%@$%!!# VA - credit monitoring conversations

Here's the relevant text in VA FAQ about data theft:

8- Where can I get further, up-to-date information?

The Department of Veterans Affairs has set up a special website and a toll-free telephone number for veterans which features up-to-date news and information. Please visit www.firstgov.gov or call 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636).





6.20.2006 - I talked to Sheila at that number & she did not know anything about the program.


6.21.2006 - I called this morning & talked to Valerie. When I asked about credit monitoring, she tried to direct me to www.annualcreditreport.com for a free credit report. I told her I did not want a free credit report; I wanted my credit monitored as offered by VA Secretary James Nicholson. Valerie put me on hold for a few minutes, came back & told me that a proposal was put out on 6.21.2006. I asked what was the due date for the proposal (it was an unfair question, I know.) She thought it would be in a few weeks. I explained how RFPs work and told her the must be a close date to an RFP. No close date on an RFP is just like the Iraq war - never ending.

After we exhausted her limited knowledge of the subject, she sugested I call the main VA number 1-800-827-1000. After the press this, press that spiel, I finally reached a human bean. (press ZERO to avoid the bullshit.)

Mr. Keating at in the Boston Regional office told me that the VA was preparing letters to go out today asking for companies to bid on the credit monitoring process. I asked Mr. Keating what is the close date for this RFP. He admitted he did not know but would take my name and number, and would call me back later today with the information. I'll post his answer to this thread when I recived a phone call from Mr. Keating.


So what did we learn today kiddies?

1. Troops in the VA trenches don't know shit
2. The OH-SHIT VA fix for this problem uses the DAWG (design-as-we-go) process
3. DAWG designs deliver DAWG results

Somehow, I can't help but feeling that the VA will manage to fuck this up even worse. (I'll bet $5 a Choicepoint company will get the contract.)

any wrongdoing? I've been checking our accounts every day. Its a little time consuming but I think time well spent. We (all Vets) are supposed to get a PIN in August for a free credit report. Hang in there teammate.

I'm going to keep calling these folks every fricking day until I get some acceptable answers.

>He said those who have gotten letters from the VA saying they are at risk will receive additional information - probably in early August after the VA solicits bids from contractors - on how to sign up for the free monitoring for a year.<

>This month, more than 150 House Democrats called on President Bush to request new money to provide credit monitoring to veterans. Veterans groups have filed suit against the VA, charging their privacy was violated and demanding $1,000 in damages for each person.<
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/22/Worldandnation/VA_to_offer_free_cred.shtml

in the meantime, we wait, wonder and watch...

I freaked out yesterday when I noticed a 27$ transaction pop up on our bank account for some web purchase - Turns out our son had ordered something (with his dad's permission). Had visions of those commercials with the voice overs - "Yes, first I ordered my leopard print sleep mask, then I ....."

Halliburton I'd bet...and then they'll sell the information they collect.

Edit...They need to fire VA Secretary James Nicholson. Because if James Nicholson cared about his job and the veterans, he would have done what just Kerry did, a month ago. This happened on Nicholson's watch, just like the clusterflop in New Orleans happened on Brownie's watch. Look at the money this is costing ALL the taxpayers!