TerraCom, Inc. was the victim of a security breach in 2013 by a news organization, Scripps Howard News Service, which gained unauthorized access to some applicants’ personal data that was stored on a vendors computer servers. The information accessed by the news service may have included the Lifeline application, a copy of the benefits card or driver’s license, and the date of birth or social security number that applicants shared with us to determine eligibility for the federal Lifeline program.
We regret that this incident occurred. We have taken steps to eliminate any potential release of personal data in the future and continue to incorporate additional security features to guard against cyber–attacks and attempts by hackers to access your personal data without authorization.
Based on our investigation conducted in coordination with an independent digital forensics team – there appears to be no evidence to indicate that a malicious attack occurred on our computer systems, nor does it appear that any applicant has been injured as a result of the unauthorized access of personal data files by the news organization. The news organization has assured us that it will not voluntarily disclose your personal information to third parties.
What you can do:
If you learn that your Social Security Number has been compromised, immediately place a fraud alert on your three credit reports and then continue to monitor them.
Monitor your credit reports, bank and credit accounts for unauthorized activity and report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency and to the account issuer (bank, credit card company, etc.) and credit bureaus
- You are entitled to one free credit report once every 12 months from each of the above three major nationwide credit reporting companies.
- If you find suspicious activity on your credit reports you should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft or at 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877- 438-4338).
Consider placing a security freeze on your report
- A security freeze lets you restrict access to your credit report, making it harder for someone to open a new account in your name.
- If you place a freeze, be ready to take a few extra steps the next time you apply for a new credit card or cell phone – or any service that requires a credit check.
- To place a freeze on your credit files at all three nationwide credit reporting companies, write to the addresses below and include the following information:
- Your full name (first, middle, last including applicable generation, such as JR., SR., II, III, etc.)
- Your Social Security Number
- Your date of birth (month, day and year)
- Your complete address including proof of current address, such as a current utility bill, bank or insurance statement or telephone bill
- If you have moved in the past 2 years, give your previous addresses where you have lived for the past 2 years
- A legible photocopy of a government issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, military identification, etc.)
- Include applicable fee. Call or visit each of the credit reporting company websites listed above for information on fees for Security Freeze services. Forms of payment are check, money order, or credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa), or a copy of a valid identity theft report, or other valid report from a law enforcement agency to show you are a victim of identity theft and are eligible for free Security Freeze services
Within 5 business days of receiving your request for a security freeze, the consumer credit reporting Company will provide you with a personal identification number (PIN) or password to use if you choose to remove the freeze on your consumer credit report or to authorize the release of your consumer credit report to a specific party or for a specified period of time after the freeze is in place.
Visit the FTC’s Web site at http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft to review the comprehensive information available in the “Take Charge: What to Do if Your Identity is Stolen” guide.
- You may also call 1-877-438-4338 to request a free copy
We have also established a toll-free number 1-844-842-8308 for applicants and customers to contact us with questions they may have. Our call center representatives are available to answer your questions and provide guidance on steps you can take to protect your financial information and guard against the potential for identify theft.