If you received a letter in the mail about a Notice of Data Breach from Active Outdoors, dated September 19, 2016, and sent pre-sorted regular mail from Austin, Texas regarding your Idaho Fish and Game licensing information, it relates to a real event. The offer for free credit monitoring and identity repair with AllClear Id is legitimate. The letter looks like this:
The choice whether to receive the credit monitoring is up to each individual. This event relates to a hack of the Texas-based company that operates license sales systems in Idaho and some other states. The hack potentially affected personal data for people who bought an Idaho Fish and Game license before July 2007.
What happened?
A data breach apparently occurred sometime over the summer. Personal information including name, age, address, and Social Security Number were potentially accessed.
Who is potentially affected?
Idaho residents and nonresidents who started buying hunting and fishing licenses and tags before 2008. Those who made their first license purchase after July 2007 are not at risk.
Was my information stolen?
We won’t know. Active Networks can only confirm that it is possible.
What should I do?
You may wish to sign up for the free credit monitoring service offer with All Clear. Even if you choose not to sign up for the All Clear service, Fish and Game recommends license buyers follow the advice of the Idaho Attorney General’s office and monitor their financial accounts and credit history for any signs of suspicious activity (see below).
Whether any important personal information was obtained in the data breach, it’s a good reminder to be vigilant against identity theft. Here’s how:
The Federal Trade Commission has a website to help you learn more about identify theft and prevention at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
Review your bank, credit card and debit card account statements and immediately report any suspicious activity to your bank, credit union or credit card company.
Monitor your credit reports with major credit reporting agencies such as:
- Equifax, www.equifax.com, (800) 685-1111
- Experian, www.experian.com, (888) 397-3742
- Transunion, www.transunion.com, (800) 916-8800
Can I still buy an Idaho hunting or fishing license and tag?
Yes, they are still available at about 400 businesses statewide and also at Fish and Game offices. The computer terminals used to sell licenses and tags at businesses and Fish and Game offices are separate from the online system.
What if I detect something suspicious with my accounts?
You should contact the All Clear Identity Repair service identified in the letter. . You should also call your local police department or sheriff’s office and file a report of identity theft. Get a copy of the police report. You may need to give copies of the report to creditors.
Additional information and press releases on this subject are below.