ATTENTION VETERANS - Re: VA Identiy Theft (Stolen Laptop) Info Here

[matcom]

the first thread i posted with the #'s is here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1271773

I just called Equifax and pounded out to a human before setting this up via their automated menu. Here is the poop:

you can either PURCHASE a monitoring service at 50% off (because of the Vet theft) which is around $60. Basically that will alert them if you use any credit cards over $200, activate new cards, apply for credit, etc...

in any of the above cases you would get a phone call making sure you are you. (REAL pain if you ask me)

the FREE service lasts for 90 days. if anyone (including YOU) tries to apply for new credit it would be flagged. they will also extend this service to the other 2 bureaus so one call gets you covered for all 3 for 90 days at no cost.

IMPORTANT: if you DO need to apply for new credit within the next 90 days MAKE SURE YOU TELL THE PERSON YOU ARE APPLYING WITH THAT THERE IS A FRAUD MONITOR IN PLACE OR THEY WILL LIKELY REJECT YOU!

if you tell them when you apply, and the reason, you will simply need to supply more info to them.

again, pain in the ass but do it to protect yourselves as the alternative could ruin you!

if you call the 800 # listed in my first thread, option 1 will get you fraud monitoring services using your touch tone phone.

good luck Vets!

[alfredo]

1. Your congressman should have the info, mine did. Also call them

and demand that all such services should be free to veterans. I found out that they charge to find out if your name was on the disk.

[Dhalgren]

2. Thanks, matcom, you do good work!

:toast:

[Aiptasia]

3. having been the victim of identity fraud

I'd sure like to know if I can REVOKE my social security number. Since I don't believe that the SSA is going to be there for me when I retire, can I opt out of the system?

Is it illegal to refuse to release your SSN to lenders or others?

The real scary thing is, with all of the identity fraud, it's only a matter of time before the powers-that-be will insist on microchip tagging. I can see it coming down the pipe with the whole immigration debate so we can "keep tabs" on them.

[proud2BlibKansan]

14. It's probably not illegal

but they will just refuse to give you the loan or the credit you are asking for.

[wicket]

4. Thanks for the info!!!!

:kick: :kick: :kick:

[underpants]

5. Thanks good work

:patriot:

[thecrow]

6. Let's see.... how much do they stand to make if everyone is involved

$30 x 26,500,000 = $795,000,000 Edited to add a zero...

Oh, those credit services companies.. they do the darndest things!

:sarcasm:

[matcom]

7. exactly why the free service is all you need

and the $60 quoted WAS the discount!

recalc using $60 instead of $30

[thecrow]

8. Then it is $1,590,000,000

Over ONE BILLION!
Yikes!

This is a scam if I ever heard of one.
Follow the money, anyone?

[matcom]

9. sad i have to do this

:kick:

[Jeffersons Ghost]

10. as a vet who uses the VA, I want to thank you for the info

[Lars39]

11. So...

all the thieves have to do is wait it out past 90 days? :(
My SIL had this happen a few years back. The thief waited 4 or 5 months before using the info.

[bridgit]

12. fucking kick dammit...

:kick:

[steely]

13. spreadin' the word - info from the BIG HEAD

useless, but info nonetheless


Subject: Statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs



Office of Media Relations
Washington, DC 20420
[phone]


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2006


A Statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs


The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently learned that an employee, a data analyst, took home electronic data from VA, which he was not authorized to do. This behavior was in violation of our policies. This data contained identifying information including names, social security numbers, and dates of birth for up to 26.5 million veterans and some spouses, as well as some disability ratings. Importantly, the affected data did not include any of VA’s electronic health records nor any financial information. The employee’s home was burglarized and this data was stolen. The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.

Appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the VA Inspector General’s office, have launched full-scale investigations into this matter. Authorities believe it is unlikely the perpetrators targeted the items because of any knowledge of the data contents. It is possible that they remain unaware of the information which they possess or of how to make use of it. However, out of an abundance of caution, VA is taking all possible steps to protect and inform our veterans.

VA is working with members of Congress, the news media, veterans service organizations, and other government agencies to help ensure that those veterans and their families are aware of the situation and of the steps they may take to protect themselves from misuse of their personal information. VA will send out individual notification letters to veterans to every extent possible. Veterans can also go to http://www.firstgov.gov to get more information on this matter. This website is being set to handle increased web traffic. Additionally, working with other government agencies, VA has set up a manned call center that veterans may call to get information about this situation and learn more about consumer identity protections. That toll free number is 1-800-FED INFO (333-4636). The call center will be open beginning today, and will operate from 8 am to 9 pm (EDT), Monday-Saturday as long as it is needed. The call center will be able to handle up to 20,000 calls per hour (260,000 calls per day).

Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson has briefed the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, co-chairs of the President’s Identity Theft Task Force. Task Force members have already taken actions 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. Additionally, the Task Force will meet today to coordinate the comprehensive Federal response, recommend further ways to protect affected veterans, and increase safeguards to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents. VA’s mission to serve and honor our nation’s veterans is one we take very seriously and the 235,000 VA employees are deeply saddened by any concern or anxiety this incident may cause our veterans and their families. We appreciate the service our veterans have given their country and we are working diligently to protect them from any harm as a result of this incident