Government

Attorney General Abbott urges Texas veterans to take measures to protect themselves against identity theft

Precautionary steps should be taken after federal breach of veterans’ personal information

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

May 26, 2006

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott May 25 cautioned Texas veterans to take several precautionary measures in response to the recent theft of electronic data from an employee with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The 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.

“While there is currently no evidence that any missing data has been used illegally, I join the VA in asking all Texas veterans to be extra vigilant and to carefully monitor bank statements, credit card statements and any statements relating to recent financial transactions,” said Attorney General Abbott.

The VA will soon begin sending out individual notification letters to veterans whose information was compromised. The VA has staffed a call center that veterans may call to get information about this situation, which can be reached toll-free at 1-800-FED INFO (333-4636). The call center will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST, 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). Veterans can also go to www.firstgov.gov as well as www.va.gov/opa for more information.

Texas veterans can access the Attorney General’s new Identity Theft Victim’s Kit by going to http://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/idtheft.shtml. The kit is designed to help Texans who have fallen victim to identity theft begin the process of recovering, both financially and legally. It includes relevant forms and agency contact information to help restore credit and prevent further victimization.

Texas veterans should immediately call the fraud department of one of the three credit reporting agencies -- Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. When you request a fraud alert from one bureau, it will notify the other two for you. Your credit file will be flagged with a statement that says you may be a victim of fraud and that creditors should phone you before extending credit.

Equifax fraud department: (888) 766-0008

Web: www.equifax.com

Experian fraud department: (888) EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)

Web: www.experian.com/fraud

Trans Union fraud department (800) 680-7289

Web: www.transunion.com

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you can place an initial fraud alert for only 90 days. You may cancel the fraud alerts at any time.

When you establish the fraud alert, you will receive a follow-up letter from each credit bureau. Each letter explains how you can order a free copy of your credit report from that credit bureau. We suggest that you take advantage of this offer and order your credit reports soon. If you are a victim of identity theft, you will see evidence of it on your credit report.

Examine your credit reports carefully. When you receive your credit reports, look for signs of fraud such as credit accounts that are not yours. Check if there are numerous inquiries on your credit report. If a thief is attempting to open up several accounts, an inquiry will be listed on your credit report for each of those attempts. Also, check that your Social Security Number, address(es), phone number(s), and employment information are correct.

Continue to monitor your credit reports. Be aware that these measures may not entirely stop new fraudulent accounts from being opened by an imposter. Credit issuers do not always pay attention to fraud alerts, even though federal law now requires it. Once you have received the first free copy of your credit report, follow up in a few months and order another.

Texas veterans might also consider a security freeze. Texas law enables individuals to place a security freeze on their credit reports if they have filed an identity theft criminal complaint with law enforcement. A security freeze is stronger than a fraud alert because it prevents anyone from accessing your credit file until and unless you authorize the credit bureaus to release your report. (Please note that it does not affect existing accounts and includes other exceptions). Be aware that this might be inconvenient if you will be applying for new credit, an apartment, or employment involving a background check, since you will have to lift the freeze on your credit file. You can write to request that it be lifted for a certain period of time, or for a specific creditor.

If your credit report indicates you are a victim of identity theft, you will want to immediately file a police report. It is very important to do as you will use the report as proof that you are a victim of identity theft.

Report fraudulent accounts and erroneous information in writing to the credit bureaus and the credit issuers following the instructions provided with the credit reports. You will more than likely be asked for a copy of your police report. A telephone call will not protect your rights under the law.

In all communications with the credit bureaus, you will want to refer to the unique identification number assigned to your credit report and mail items certified, with return receipt requested. Be sure to save all credit reports as part of your fraud documentation.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has the authority to prosecute identity theft at the federal level. You can report ID theft to federal authorities and receive additional assistance with identity theft related issues through the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338), or visit their Web site at www.ftc.gov.

Government: Is a Credit Counseling Service Right for You August 21, 2004

Government: Break the Silence - Make the Call (Domestic Violence) A list of area resources is at the end.

Government: Human Trafficking in the United States: Rescuing Women and Children from Slavery July 18, 2004

Government: Archive of previous government articles

Government - Archive