The Department of Veterans Affairs and the FBI announced Thursday a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of a laptop computer and external hard drive that contained personal information for 26.5 millions veterans and some spouses.
The data was stolen in connection with a home burglary May 3 in the Aspen Hill section of Montgomery County after a civilian employee analyst violated VA policy by taking the computer data home.
The worker has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
There is no evidence yet that the suspect or suspects responsible had any knowledge of what information was stored on the hard drive.
Matt Burns, a spokesman for Veterans Affairs, said the material stolen contains the personal information of all veterans who haveserved or been discharged since 1975 and everyone prior to 1975 who has filed a claim with the VA.
Maryland veterans are concerned about identity theft, including the names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth and other personal information. The theft was not reported until Monday by the Department of Veteran Affairs in Washington.
“We have not had communication with any vets who has had any issue yet with theft, but we?ve had lots of complaints about the way the electronic media is handling it,” said Cathy Watts, a spokeswoman for the Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs. “They?re complaining the broadcast media is practically opening the door to how use this information and giving thieves instructions.”
U.S. Rep. Ben Cardin said in a letter to President Bush Wednesday, he wants the president “to issue an Executive Order to all federal departments and agencies to utilize the most advanced technology available to encrypt and protect the personal information of all Americans.”
The VA in Washington and in Maryland has posted information on its Web site about the theft, potential repercussions for veterans and how to protect financial information that could potentially be compromised. Watts estimated half of Maryland?s 463,000 veterans? personal information may have been stolen. The VA also has posted information about the theft on its Web site.
Anyone who can provide information that leads to the recovery of the laptop and external hard drive should call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
