erik
12-05-2003, 11:47 AM
Make you wonder don't it.
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/q/sad.gifhttp://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/4/eek4.gifhttp://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/2/nervous.gif
"Stolen Hard Drive Leads to Extra Security at Los Angeles-Area Credit Union
By Naush Boghossian, Daily News, Los Angeles Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
Dec. 5--GLENDALE, Calif. - A credit union has beefed-up security measures to protect 49,000 members after thieves stole a computer hard drive with confidential information from its Brand Boulevard office.
The California Credit Union of Glendale has sent letters to its members, informing them of the Nov. 15 break-in at 701 N. Brand Blvd., where burglars took a computer hard drive containing personal information and account numbers.
"The biggest concern we would have is obviously identify theft -- when someone uses another's personal information without their permission to commit fraud like opening up a new credit card with that person's name," said Steve O'Connell, chief financial officer for the credit union. "We just deeply regret this crime has happened and we're taking even more security precautions for the future."
The credit union has set up a special toll-free phone number -- (800) 604-2800 -- for members to call with questions. So far, no unusual activity has been noticed and no customers have reported problems.
The credit union has already put security measures in place at a cost of more than $500,000 to make it difficult for the thieves to use the personal information to commit consumer fraud.
The accounts of the 49,000 affected customers are being monitored, officials said. Members will also be required to go through additional steps to confirm their identities as the owners of the accounts.
Members will also be able to access information on how to register for the security alert option to put on their credit file online.
The credit union is also paying the cost of a one-year membership for a credit-monitoring service for all 49,000 affected. The service will notify members if there's any unusual activity on their credit bureau file, and it will allow members to receive copies of their credit report throughout the year at no cost.
"We know the steps we're taking will mitigate the problem," O'Connell said.
The investigation is ongoing and there are no suspects. The U.S.
Secret Service has been designated the appropriate investigating agency.
"It's random at this point, that we can see," said Glendale police spokeswoman Officer Leticia Chang. "We haven't had any other calls of this nature involving credit unions or banks.""
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/2/nervous.gif
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/7421972.htm
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/q/sad.gifhttp://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/4/eek4.gifhttp://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/2/nervous.gif
"Stolen Hard Drive Leads to Extra Security at Los Angeles-Area Credit Union
By Naush Boghossian, Daily News, Los Angeles Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
Dec. 5--GLENDALE, Calif. - A credit union has beefed-up security measures to protect 49,000 members after thieves stole a computer hard drive with confidential information from its Brand Boulevard office.
The California Credit Union of Glendale has sent letters to its members, informing them of the Nov. 15 break-in at 701 N. Brand Blvd., where burglars took a computer hard drive containing personal information and account numbers.
"The biggest concern we would have is obviously identify theft -- when someone uses another's personal information without their permission to commit fraud like opening up a new credit card with that person's name," said Steve O'Connell, chief financial officer for the credit union. "We just deeply regret this crime has happened and we're taking even more security precautions for the future."
The credit union has set up a special toll-free phone number -- (800) 604-2800 -- for members to call with questions. So far, no unusual activity has been noticed and no customers have reported problems.
The credit union has already put security measures in place at a cost of more than $500,000 to make it difficult for the thieves to use the personal information to commit consumer fraud.
The accounts of the 49,000 affected customers are being monitored, officials said. Members will also be required to go through additional steps to confirm their identities as the owners of the accounts.
Members will also be able to access information on how to register for the security alert option to put on their credit file online.
The credit union is also paying the cost of a one-year membership for a credit-monitoring service for all 49,000 affected. The service will notify members if there's any unusual activity on their credit bureau file, and it will allow members to receive copies of their credit report throughout the year at no cost.
"We know the steps we're taking will mitigate the problem," O'Connell said.
The investigation is ongoing and there are no suspects. The U.S.
Secret Service has been designated the appropriate investigating agency.
"It's random at this point, that we can see," said Glendale police spokeswoman Officer Leticia Chang. "We haven't had any other calls of this nature involving credit unions or banks.""
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/2/nervous.gif
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/7421972.htm