Rochester, NY – New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are now alerting customers that secure information, including social security numbers, have been compromised.
The security breach happened earlier this month. RG&E says a contractor who had access to this secure information shared it with unauthorized people.
There have been no cases of fraud, but customers are urged to take steps to protect their identity and credit information.
The data involved include customer Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and in some cases, bank account account numbers.
Customers like Joe Lamb say this is scary, knowing that at any time, someone could steal your identity.
Dave Morgan says he has fraud alert on his credit reports. Retired State Assistant Attorney General Carlos Rodriguez urges all customers to get fraud alert, check bank statements and file a police report.
With fraud alert, no one can open any kind of account or take out a loan in your name for 90 days, without you being notified. You can also have fraud alert extended.
RG&E and NYSEG are offering customers one year of fraud alert free on Experian Credit Reports.
You have until April 30 to apply for credit monitoring.
There is no evidence that any customer data has actually been misused, or that there was any malicious intent.
“We take our responsibility to protect customer information very seriously and we have...information technology security measures in place,” said Mark S. Lynch, president of NYSEG and RG&E.
A help line has been established: 1.877.736.4495. It will be staffed from 9 to 9 (EST), Monday through Friday, and 11 to 8 Saturday and Sunday.
Click here for a link to RG&E's customer letter.
