To serve and be protected

The theft of 26.5 million veterans' personal data from the Department of Veterans' Affairs is extremely serious, and I urge all Montana veterans to personally protect themselves. The immediate action is to notify any of the three national credit reporting agencies-Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion- and report an "Initial Fraud Alert." This places a "flag" on your credit file, and alerts credit grantors to verify your identity before establishing new credit in your name. The "flag" is automatically reported to the other two credit reporting agencies.

I contacted Equifax at 1-877-576-5734, and five minutes later my fraud alert was in effect. Within two weeks I received written confirmation from Equifax and the other credit reporting agencies, as well as additional guidance which will help me protect myself.

This "Initial Fraud Alert" is good for 90 days, and unless compelled otherwise, I will go the next step- an "Extended Alert," which will be good for seven years. There is no charge for these services, and it is so important that you take this step to protect yourself in light of this truly inexcusable theft of personal data.

Sincerely,

Joe Foster

Administrator

Montana Veterans' Affairs Division