CALIFORNIA COMPUTER STOLEN http://www.kmph-kfre.com/story/17647629/doctors-computer-stolen-patients-alerted\


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Doctor's Computer Stolen; Patients Alerted
Posted: Apr 21, 2012 1:13 AM
Updated: April 20, 2012 10:54 PM PDT
By Erik Rosales - email
FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -

A Fresno doctor is offering a $500 reward for the safe return of a stolen computer.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Gloria Traje-Quitoriano has helped heal sick kids in the area.

Her office is in downtown Fresno. But it was in northeast Fresno that someone broke into her husband's car, and stole one of her work computers full of patient information.

Dr. Gloria Traje-Quitoriano says, "We don't care about the computer, we care about the files."

Files that contain personal patient information like names, home addresses, phone numbers, birth dates and even social security numbers.

Since the theft, the doctor and her staff have been informing patients.

Dr. Gloria Traje-Quitoriano says, "I'm just concerned about the files because they can get identity, my patient's identity."

Teresa Woods knows all about identity theft, last September her purse was stolen and she's still seeing the repercussions of the crime.

Teresa Woods says, "Someone stole my social security number and opened an account with AT&T."

Ironically, her daughter is also a patient of Dr. Traje-Quitoriano.

Teresa Woods says, "It's a little concerning because they have my medical information, my daughters' medical information. They have social security numbers for me and her."

So, what can you do to protect yourself from identity theft?

Besides the obvious like never carry your social security card, or even credit cards you don't use, and shred all bills and personal information.

Never leave behind receipts.

When buying on-line don't use the same password on multiple sites.

And most importantly check your credit report from all three credit agencies at least once a year.