Missing laptop has information on 2,400 base residents

CAMP PENDLETON — A laptop computer containing personal information of approximately 2,400 base residents was reported missing on October 3. Housing areas affected include San Onofre I and II, Stuart Mesa and Pacific View.

The computer loss was reported to Camp Pendleton officials by Lincoln B. P. Management, Inc., the government’s Public-Private Venture property management company, which is conducting an investigation and is in the process of notifying residents.

This matter is also under investigation by Camp Pendleton’s Criminal Investigation Division. “We take this matter very seriously and are working closely with Lincoln Properties to find out what happened and to safeguard the personal information of our Marines, Sailors and their families,” said Col. James B. Seaton, III, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

To date, there is no evidence that any of the data has been accessed and improperly used. However, individuals are always encouraged to protect their personal information.

There are two ways to watch for suspicious activity. One is to closely monitor your bank and credit card statements for fraudulent transactions. Monitoring accounts online is the best way to detect fraud early.

The other way is to place a 90-day fraud alert on your credit report, which tells creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. This action may cause some delays if you are trying to obtain new credit. You only need to contact one of the three companies — Equifax, Experian or TransUnion — to place an alert. The company you call is required to contact the other two.

Once you create the fraud alert, you’re entitled to free copies of your credit reports. Review these reports for inquiries from companies you have not contacted or accounts you did not open. If you still want the alert after 90 days, you’ll need to renew it.

If you find fraudulent accounts or transactions, contact the financial institution to close the fraudulent accounts or accounts that have been tampered with and file a report with your local police department.

If you think you are one of the base residents affected by this loss of information and you would like more information, or you have questions and concerns, please contact Lincoln B. P. Management, Inc. at (760) 385-5310.