contacting a consolidated credit provider, such as AnnualCreditReport.com, either online at http://www.annualcreditreport.com, or by calling 877-322-8228. Additional information, specifically on possible misuse of your social security number, is available at the following Social Security Administration website: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/idtheft.htm.
What is a fraud alert?
A fraud alert indicates to anyone requesting your credit file that you suspect you may be a victim of fraud or identity theft. When you or someone else attempts to open a credit account in your name, increase the credit limit on an existing account, or obtain a new card on an existing account, the creditor should take steps to verify that you have authorized the request. If the creditor cannot verify this, the request should not be satisfied.
How to I place a fraud alert?
To place a fraud alert, call one of the following three major credit reporting agencies. Your phone call will take you to an automated phone system. Be sure to listen carefully to the selections and indicate that you are at risk for credit fraud. Fraud alerts last 90 days. If you are the victim of identity theft, you can choose a seven-year extended alert. Each reporting agency has further details on these options.
You only need to contact one of these agencies, and that agency will automatically forward the fraud alert to the other two agencies.
Equifax
(888) 766-0008
Consumer Fraud Division
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374
http://www.equifax.com
Experian
(888) 397-3742
Credit Fraud Center
P.O. Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013
http://www.experian.com/fraud
TransUnion
(800) 680-7289
Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
http://www.tuc.com
Soon after you place a fraud alert, you will receive confirmation letters from all three credit reporting agencies with instructions on how to order free credit reports.
What should I look for in my credit report?
You should look for any suspicious activity. Look especially for any accounts you did not open or charges you didn’t make. Look at the inquiries or requests section for names of creditors from whom you have not requested credit. Look also in the personal information section to confirm the accuracy of addresses where you have lived and your Social Security number. Any suspicious activity in these areas may be indications of fraud. If you find that you have been the victim of identity theft, you should call your local police or sheriff’s office to file a report
What if there is a problem on my credit report?
If there is anything on your report that looks suspicious or you don’t understand, contact your credit agency and have them review the report with you.
What do I do if I’m a victim of identity theft?
You should immediately report the crime to your local law enforcement agency and also notify the credit bureaus and any credit agencies involved.
What is a security freeze?
A “security freeze” is available to all consumers who reside in the United States. A security freeze means that your file cannot be shared with potential creditors or other persons opening new accounts unless you decide to unlock your file by contacting a credit reporting agency and providing a PIN or password. Most businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking a consumer’s credit history. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number would not likely be able to get credit in your name.
How do I place a security freeze on my credit report?
A security freeze is free to victims who have a police report of identity theft. Without a police report, the cost is approximately $10 to place a freeze with each credit bureau, for a total of $30 (costs can vary by state). Detailed information on how to place a freeze on your file can be found at http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html or by contacting one of the three major credit reporting agencies (i.e., Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348
http://www.equifax.com or 1-888-766-0008
Experian Security Freeze
P. O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
http://www.experian.com/freeze or call 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion
Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P. O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
http://www.tuc.com or call 1-888-909-8872
Will I be contacted by the institution or agencies seeking my personal information?
With rare exception, the answer is no. You will not be contacted by this institution with any requests for your Social Security number, bank account, or other personal information. If you contact the credit bureaus directly, they will likely ask for your social security number in order to verify your identity and avoid sending your credit report to the wrong person. However, great care should be taken in giving out any personal information, particularly if an outside agency contacts you.