Sandy Knoesel responds to Shirlee Zerkel re: lost Medical Mutual disks

From Sandy Knoesel, November 13, 2008
Subject: RE: More disk loss questions

Dear Mrs. Zerkel:

As Beth Coffey explained, I was out of the office all day Wednesday at a retired teacher meeting in Youngstown. I have many members asking me various questions; so, if you need an immediate response, please contact our Member Services Center or use the Contact Us e-mail.

First, let me apologize for the inconvenience and worry the lost CDs from Medical Mutual have caused you. Regarding the past practice on receiving the Medical Mutual CDs, in June 2008 and previous months, the STRS Ohio disks were hand delivered by the Medical Mutual account representative. Staff did not know that Medical Mutual had changed to mailing the disks. We inquired why we had not received the disks and that’s when it was determined the disks were lost. In the future, this information will be transmitted electronically through encrypted information.

As posted on the STRS Ohio web site, a news release dated Oct. 23 from Medical Mutual states that an investigation into the lost disks was underway and if the disks were not located, a customer protection plan was in place to help with any potential fraud. Medical Mutual said the disks were likely lost within the post office itself and therefore it is unlikely the information has fallen into the “wrong hands.” Medical Mutual wanted to allow sufficient time for the postal investigation to occur before sending letters to retirees.

In response to your question about what happens if you experience fraud after the one-year protection expires, you will need to purchase your own identity theft protection if you believe you are at risk at that time. My name and Social Security number has been stolen twice. I was offered identity theft protection for one year in both cases.

I want to emphasize that no bank information was on the lost Medical Mutual disks. The statement to watch your other accounts is merely a suggestion to be aware of any unusual activity.

Sandy Knoesel