September 12, 2008

            LANSING -- Attorney General Mike Cox today advised customers of a security breach at Countrywide, possibly compromising customers' name, address, social security number, mortgage loan number, and various other loan applications information.  The security breach occurred when a (now former) Countrywide employee was caught selling confidential information to a third party.
 

"I encourage anyone who thinks they may have their confidential information compromised to take proactive steps to protect their identity," said Cox.  "Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America and my office is committed to protecting Michigan consumers."
 

Countrywide estimates 75,000 Michigan customers may have had their information compromised.  Customers will receive a letter from Countrywide with details and information regarding a free two-year membership to a credit monitoring service.
 

Cox encouraged concerned citizens to learn more about credit monitoring and credit freezing services in order to better protect themselves from identity theft. 
 

• Information on security freezes:

  • http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-34739_20942-182414--,00.html

• Information on credit reports and how to repair your credit:

  • http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-34739_20942-186664--,00.html
     

Customers of Countrywide with more questions should call toll free 1-866-451-5895. 
           

Every citizen is entitled to one free credit report at each of the three credit bureaus a year.  For more information, and information for victims of ID theft, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-34739_20942-80479--,00.html#InformationForVictims.

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