The American Optometric Association is notifying its members to keep an eye on their credit after a data breach that occurred over the summer of 2016.
Anecdotal reports suggest a possible second wave of malicious credit-line openings related to the ongoing situation. Both students and doctors of optometry have been targeted within the past week. These affected parties, like the initial group, report receiving unsolicited, fraudulent applications for Chase Amazon.com Visa cards submitted in their name. In some cases, the cards have been approved.
Out of an abundance of concern for members, AOA contacted the FBI and Federal Trade Commission amid the initial reports circulating Aug. 2, 2016, to apprise investigators of the situation. In turn, AOA conducted its own immediate, internal investigation of its databases and remains certain that it is not the source of this potential breach. Barbara L. Horn, O.D., AOA secretary-treasurer, says members should feel assured that AOA employs stringent cybersecurity measures to protect personal information, and additionally, AOA neither gathers nor stores Social Security numbers.
You can read the rest of the story and next steps you can take if you suspect your credit has been compromised.
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