AP: Soldiers vulnerable to theft of identity

Soldiers vulnerable to theft of identity

Stolen hard drives put 15,000 at risk

By Steven K. Paulson
ASSOCIATED PRESS

September 26, 2005

DENVER – While fighting in Iraq, Army Sgt. Steven Behr suddenly found himself vulnerable at home.

Four computer hard drives containing soldiers' Social Security numbers and other personal records were stolen from Fort Carson, a crime that could expose Behr to identity theft.

Behr was one of 15,000 active-duty soldiers notified this month of the theft, along with family members and civilians who work at the Army post in Colorado.

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The heist remains under investigation by military authorities. The FBI said it hasn't been called in to assist. The military said it wouldn't ask for help unless there was evidence a civilian was involved.

The hard drives were stolen in mid-August from a building on the post in Colorado Springs, Colo., where soldiers get identification cards and update personnel records, McNutt said.

Records taken included soldiers' Social Security numbers, dates of birth, ranks, units, citizenship and jobs.

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