UK WELLS FARGO COMPUTER MISSING Zycko News - Wells Fargo in stolen computer scare:

Wells Fargo in stolen computer scare

Top bank Wells Fargo is the latest major US bank to be embroiled in a data security scare after a computer containing confidential data relating to some of its mortgage customers was reported missing.

There are fears that the machine, which was lost in transit between two of the bank's facilities while under the auspices of a global express shipping company, may have been stolen – but Wells Fargo has stressed that there is currently no evidence that the data, including social security numbers, names and addresses, has been abused.

The bank has said that the data on the machine was protected, but has not provided details as to the time of the breach, the number of customers it concerns and the name of the shipping company involved.

Police are optimistic that, if stolen, the machine was taken for its hardware rather than the data it contained, but Wells Fargo has contacted those customers who may be at risk and has also offered a year-long free credit checking service.

Wells Fargo was last involved in a major data theft in November 2003, when a computer containing customer details was stolen in California. It offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of those who stole the machine on that occasion. "