US says personal data on millions of veterans stolen

[Moderator]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060522/ts_nm/crime_veterans_dc_3

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Personal data on about 26.5 million U.S. military veterans was stolen from the residence of a Department of Veterans Affairs data analyst who improperly took the material home, Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson said on Monday.

The data included names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth for the veterans, Nicholson said, but "there is no indication at this time" that the data had been used for identify theft.

Nicholson said the theft of the data took place this month, but declined to identify the employee or the location of the burglary.

"The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. We have a full-scale investigation going on in this," Nicholson told reporters by telephone. He said the FBI, local law enforcement authorities and his department's inspector general's office were looking into the matter.

"They believe that this was a random burglary and not targeted at this data," Nicholson added, saying there had been a series of burglaries in the community where the employee lived.

Nicholson identified the employee only as a male career department worker, not a political appointee. He said the employee "took home a considerable amount of electronic data from the VA which he was not authorized to do. It was in violation of our rules and regulations and policies."

 

[Moderator]

I say "Hang the MF"

 

[BillK]

I say "Hang the MF"

^5

 

[Admin]

All my data says is

Sgt Hoskins- USMC- Jerk

 

[anthonyne]

It does seem kind of odd though. Bringing something home that you're not supposed to and then, coincidentaly, someone breaks into your house and steals it.

 

[sdavid]

Wonder if the VA/ DOD knows what information was stolen.

 

[Moderator]

I just got a Letter in today from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. It says the data contained; Names, Social Security Numbers, DOB's, and some disability ratings or 26.5 million veterans. It also states it did not contain health records or financial info.

I know there are quite a few vets on in this place. If you have any questions go to www.firstgov.gov or call 1-800-FED-INFO

 

[Nashmack]

I got that letter as well. I was discharged in '05, my dad was discharged from the Navy in '73, we both got the same letter.

 

[MrsWildweasel]

All 4 of us received letters from the VA. It even involves those that are serving NOW. At first it didn't look like Justin and Alan were involved but now they are. We watch Alan's accounts anyways while he's gone. We'll do the same for Justin when he deploys also.
The worst part is the asswipe is out on adminstrative leave, and hasn't been fired yet.

 

[LoginName]

Got my letter yesterday.

Funny thing though... I was discharged in 78. The last time I applied for Veterans benefits was back in 80. Since then, I've moved at least 5 times and they still managed to find me. Unless I missed something, the only way that could have happened was if they got my info from the IRS.

Just one personal example of how government agencies share info and how easily and quickly they can ferret a person out.

 

[MrsWildweasel]

When I got out, I was told if they wanted me they could find me. Which is true, since in my records I list my home of record as Idaho, not MA. I got out in 84.

 

[MrsWildweasel]

I also read maybe their website that the IRS was co operating with the VA to get letters sent to everyone involved.

 

[bpm990d]

I got mine two days ago. I was more surprised that they found me. IRS is helping them out.

B

 

[TonyD]

I haven't received shit. I guess my plan is working.

 

[dreppucci007]

 

[MrsWildweasel]

Don't worry Tony they will find you. Like I said my home of record in my files is for Idaho. Haven't been back there in over 20 years.

 

[Moderator]

The worst part is the asswipe is out on adminstrative leave, and hasn't been fired yet.

I'll tell ya, If I were in charge the little puke would be lucky if all he got was fired.

 

[MrsWildweasel]

That's the sad part BJ, you know if it was you or me we probably would have been fired on the spot. Justin wants to go down there and kick his ass. We haven't even told Alan, since there is nothing he can do from Iraq. We watch his bank accounts anyways. We'll do the same for Justin when he deploys in Oct.

 

[Pilgrim]

They originally said info from 75 up was taken. If that was the case, why did I get the letter since I left in 71 ?

And what's more confusing, why did my Dad get one when he left in 1945?

 

[MrsWildweasel]

Is he using the VA for medical?

 

[MrsWildweasel]

I also told my mother-in-law to keep an eye on things. Father-in-law used the VA for medical uo until he passed away, which was about 5 years ago.