Data Breach Alert: Eye center patients may see identity theft in their future

Posted by Joe on April 2nd, 2008

A former receptionist at the Illinois Eye Center may have used patient records to identify potential identity theft victims according to a letter sent to affected patients.

It is believed that the former employee accessed patient records including names, social security numbers, and birthdays. Women between the ages of 18 and 25 appear to have been targeted in particular.

The Peoria County Sheriff's Department has received seven or eight reports of identity theft crimes associated with the theft since they were made aware of the incident in January 2008. In each case, there was an attempt to access the victims credit file. At least one such attempt was successful.

The suspect in the data theft and subsequent identity theft attempts was employed by the Illinois Eye Center for a five month period ending November 2007. She has not been charged as off yet, but the Sheriff's Department hopes to make an arrest in the near future.

All former or current patients of the Illinois eye center should keep a close eye on their credit file and financial accounts to make sure there is no suspicious activity. If you would like to learn more about companies that can help you protect your identity visit our identity theft protection service comparison.