Police warn about large number of identity thefts

By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com

Several Mon Valley police departments, especially those in the southern part of Allegheny County, have been inundated with calls from individuals concerned they have been victims of identity theft.
The callers have received debit cards in the mail, most from Chase Bank and a few from other institutions, for newly-opened accounts they haven’t opened.
Forward Township police Chief Travis Stoffer said he received 20 to 25 calls Wednesday alone. Stoffer said the problem appears to stem from potentially-compromised information from the Allegheny Health Network, which is now being used by someone to open the bogus accounts.
“Nobody’s losing any money, but their information has been compromised,” Stoffer said.
Stoffer said he also had one case where the victim had UPMC insurance and one in which the person received a new account through Ace Flare Mobile.
Dan Laurent, vice president for communications at Allegheny Health Network, said there was no security breach at the health system.
“Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network place the highest priority on safeguarding the privacy of our patients and members, and we swiftly and rigorously investigate any potential risks to an individual’s personal information. We are aware that fraudulent Chase Bank credit cards have been issued to residents of the communities we serve. At this point in time however, there is absolutely no indication of or evidence substantiating a link in this matter to Highmark Health or AHN,” Laurent said.
Stoffer said anyone who receives information about an account they did not apply for should contact their local department to make a report and should keep a close eye on their bank accounts.
Police officials in Jefferson Hills said they’ve had more than 80 calls from suspected fraud victims and Pleasant Hills police said they also had numerous calls. Elizabeth Township police said they have also been fielding numerous calls. The California Borough police department reported receiving two fraud calls involving Chase accounts .
California Borough Officer-in-charge Thomas McCarthy said anyone concerned about identity theft can take steps to protect themselves.
“We recommend going to the Social Security website to put a password on your social security number so it can’t be used without you knowing it’s happening,” McCarthy said.
JP Morgan Chase is aware of the situation and is investigating.
“If ever in question, a consumer should reach out to the bank that opened the account or issued the debit card. The consumer should also fill out the bank’s ID Theft form so that the bank removes the account from its records and shares the information with reporting agencies,” said Ashlei Bobo, external communications manager for JPMC in Pittsburgh.

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