|
 |
Home >> Scams/Fraud >> Identity Theft
They Gave Out All My Personal Information
I received a letter from the company that handles my former company's corporate credit cards informing me that an "Electronic data file intended for delivery was sent to another client by mistake." The file included my name, mailing address, telephone number, social security number, corporate credit card number and expiration date.
They have assured me by email that "the mistake was mmediately recognized by the client" and they have confirmed in writing that the file and all of the information was promptly deleted. They have no reason to believe that any of the information has been used inappropriately.
Do I have any recourse besides doing what they suggested: "Monitor my accounts; contact one of the three credit bureau agencies to request an initial free 90 day alert be added to my personal file and visiting the FTC consumer website about fighting back"? In my opinion, this is an error on the bank's part. Nobody stole anything, they gave it away.
|
|
 The fact that your personal information was in the wrong hands due to a bank error for even a short time is upsetting, but this case appears to be one in which no information was inappropriately accessed or used. It's very likely that no harm was done, other than to your confidence in your bank's ability to manage its data securely.
Follow up with the suggestions that your bank provided. Even when there has not been any hint of data being at risk, every consumer should take advantage of the right to obtain one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every year. Scheduling them appropriately can ensure you get a look at your credit file's contents once every four months. Review the FTC and credit bureau suggestions on what to look for in those reports to help identify any attempt to use your identity fraudulently.
You are correct: your bank made an error. If you have always been otherwise satisfied with your banking relationship, consider the fact that the bank quickly caught its mistake and it's likely no harm resulted from it. However, if your confidence in the bank is shaken, you can also opt to take your business elsewhere.
Published on BankingQuestions.com 10/15/09
|
| |
|
Accounts
Article
Q&A
Podcast
Video
Blog
Discussions
PDF
Powerpoint
