Identity Theft Alert - TRICARE letter about release of personal information Published Nov. 29, 2011 By Capt. Patrick Hughes 374th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate Office YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Recently, many active duty personnel and their family members have received a mailing from SAIC, a contractor which maintains records for TRICARE, indicating that beneficiary records containing personal identifiable information (PII) were stolen while en route to a storage facility. Concerns have been raised about the legitimacy of this letter and its offer of a one-year free subscription to the identity theft protection service offered by Kroll, Inc. TRICARE representatives have confirmed the legitimacy of the letter and the free one-year identity theft protection service subscription, and individuals should feel comfortable taking advantage of the protection offered if they think it is necessary. TRICARE's official statement regarding the release of information and steps taken in mitigation is available at http://www.tricare.mil/breach/. However, in situations where the only information released involves a young child who does not have a credit history, you may find the protection service unnecessary. While investigations by law enforcement have not turned up any misuse of the information that was released, this is a good opportunity to review the steps individuals can take to protect you and your loved ones from having your identities stolen. Protect your identity like you protect any other important belongings One way to minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft is to remain vigilant. Order a copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Annual credit reports are free at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp. If you check regularly, you may be able to catch problems before an identity thief wreaks havoc on your finances. Second, guard mail and trash from theft by shredding papers with PII, depositing outgoing mail in post office boxes, and placing a hold on mail when you are TDY or deployed. To avoid receiving certain credit card offers altogether, you can "opt out" of receiving pre-screened credit card mailings by calling 1-888-567-8688 or by going to https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t. To avoid telemarketing, you can place your phone numbers on the National Do-Not-Call Registry. Go to https://donotcall.gov/ to find out more. Third, secure information in your home, at work and on computers. Use non-accessible passwords on accounts; update your computer's virus protection and firewall programs regularly; do not give out PII unless you have initiated the contact; and avoid using your social security number (SSN) unless it is required. You do not have to give your SSN just because you are asked for it, especially if you did not initiate the contact. If someone asks you to disclose your SSN, some of the questions you should be asking are: - Why do you need my SSN? - How will my SSN be used? - What law requires me to give my SSN? - What happens if I do not give my SSN? You should leave your Social Security card in a locked, fire-safe place, and have it with you only when you know you need it. Fourth, review your credit and debit card statements regularly. Based on recent changes to consumer laws, you are liable for up to only $50 of any fraudulent charges you may incur on your credit card if you identify the unauthorized charges within a reasonable time. While these protections are not extended as generously to debit cards (so consider avoiding use of your debit card except when taking money out of the ATM), the sooner you are able to identify improper transactions, the more likely your financial institutions will be to step in and support you. Set up an active duty fraud alert The Fair Credit Reporting Act has created greater protection against identity theft risks for active duty military members. An "Active Duty Fraud Alert" may now be established to require all new attempts to open a credit account in your name to first be confirmed by you. The creditor must call you at the phone number you provide when you sign up for the fraud alert service, to ensure that the attempt to open the account has been authorized by you. This fraud alert is good for 12 months and can be renewed annually to continue the protection while you remain on active duty. To learn more and set up the alert, go to the following link, http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt147.shtm. What to do if you are a victim of identity theft As soon as you suspect you have become a victim of identity theft, you should: - Place a "fraud alert" and "victim's statement" on your credit report by contacting the three major credit bureaus listed above. - Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently - File a police report, and ask for a copy of the report for your records - Complete an ID Theft Affidavit and send it to companies where new accounts were fraudulently opened in your name by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-887-438-4338) or by visiting http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/; and, - Report your complaint to the Federal Trade Commission to help law enforcement track down and stop identity thieves. Remember also to keep copies of any supporting documents, such as receipts, emails, phone calls, etc., that may help in the investigation to clear your credit report. The unfortunate reality is that identity thieves prey on those who give them the opportunity. By taking these precautions, you will go a long way in preventing these thieves from preying on you.