What Data Thieves Didn't Steal From Veterans

Pat and Thomas Halberstadt take all the right steps to protect their identity.

Pat says she shreds documents before throwing them out. Actually, she shreds a document and then separates the shredded paper into different trash bags.

"If you want my [information], you have to work hard to get it," said the Illinois resident. "I'm a worrier so I would like to know I'm doing everything I can to protect my identity."

That's why when the Halberstadts heard that the Social Security numbers of more than 26 million veterans had been stolen, Pat began to panic. Her husband is a Vietnam veteran, having served as a sergeant in the Army.

The personal data on the veterans were taken home by a Department of Veterans Affairs analyst. The worker's computer, which contained the information, was stolen. The electronic file contained names, birth dates and Social Security numbers of veterans and some spouses, as well as some disability ratings.

"I'm scared to death about this identity thing," Pat Halberstadt said. "I feel helpless because I've read that it takes two years to clear anything like this up. I'm 59 years old. I'm not sure I have two years in me to fight this kind of thing. I hear it can ruin everything for you. I'm just so frightened."

No question identity theft is a growing problem in this country. Thieves are increasingly using stolen Social Security numbers, credit-card account numbers and other personal identifying information to open credit accounts in other people's names.

Victims of identity theft can end up spending months and hundreds of dollars trying to clear their credit-abused name.

So considering that, I would be worried too if I were one of the 26 million veterans whose information has been compromised. But as I told Halberstadt, don't panic until you have reason to. One good thing is that the stolen data did not include any veterans' health records or financial information, the VA said.

"People whose information is stolen are not victims of identity theft," said Betsy Broder, assistant director for the Federal Trade Commission's Division of Privacy and Identity Protection. "I'm concerned that some reports are saying this is the largest case of identity theft. No, it's the largest data breach. I'm not aware of any misuse of the veterans' information."

Broder said she's concerned that some veterans might close their credit card accounts or put a credit freeze on their accounts when it's not necessary.

Closing a credit card account, especially one that you've had for many years, could hurt your credit score and that might mean you could pay more for a home or car loan.