Computer Security breach at Goshen College — advisory to students and parents

The following notice was sent May 11, 2007 to students and parents affected by the May 5-7, 2007 computer security breach.

 

Securing your information

Goshen College deeply regrets this computer security breach and is committed to helping those who may be affected. Toward that end, we are contacting the major credit-reporting agencies and informing them that personal information of some students and some of their parents may have been compromised.

We also would like you to be aware of the following information, which was developed in consultation with independent sources and various government agencies.

Individuals affected by this incident should consider requesting a free initial fraud alert to be placed on your credit file, which tells creditors to contact you before they open any new accounts or change your existing accounts. You can do so by contacting any one of three major credit-reporting agencies: Equifax, (800) 525-6285; Experian, (888) 397-3742; or TransUnionCorp (800) 680-7289.

As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the others are notified to place fraud alerts.  The fraud alert stays on your record for 90 days. However, you can re-file the free fraud alert after the initial period has ended.

You also should consider obtaining a copy of your credit report.  You are entitled to one free credit report in a 12-month period.  To request a free annual report, go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com or call (800) 322-8228.

Review your credit report carefully to ensure no fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized charges made to your existing accounts. Even if you do not find suspicious activity on your initial credit accounts, 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.

 

What to do if you suspect identity theft:

If you find suspicious activity on your credit reports or have reason to believe your information is being misused, do the following:

* Call your police department and file a police report. Get a copy of the report; many creditors want the information it contains to absolve you of the fraudulent debts.

* File a complaint with the FTC at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or (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.

* If you suspect misuse of your Social Security number, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

* Immediately contact affected creditors and close the accounts that you believe have been opened fraudulently or have unauthorized activity.

* Keep a detailed record of both the written and oral communications with credit bureaus, creditors, financial institutions, and police, including dates, and with whom you spoke. Any records should be kept for three years.

Additional resources:
Federal Trade Commission:  http://www.consumer.gov.idtheft/
Social Security Administration:  http://www.ssa.gov/oig/index/htm
Social Security Fraud hotline (800) 269-0271:  http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html
Department of Justice:  http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html
U.S. Postal Inspection Service:  http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/id_intro.htm
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse-Identity Theft Resources:  https://www.privacyrights.org/consumer-guides/identity-theft-what-do-if-it-happens-you
National Fraud Information Center Hotline: (800) 876-7060
Identity Theft Resource Center: (858) 693-7935

Additional information will be available on our web site, www.goshen.edu. You can contact the Goshen College Information Technology Services Office any time by e-mail at info@goshen.edu or call us Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, at 1-866-877-3055.  On Friday, May 11, 2007, you may call until 9 p.m. EDT and on Saturday, May 12, 2007, you may call from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m EDT.