Stolen laptop has senior citizens' information

Staff report

Some Rowan County seniors are now at risk for having their identity stolen because of a laptop theft in Atlanta, Ga.

Clyde Fahnestock, director of the county's Senior Services Department, has pledged to do everything possible to help seniors deal with the problem.

The laptop contained information from the Division of Aging and Adult Services. The files have Social Security numbers and other personal information of seniors across the state.

The Division of Aging has sent out letters to explain what happened and to give advice on what seniors can do to protect their information from identity theft or scams.

Fahnestock said Rowan seniors are now receiving the letters and have contacted his department.

"I deeply regret the loss of this information which will create confusion and anxiety for our seniors," Fahnestock said.

He noted that although the information on the laptop is password protected, the state is advising seniors to place a "fraud alert" on their credit report with follow-up monitoring.

The letter from the state gives very specific information about what action to take, listing the names of the credit reporting agencies and telephone numbers and Web site addresses.

The letter advises those with questions or concerns to contact the Department of Health and Human Services Care-Line by calling 1-800-662-7030.

"Since the breach involved a very large number of seniors, estimated to be in excess of how worrisome this news may be and how difficult it may be for some of our residents to act upon information," Fahnestock said. "Since we are continuing to learn more about this situation and are actively testing the advice given in the letters we are likely to have a backlog of persons asking for assistance."

At this point, the department is taking names and contact information of seniors and scheduling followup appointments.

"I am sorry this incident has occurred and deeply regret how this will affect our seniors," said Fahnestock.