WASHINGTON, D.C. - A federal agency admitted that the loss of computers containing confidential ID information about Americans is more widespread than earlier thought. The U.S. Commerce Department says more than 1,100 laptops have been lost in the past five years. Of those, 627 were lost by the U.S. Census Bureau. The bureau collects information about Americans. Of those, at least 246 of the laptops contained personal information. The actual number could go higher, because there are conflicting reports and statements about just what was on them, and how so many have disappeared. The government claims there's no information that any information has been misused. However, that is a standard claim which has also been made by many companies that have lost laptops containing names, social security numbers, bank account information, and other data which could be used by identity thieves. 9/22/2006 Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritted or redistributed. http://koin.com/Global/story.asp?S=5444552&nav=menu494_2
I have gotten two letters now from the VA saying this has happened. its going to suck to have to disprove info if mine gets used.