VA Offers Free Credit Monitoring

Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson announced June 21 that VA will provide one year of free credit monitoring to people whose sensitive personal information may have been stolen from a VA employee’s home in May. VA is soliciting bids from qualified companies to provide expedited proposals that can be implemented rapidly. After VA hires a credit monitoring company, the department will send a detailed letter of explanation to people who may be at risk. VA expects to have the services in place and the letters mailed by mid-August. People who believe they may be affected by the data theft can visit www.firstgov.gov for more information. They also can contact the VA call center toll free at 1-800-FED INFO (1-800-333-4636). The call center will operate from 8:00 am to 9:00 p.m. (EDT), Monday-Saturday as long as it is needed.