Identity Alert:
Follow-up Letter
Additional Credit Protection Options
Notification Letter (Dec.12, 2006)
(text only version)
January 10, 2007
Dear Friend:
I am writing to provide you with additional information regarding the database security incident announced in December. At that time, UCLA announced that a sophisticated computer hacker illegally accessed a database containing certain personal information and that the hacker sought and obtained at least some Social Security numbers. Through our continuing investigation, we have now confirmed that the hacker retrieved approximately 28,600 Social Security numbers. These Social Security numbers related to approximately 18,500 UCLA student financial aid applicants from 2002 through 2006 and approximately 10,100 former employees who separated from UCLA, the University of California Office of the President and UC Merced between 1995 and 2003, plus one who left in 1988.
We wanted to immediately notify members of these groups that their data was accessed by the hacker. I am very sorry to report that your Social Security number was among the 28,600 illegally retrieved. This does not mean that you are the victim of identity theft or that we have evidence of your Social Security number being misused. And it is important to know that the database does not include banking or credit card information or driver’s license numbers. However, I want to reiterate my previous recommendation that you take steps to protect against potential fraud.
The attachment to this letter provides information on how to place a fraud alert on your consumer credit file. By doing so, you let creditors know to watch for unusual or suspicious activity, such as someone attempting to open a new credit card account in your name. A fraud alert, which can be reinstated after the initial 90-day period, also entitles you to a free credit report from each of the three national credit bureaus. In addition to free credit reports available to those placing fraud alerts, federal law entitles consumers to one free credit report from each credit bureau once a year. By staggering the times at which free credit reports are ordered, consumers can monitor their own credit.
There are many resources available at the special Web site we have established, http://www.identityalert.ucla.edu, including links to useful sites operated by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the California Office of Privacy Protection, and the Identity Theft Resource Center. If you have questions about this incident and its implications, you may call our toll-free number, (877) 533-8082.
Once again, I want to express my deep regret for any concern or inconvenience this incident may cause you.
Sincerely,
Norman Abrams
Acting Chancellor
Identity Alert Hotline: (877) 533-8082 Updated:
January 9, 2007