Seniors worried about identity theft
The personal information of thousands of people in North Carolina could be at risk.
A laptop belonging to an employee with the Division of Aging and Adult Services was stolen, putting the social security numbers of 85,000 senior citizens at risk.
Mary Perry, of Jacksonville, received a letter warning her about the laptop theft. She said the notification is "unnerving, to say the least."
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"As you get older, you just don't face these things like you did when you were young," Perry said.
Officials said they're unsure when or if the information will be used.
"So the information is definitely out there, and whether or not someone uses it in an inappropriate or fraudulent way is yet to be seen," Sheri Slater, with the Onslow County Senior Services, said.
So far, no one has reported any problems. But experts said there are some things senior citizens can do to protect themselves.
They may want to ask for a security freeze that stops access to new credit in their name.
"We're asking our seniors to be cautious and to check with the credit bureau, check their credit report, make sure that the information is accurate that's on their credit report," Slater
The FBI is stepping in to investigate.
Officials at the Division of Aging and Adult Services encourage senior citizens to call them at 1-800-662-7030 with any questions.