Countrywide identity theft hitting millions
5:04 p.m. Monday, September 15, 2008
Countrywide Home loans holds millions of people's information on its database, which was breached.
It's affecting people across the U.S., even here in Topeka.
Thousands of people's personal information was stolen each week, from national mortgage company Countrywide.
Tammy Griffin says she never heard about information being stolen by a former Countrywide employee until today.
"I'm shocked, cause I think we should have got notified whether or not. Because we're not for sure if we are one of them or not," she said.
Urgent Security Notification on the front of an envelope is how Countrywide told customers their information was stolen.
We spoke with one man who just received a letter today, saying his identity was sold. He didn't want to go on camera, but wanted to talk.
"It's very discouraging because a person like myself, my wife and we try very hard to protect our identity and not let it get out there to where it's available for people to just steal," he said.
It's affecting people all over the U.S. As many as 2 million people had their personal information stolen and sold. When you hear those kind of numbers what goes through your mind?
"I'm shocked, totally shocked and scared," said Griffin.
We tried speak to Countrywide about the stolen identities, but a local spokesperson wouldn't go on camera. Instead, we got an email saying, "Countrywide investigators reported evidence of possible theft of personal account information to the FBI and continue to work closely with the FBI in its ongoing investigation. We cannot comment further on the investigation at this time. We are providing these customers with the opportunity to receive two years of credit-monitoring services at no charge to them."
But for some, this isn't enough.
"They are not making me feel any safer by offering that. I feel more safe doing what I can do on my own, then by them offering that," the man who wanted to remain anonymous said.
We spoke with other Countrywide customers today, who said they didn't get a letter, but all said they'll be checking their credit to see if their identity was stolen.
But you can do it yourself for free. The government requires the three credit reporting companies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion one free yearly check of your credit, to monitor any suspicious activity. Log onto www.annualcreditreport.com.
If you want to check your credit more than once a year, it will cost money.
Identity Theft: How to NOT be a victim
Identity theft is a crime, but that doesn't deter people from trying to take on your identity for financial gain.
At work and at home, secure important documents that contain your personal data. Do not carry your Social Security card or any cards with PIN numbers on them. The U.S. Department of Treasury also recommends shredding documents with personal information on them.
And, that's just the beginning. Protect yourself from this crime by learning identity theft prevention guidelines. Check them out.
Comments
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Oct. 11, 2008 at 1:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)SArthur (anonymous)
I have recently been a victim of fraud. It has been a nightmare! Back in July I had money stolen out of my bank account; thus the beginning of our nightmare! I was able to get my money back from the bank and the internet company was very willing to work with us and the bank. All accounts were closed and new cards have been reissued. We then received the information from Countrywide letting us know that their lack of security measures were the cause of our headache. Since then I have had about a dozen credit card accounts and a $10,000 loan fraudulently attempted to be opened. Please note, "attempted" is the key word in this sentence. According to the law, since I had been able to stop these theives from successfully opening accounts- no crime has actually been committed. My social security number, drivers liscence number, maiden name, birthdate, address, phone numbers, and canceled credit card numbers are posted all over the internet. My information is actually for sell all over the internet. No one is willing to help to us! I have tried to contact the IRS to make sure that my social security number is not used to fradulently file tax information- I am told that until I know a crime is committed there is nothing they can do to be proactive. Please someone tell me where are a victim's rights in this situation!?! I have contacted several attorneys- all of them say nothing can be done.
My husband lost his job in construction due to the failing economy and cannot find a job, I'm working overtime- often 6 days a week to make ends barely meet, we lost our mom, neice, and nephew at Thanksgiving due to a horrible car accident- the anniversary right around the corner, I am seven months pregnant, and dealing with fraud has been the icing on my cake. I do not know where to turn, I am just wanting someone to not just moniter this problem- I want it fixed. Are you able to provide any help or guidance? I am sure I am not the only person adversly affected. Thanks for your time and consideration.
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