[Dataloss] NC: LendingTree tells clients of breach

[Michael Hill, CITRMS]

http://www.charlotte.com/business/story/590991.html

Adding to a growing list of companies suffering data breaches, LendingTree notified mortgage customers Monday that some of their personal information may have been inappropriately accessed.

In a letter, the Charlotte-based company said that outside loan companies may have accessed the information, including Social Security numbers, between October 2006 and early 2008 and used it to market their own mortgages to LendingTree customers.

LendingTree would not say Monday when it learned of the incident or how many people were potentially affected. It sent e-mails to alert customers it believes may be at risk of having their information accessed.

The company said it does not believe the disclosure led to identity theft or fraudulent financial activity, but recommended customers check their credit reports for suspicious activity.

[..]

According to a Q&A sent to customers, "several former employees" may have shared confidential passwords with "a handful" of lenders that were not approved by the company.

[...]

The company has since enhanced its security system and also filed a civil fraud lawsuit Monday in Orange County, Calif., in connection with the incident, according to public records. The suit names three California-based mortgage lenders, eight individuals and two other businesses as co-defendants.

[...]





Michael Hill 
Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist
404-216-3751
 

"If You Think You're Not At Risk, Think Again!"
 
 
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