Important Update on Veteran Data Theft

Military.com ^ | May 27, 2006

[Eagle9]

Dear Military.com Member,

As you may know, data was stolen from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This data contained identifying information on up to 26.5 million veterans and spouses, including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth and some disability ratings.

At this time, we encourage you to be vigilant and monitor your financial accounts to protect yourself against identity theft. We have put together the following information to help you:

Read the latest from the Department of Veteran Affairs

Important FAQs

• What happened at VA and how does it affect me?
• How do I know if information on me was stolen?
• What should I do to protect myself?
• What should I do if I detect a problem with any of my accounts?

  Additional articles and resources:

• Protect Yourself Against ID Theft
• Identity Theft: What if Your Info is Stolen?

  Free Credit Reports

• www.experian.com
• www.AnnualCreditReport.com
• or call: 1-877-322-8228

Identity Guard has recently announced veterans affected by the recent data theft can have 6 months of Fraud Protection Service free. To learn more about this offer, go to www.fraudprotect.com

At Military.com, we have taken great strides to safeguard member information. We will continue to keep you informed on this situation as it develops.

Thank You,

Military.com

---

[Eagle9]

Identity Guard has recently announced veterans affected by the recent data theft can have 6 months of Fraud Protection Service free. To learn more about this offer, go to www.fraudprotect.com

[zip]

ping

[BJungNan]

At this time, we encourage you to be vigilant and monitor your financial accounts to protect yourself against identity theft.

You know, it is not like everyone as the best credit record. I mean, it only applies if they can get a credit card in your name. Right?

[BIGLOOK]

Bump and thanks.

Last I'd heard the records were from '75 and on. However, better safe than ....SOL.

[Eagle9]

You know, it is not like everyone as the best credit record. I mean, it only applies if they can get a credit card in your name. Right?

I think you are correct but I'm not certain. There may be ways to manipulate credit card application data that people who specialize in such crimes know.

[FlingWingFlyer]

From what we've been seeing from government bureacrats in Washington, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to find that this was done intentionally to embarrass the Bush administration. I don't trust any of them anymore.

[Eagle9]

Last I'd heard the records were from '75 and on. However, better safe than ....SOL.

Yes, those discharged after 1975 but those of us discharged before 1975 and have accessed the V.A. for benefits are also included. At least, that's what I've read but I'm not sure.

[Eagle9]

Source: http://www.military.com/Finance/content/0,15356,98690,00.html#1

Does this only affect veterans discharged after 1975?

It potentially affects all veterans who were discharged after 1975, which is when VA automated its records systems and began regular input of information received from the Department of Defense on all separating veterans.

When VA automated its records systems, VA also input data from all historical claimant records that had been manually maintained by the agency. This data loss therefore also potentially affects all veterans who have ever filed a claim for VA disability compensation, pension, or Education benefits, or who have (or had) a VA insurance policy – no matter when the claim was filed or when they were discharged. These veterans would be included even if their claim was denied or they are not currently receiving benefits.

We urge all veterans to be extra vigilant and monitor their financial accounts.

I have never applied for benefits from VA. Do I need to be concerned?

The electronic data stolen includes information from many veterans who have never filed for VA benefits or contacted VA. Since the 1970s, VA has received information from the Department of Defense on all who served. You are encouraged to take steps to protect yourself against identity theft.

[gleeaikin]

My husband was treated at the VA from 2002 until his death last June, do I need to be concerned, and if so, what should I do?

My son is currently serving in Afghanistan, he has been in the Army or the reserve since 1988. Should he be concerned, should I be alerting him or his wife, or will they be doing that on base in Afg?

[DoughtyOne]

It disturbs me that this took place. As bad as it is though, it adds insult to injury to realize the idiot that took the information home, hasn't been fired or arrested. Frankly, I think both are warranted.

[Eagle9]

When VA automated its records systems, VA also input data from all historical claimant records that had been manually maintained by the agency. This data loss therefore also potentially affects all veterans who have ever filed a claim for VA disability compensation, pension, or Education benefits, or who have (or had) a VA insurance policy – no matter when the claim was filed or when they were discharged. These veterans would be included even if their claim was denied or they are not currently receiving benefits.

[Lurker]

Wrong. If they have your birthdate, SSN, and mothers maiden they can get anything.

What if they get a DL in your name, and decide to rack up a few misdemeanors and not show up for their court dates. Then arrest warrants get issued. Then you get stopped at a roadside 'safety check'.

Guess who's going to spend a night in the pokey...

L

[Eagle9]

My husband was treated at the VA from 2002 until his death last June, do I need to be concerned, and if so, what should I do?

I can only suggest that you use the links above to find answers to your questions. I wish I knew more but ...

[6SJ7]

From what we've been seeing from government bureacrats in Washington, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to find that this was done intentionally to embarrass the Bush administration. I don't trust any of them anymore.

I've had similar suspicions about this story.

• The 'analyst' who took the data home was not authorized to do so. How did this employee gain access to the data and copy it?
• Why the need to work on this data at home?
• How long was the employee in possession of this data prior to the theft? The shorter the duration, the more suspect the timing of the theft.

[BIGLOOK]

Thanks for the info, Eagle9.

I collected on the GI Bill while in school.......so I guess I'm in the data soup.

[NY Attitude]

Kind of coincidental that the person that took home the data had a burglary. Strange!

[BJungNan]

Wrong. If they have your birthdate, SSN, and mothers maiden they can get anything. What if they get a DL in your name, and decide to rack up a few misdemeanors and not show up for their court dates. Then arrest warrants get issued. Then you get stopped at a roadside 'safety check'. Guess who's going to spend a night in the pokey...

When we post on here, we are not always correct with what we write. But we are always right when we post on here because thinking individuals like you help us correct our misconceptions.

You are so correct. I was not considering all the ramimfications.

FReepRegards,
BJN

[Lurker]

I'm happy to be of service.

I too am a veteran who's information is quite probably among the data stolen because of this careless government employee.

I apologize for the abruptness of my response, but I'm pretty ticked about this. If the thief figures out what he or she has, lots of people could have very serious problems.

Best of luck to you.

L

[Leatherneck_MT]

bump for later reference

[DoughtyOne]

Exactly. My thoughts as well...