On March 6, 2024, Redwood Coast Regional Center (“RCRC”) observed unusual activity on our computer network and immediately began an investigation with the assistance of third-party specialists. Based on the investigation, we have learned that certain information was accessed without authorization and worked to identify the data potentially at risk and to whom it relates. The type of information potentially affected may vary by individual but is believed to include individuals’ name and one or more of the following: address, phone number, email address, date of birth, Social Security Number, driver’s license/state ID number, financial account information, treatment/diagnosis information, prescription information, provider name, medical record/case number, Medicare/Medicaid ID number, health insurance information, and/or treatment cost information. As our investigation continues, we will be mailing direct notification to those individuals whose information may have been potentially affected.
In response to this incident, we worked with third-party specialists to investigate and implement additional security precautions. We also notified law enforcement and are reviewing our policies and procedures related to data protection. While we have no reason to believe any information has been or will be misused as a result of this incident, we are also offering potentially impacted individuals access to credit monitoring and identity protection services at no cost to individuals. Should you have questions about this incident or would like to enroll in the credit monitoring and identity protection services we are making available, you may contact our dedicated assistance line at 833-543-6088, Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time (excluding major U.S. holidays). RCRC can also be reached in writing at 1116 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah, CA 95482.
In general, we encourage individuals to remain vigilant in regularly reviewing account statements/credit reports and explanation of benefits forms for suspicious activity and to detect errors. Under U.S. law, individuals are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
Individuals have the right to place an initial or extended fraud alert on a credit file at no cost. If individuals are a victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert lasting seven years. As an alternative to a fraud alert, they have the right to place a credit freeze on a credit report. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved without consent. Pursuant to federal law, individuals cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on your credit report.
Should you wish to place a fraud alert or credit freeze, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:
TransUnion Experian Equifax
1-800-680-7289 1-888-397-3742 1-888-298-0045
www.transunion.com www.experian.com www.equifax.com
You can further educate yourself regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes and the steps you can take to protect your personal information by contacting the credit reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your state Attorney General. The FTC also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. The FTC may be reached at 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement, your state Attorney General, and the FTC.