Organ and Tissue Database Security Information

Q: What happened?
A: We learned of a potential security flaw in the state’s Organ and Tissue Registry. We stopped all access to the database, identified the flaws and corrected them.

Q: What information was potentially accessed?
A: The database includes names, addresses, social security numbers, dates of birth, and driver’s license numbers.

Q: How do I know whether my records were affected?
A: The system has identified approximately 55,000 individuals whose information may have been viewed by unauthorized persons. We are in the process of contacting each person affected by mail.

Q: What if I have not received a letter?
A: If you have not received a letter our logs note that your information was not affected by this security flaw.  Please keep in mind that letters are being sent to the address you listed when you registered as an organ donor.

Q: If I have additional questions regarding this issue, what should I do?
A: You can call 866 757 0677.  This number is open Monday through Friday from 8AM to 7PM Eastern.

Q: If I am a registered donor and I receive a letter, does this mean that I am a victim of identity theft?
A: No. It is unlikely that someone has accessed your information or used it inappropriately. It does not mean that you are a victim of identity theft or that the information may be used to commit fraud. The Agency for Health Care Administration wanted to let you know about the incident so you are aware and may take steps as you see fit.

Q: What protective steps should I take?
A: Again, it is unlikely that someone has accessed your information, but the potential did exist.  You may wish to obtain a free copy of your credit report to make certain that no unusual activity is noted.

Q: How do I obtain a copy of my credit report?
A: According to the Federal Trade Commission, the three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up a central Web site, a toll-free telephone number, and a mailing address through which you can order your free annual report.
To order, visit annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. You may print a request form from www.ftc.gov/freereports. Do not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually.
You may order your reports from all three nationwide consumer reporting companies at the same time, or you can order your report from each of the companies one at a time. The law allows you to order one free copy of your report from each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies every 12 months. However, the recommended approach is to order one copy every four months from a different reporting company. This will allow you to view this information free of charge once every four months. For additional information, go to the Federal Trade Commission website: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm.

Q: What other steps may I take?
A: You may place a fraud alert on the credit report maintained by each of the nationwide credit bureaus.

Q: What is a fraud alert?
A: A fraud alert is a special message placed for free on your credit report that tells a credit issuer when inquiring about a consumer’s credit that there may be fraud on the account. Before extending new credit, the creditor will call you to confirm that you have applied for such credit. A fraud alert is generally placed on your account for a 90-day period. You can ask that it be reinstated once 90 days have passed, but it is your responsibility to do so.

Q: How do I place a fraud alert on my file?
A:  To place a fraud alert on your file, you may call one of the three credit bureaus and make the request. The bureau you call will automatically forward the fraud alert to the other two. Once the fraud alert is placed on your file, you should receive a confirmation letter from all three credit bureaus. This letter will also contain instructions on how to order a free credit report. Once you receive your report, if you feel something is incorrect or suspicious, call the bureau at the phone number provided on the report.

Here is the contact information for the agencies:

Equifax:         1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com
Experian:       1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com
TransUnion:  1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com

Q:  Will a fraud alert stop me from using my credit cards or obtaining new credit?
A:  No, it will not stop you from using your credit cards. However, it may slow the process of obtaining new credit. Since the purpose of the fraud alert is to protect you from allowing someone else to open credit in your name, creditors will need to re-verify the identity of the person applying for credit.

Additional resources exist through the Web sites of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Attorney General Bill McCollum’s Office. Please visit http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/CompID/ and http://www.myfloridalegal.com/identitytheft for more information.