The Idaho Department of Fish and Game announced Thursday that license and tag buyers can again make purchases via the telephone starting immediately.
Idaho hunting and fishing licenses and tags can be purchased by calling 1-800-554-8685.
Buyers who use the telephone option should note that it takes 7 to 10 days for licenses and tags arrive by mail. Hunters can also make purchases at any of the 400 businesses throughout Idaho that sell Fish and Game licenses and tags or at Fish and Game regional offices or the headquarters office in Boise.
On August 24, Idaho Fish and Game officials removed both the online sales page and the telephone purchasing option from the Fish and Game website after being notified of an attempted breach of the online system.
At Fish and Game’s request, Active Network, the company that owns and operates the licensing system brought in a third-party cybersecurity firm to investigate. The online system will remain down indefinitely until Fish and Game receives certification from the third-party firm that the vulnerability has been repaired and the online system is secure. The investigation is ongoing.
“The cybersecurity experts confirmed that the telephone sales option for purchasing a license or tag is secure,” Fish and Game Administration Chief Michael Pearson said. “We wanted to offer our sportsmen and women another alternative to purchase their tags and licenses if they can’t get to a business that sells licenses before they go afield.” Telephone purchases can be made 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
It is not known whether license buyer personal information was compromised by the attempted breach, only that it is a possibility. Active Network announced last week it will send notifications by mail to all license buyers potentially affected. The company says the attempted access affects license buyers who purchased an Idaho Fish and Game license or tag prior to 2008.
Fish and Game will keep the public informed as it continues to discuss next steps with Active Network.
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 2008 are not at risk.
Was my information stolen? We may not be able to know for sure. An investigation may only be able to confirm that access of personal information was possible.
What should I do? Fish and Game recommends that potentially affected 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).
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 application. Fish and Game will notify the public when online license sales resume.
What if I detect something suspicious with my accounts? 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.
Whether any important personal information was obtained in the incident, it’s a good reminder to be vigilant against identity theft.
Here’s how to do it:
- 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.