PPCC computer breach; identity theft warning goes out
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: KOAA
Pikes Peak Community College has sent an email to past job applicants, warning them that they may be vulnerable to identity theft after someone accessed a computer database containing sensitive information. The FBI is investigating.
Here is a copy of the email, containing the warning:
Dear PPCC Applicant:
We are contacting you about a potential problem involving identity theft. On Monday, May 19, 2008, the server housing our eRecruiting applicant data may have been compromised by an unknown intruder. This intrusion may have exposed information you submit as part of your application materials to unauthorized viewing. Pikes Peak Community College has reported this incident to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Further, Pikes Peak Community College has taken security steps to reasonably ensure that an intrusion of this type will not occur again. The type of intrusion that occurred often does not involve accessing the data on the server. However, because the possibility of data theft exists, we are advising you in case any unauthorized use of data should occur. We recommend that you place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells creditors to contact you before they open any new accounts or change your existing accounts. Call any one of the three major credit bureaus. As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the others are notified to place fraud alerts. All three credit reports will be sent to you, free of charge, for your review.
- Equifax 800-685-1111
- Experian 888-397-3742
- TransUnionCorp 800-680-7289
Even if you do not find any suspicious activity on your initial credit reports, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you check your credit reports periodically. Victim information sometimes is held for use or shared among a group of thieves at different times. Checking your credit reports periodically can help you spot problems and address them quickly. If you find suspicious activity on your credit reports or have reason to believe your information is being misused, please contact us immediately at the below email address or phone number so we can inform you who to contact at the FBI for reporting purposes.
You also should file a complaint with the FTC or call 1-877-ID-THEFT (877-438-4338). Your complaint will be added to the FTC's Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, where it will be accessible to law enforcers for their investigations. Upon request, we will make available to you a copy of Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft, a comprehensive guide from the FTC to help you guard against and deal with identity theft.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
C.R.J. Brooks
Director of Human Resource Services
Pikes Peak Community College
5675 South Academy Blvd., Box C-4
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Email: employment@ppcc.edu
Tel: 719.502.2750
Toll Free 1.800.456.6847 x2750
