ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Following the theft of personal data from the University of Michigan Credit Union this spring, two more people have come forward saying they have been victimized.

In March, the $336 million CU sent a letter to 5,000 of its 44,000 members warning them that their information may have been stolen during the process of destroying documents. The Ann Arbor News reported June 7 that in one case a 54-year old man found seven outstanding balances totaling $5,182 after receiving the letter and a copy of his credit report he sent for. The accounts' monthly statements were being sent to several addresses in Detroit, the publication reported.

In another instance, a 50-year-old woman said she discovered her address had been changed to a Detroit home after checking the balance on her JC Penney card. Someone else had tried unsuccessfully to open a Wal-Mart card in her name, according to the publication.

A police detective said they have received about 12 similar reports since the theft of personal data at the credit union was discovered in March, although not all of the victims have lived in Ann Arbor and not all of the crimes have occurred here. So far, one CU employee under investigation has been fired and one man has been charged with identity theft. Police said they are continuing to investigate the fired employee and several others.

The data theft case surfaced after nine original loan applications from the CU and 60 to 70 financial data sheets from the Detroit Medical Center were discovered in a Detroit home during a search, the publication reported.

Jim Mattson, president/CEO of UMCU said they continue to urge victims to file a police report and protections have been in place since March to help them resolve the matter and "get their identities back."

"Every time we have a discussion with members whether it be identity theft from the credit union, Wells Fargo or whoever, we ask them to file a police report," Mattson said. "In this day and age, members have to realize it is the individual's responsibility to monitor their own credit file. Remember, a few years ago, when they came out with the one free report each year, individuals need to take advantage of that."

Instant Insights /

Two More Become ID Theft Victims Stemming from Michigan CU Data Theft

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