A flash drive containing some confidential information was stolen from Lake Huron Hall on Grand Valley State University's Allendale Campus on May 24.
About 3,000 social security numbers of current and former students were on the flash drive, stolen from the English department.
Mary Eileen Lyon, of GVSU News and Information Services, said GVSU students need not worry about being affected unless they have received a letter from the university, as letters have been sent to all students whose identities may be in jeopardy.
The university does not believe the information contained on the drive has been or will be used for malicious purposes. Miscellaneous office supplies and personal items were also taken, leading investigators to believe it was a piece of equipment, not the data, that was desired.
Grand Valley State University is taking steps to increase security.
The Federal Trade Commission has a Web site with resources for possible victims of identity theft.
It is recommended that potential victims of identity theft have a fraud alert placed on their credit report with one of the three credit reporting agencies:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O Box 740241, Atlanta GA 30374-0241
Esperian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9534, allen, TX 75013
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7259; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton CA
92834-6790
Students with additional questions may contact Jann Joseph, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, at (616) 331-2110.