Frequently asked questions

• Whose information may have been exposed?
• What personally identifiable information was stored on the server?
• Will the University Contact me?
• Who do I contact?
• If my information was among the compromised data, does this mean that I'm a victim of identity theft?
• How will I know if any of my personal information was used by someone else?
• What we are doing to protect your information?

Q: Whose information may have been exposed?

A: The compromised server contained personally identifiable information about participants of the Senior Service Network operated by the District of Columbia Office on Aging. Individuals who have participated in programs through the DC Office on Aging since 1983 could be affected. Programs include:

• AARP/Legal Counsel for the Elderly
• Alzheimers' Association of the National Capital Region
• Barney Neighborhood House -- Senior Services
• Christian Communities Group Homes
• Department of Parks and Recreation
• Downtown Clusters Geriatric Day Care Center
• Educational Organization for United Latin Americans (EOFULA)
• Emmaus Services for the Aging
• Family and Child Services of D.C., Inc.
• First Baptist Church Senior Center
• George Washington University Health Insurance Counseling Project
• Greater Washington Urban League
• Home Care Partners
• Howard University School of Social Work
• IONA Senior Services
• Providence Health Foundation
• So Others Might Eat (SOME)
• United Planning Organization
• University of the District of Columbia
• Zion Baptist Church -- Genevieve Johnson Day Care Center

Q: What personally identifiable information was stored on the server?

A: The personally identifiable information stored on the server included names, Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and birth dates. The server did not store financial account numbers, such as bank and credit card numbers.

Q: Will the University Contact me?

A: The University has notified by letter individuals whose names, Social Security Numbers, and birth dates were stored on the server. The University will not ask for your full Social Security Number, credit card or bank information. We recommend that you do not give personally identifiable information related to this matter to anyone, unless you initiate the contact.

Q: Who do I contact?

A: If you are concerned that your information was exposed, you can call the 24 hour toll-free hotline, 1-866-740-2458. You may also reach us by e-mail at identity@georgetown.edu. Never include your Social Security number or date of birth in email correspondence.

Q: If my information was among the compromised data, does this mean that I'm a victim of identity theft?

A: No. The fact that the information was exposed doesn't mean you are a victim of identity theft. However, to alert you to the possibilities, we wanted to let you know about the incident so that you can take steps to protect yourself. The best way to protect yourself is to place a fraud alert on your credit files and review your credit reports (click link to learn more).

Q: How will I know if any of my personal information was used by someone else?

A: The best way to find out is to obtain your credit reports from one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) and Innovis, which are available free of charge. If you notice accounts on your credit report that you did not open or applications for credit ("inquiries") that you did not make, these could be indications that someone else is using your personal information, without your permission.

Q: What we are doing to protect your information?

A: We have taken three steps. First, we promptly shut down the server in which the intrusion occurred. Second, we have turned the matter over to law enforcement authorities who are conducting an investigation. Third, in collaboration with the District of Columbia government, we are reaching out broadly to ensure the people whose information may have been exposed are properly notified.

Updated March 29, 2006.