Over 26.5 million veterans found themselves at risk for identity theft in 2006 when a federal employee0s lap top computer, containing important personal information such as name, date of birth, address and social security number, as well as benefits eligibility. Another 16,000 veterans were at risk when a government contractor0s lap top computer was stolen from his home.
It is a common practice for the VA to contract out certain jobs such as software support and insurance billing and claims resolution to a subcontractor. According to a statement issued by the Veterans Administration this is done in order to provide better customer service. But what happens when this 0customer service puts the customer at risk of identity theft and false claims for benefits?
In this the most recent incident, of a contractor, the contracting company, Unisys Corporation offered free credit reports to those affected. However, free annual credit reports are already available through the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The Veteran0s Administration also claimed that it works closely with contractors in developing the 0highest standards0 of protection and security. However, it does not designate what systems are in place to protect a veteran0s information. The federal employee who took home veterans information on […]

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