Stolen Credit Info - What should I do?

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

  not sure the best way to proceed.  I just got a letter from my undergrad university that said a computer with critical info (records, addresses, SS #, etc) was stolen, and my information could be included.  What is the best way to proceed to avoid being an identity theft victim.  I do not currently have any of the score watch programs, and really cant afford one right now unless that is the best option.  I am not looking to add any credit in the near future.

Thanks for your help!

[Anonymous]

Since you're not looking for new credit in the near future, you may want to put a freeze on your CRs. Here's an article that explains more about it:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/FinancialPrivacy/LockAwayYourCreditFromIDThieves.aspx

you can probably do a search on this site to find out more information as well.

Since the university's computer was stolen, they should offer some kind of credit monitoring to you. I had this happen a few years ago and was given a year's subscription to a credit monitoring service by the company at fault. If they didn't offer it, I'd contact them to request it.

[Anonymous]

I would start with Fraud alerts on all 3 CRA's - an initial 90 alert.

This will force them to verify your identity prior to extending credit.

If they are not providing you with monitoring (you should demand it) get one.

[Lel]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hi all,

not sure the best way to proceed. I just got a letter from my undergrad university that said a computer with critical info (records, addresses, SS #, etc) was stolen, and my information could be included. What is the best way to proceed to avoid being an identity theft victim. I do not currently have any of the score watch programs, and really cant afford one right now unless that is the best option. I am not looking to add any credit in the near future.

Thanks for your help!

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Calling at least one CRA and putting an initial fraud alert is the way to go. Supposedly if you call one CRA they will contact all the others. This did happen for me a few years back when I had to put a fraud alert on my file when my student loan servicer lost a disc.

At least one university offered free credit monitoring through IDTheftSmart. I just got signed on with them after that university had a computer stolen that contained sensitive information.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone for your help.  I went and did the fraud alert, and am going to call the university line they have set up for this issue to try to get monitoring service.  Those of you that have had this happen and got monitoring services, did you have any issues with making them agree to it?  There is no mention in the letter about offering it.  I was simply going to call and tell them how dilligent I am with my score, and now I should not have to pay for a service to protect myself when it is their fault.

thanks!

[Lel]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Thanks everyone for your help. I went and did the fraud alert, and am going to call the university line they have set up for this issue to try to get monitoring service. Those of you that have had this happen and got monitoring services, did you have any issues with making them agree to it? There is no mention in the letter about offering it. I was simply going to call and tell them how dilligent I am with my score, and now I should not have to pay for a service to protect myself when it is their fault.

thanks!

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The university that I was affiliated with offered the credit monitoring service without my having to request it. I don't know if that is required in situations like this. The student loan servicer did not offer any such deal.

Which university?

[Anonymous]

It is the University of Pittsburgh.  I called yesterday, and they said that they are not offering any credit monitoring services, and suggested that I place fraud alerts.

Any idea, if I woul decide to write a letter to higher-ups requesting credit monitoring services due to this, what I should/ could say.  I dont know if there is any industry precedent or legal requirements.

Thanks.

[Lel]

There's probably no requirement that any institution or business provide this service. I guess if Pitt had taken reasonable efforts to keep the information secure, then they can't be faulted or held accountable for the theft.

When my institution reported the theft of a laptop containing personal information, they didn't disclose the circumstances surrounding the theft. However, they immediately announced the ID theft monitoring plan for all affected persons. I suspect that the laptop was not appropriately secured - probably taken home or left in a car - and that's why they were quick to offer this service. This is mere speculation on my part, though.

[Anonymous]

That is what has happened with my situation - a laptop which should not have even had that information on it, did, and was stolen.