Id Theft Alerts

June 15, 2011
Hackers Break Into Citi
citibank location
Citigroup admits that hackers gained access to some North American credit card accounts. They disclosed that it was only 1% of their customers but with 21 million card holders that is still 210,000 accounts. The company is emailing customers who were affected.

The breach was detected during routine monitoring.  They believe the hackers gained access to credit card number and addresses but had no access to social security numbers. That is very good news if you got the dreaded email because the threat is limited to your credit card account. [story]


Vacation Time Tips

As you head out for summer vacation make sure to stay vigilant for identity thieves. Only take what you absolutely need in your wallet/purse. If you are traveling overseas make sure to leave your passport in the hotel safe. Before using an ATM, make sure there is no sign of tampering. Let your credit card company know if you are going overseas and the dates. When you get back check your statements for any activity that wasn't yours.
 
HHS Proposes Changes to HIPAA    

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing changes to the privacy rule of the Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The change would require covered entities to provide individuals with a report of who, inside and outside of the organization, has access to their medical information. They say the change is part of the disclosure requirements mandated by HITECH

 

They will take
public comments on the proposed rule until July 31st. [full proposed changes]
Financial Aid Identity Thief

A Texas man stole $37,395 in Federal student aid. He would enroll in classes, get the federal financial aid, quit the classes, and then keep the refund from the school. This wasn't enough money so he started using stolen identities to enroll in classes. Of the total, $6,573 was from identity theft. Solomon Hobbs Jr. is now facing federal charges of wire fraud, student assistance program fraud, and identity theft. [story and video]

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