CALIFORNIA COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM AMERINATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICE http://www.times-standard.com/local/ci_3887284


Residents told to place fraud alerts on credit files

EUREKA -- Alert letters are going out to nearly 150 local residents with housing loans through the city's Redevelopment Agency after several computers were stolen in a recent break-in at the company that handles the portfolio.

An AmeriNational Community Services Inc. office in Downey was broken into May 17 and several computers were stolen, including one containing Social Security numbers. The company is advising those affected to place a fraud alert on their credit files.

”Although the data within the computer was secured, we cannot rule out the possibility that the security could be overcome and your data compromised,” the letter from AmeriNational states. “The incident has been reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, but we are also required to notify you of this event.”

The letter also recommends that those with loans check their credit reports every three months for the next year.

AmeriNational representatives did not return a phone call seeking comment. According to information released to the city, five computers were stolen but the information stored in them was encrypted.

Carolynn Thomas, Eureka's finance director, said the company administers the rehabilitation loans for the city including sending out monthly bills-and was selected during a competitive process.
The city's finances are not in jeopardy, she said.

”They do not handle our investments in any way, shape or form,” Thomas said.

Eureka resident Joyce Mulligan was among those who received a letter informing her of the break-in and potential security risks to her personal information. She said she wanted to make sure anyone who has a housing loan through the Redevelopment Agency knows their credit could be compromised.

Mulligan also questioned how well AmeriNational safeguarded the data.

”It's very upsetting because there should be some sort of penalty levied against people who don't take due diligence with your information,” she said.

Kimberly Wear covers the cities of Eureka and Arcata. She can be reached at 441-0512 or kwear@times-standard.com